Page 93 of When Sparks Fly

Unsurprisingly, no more than half an hour passes before their voices fill the entry again. The front door snicks shut at the same time that I rush out.

Randi turns, prepared to see me judging by the smug look on her face. “Why were you hiding?” She opens her arms to me and I let her squeeze me tightly.

“I wasn’t. We went to lunch and I had nothing left to say.” My aunt holds me at arm’s length, taking me in as I do her. Color has returned to her face, her eyes are no longer red-rimmed and puffy, and her hair is styled in beachy waves, all evidence of her healing. “You look good.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. I love this dress.” Momentarily, she drops her eyes to the dress, but when they return to my face, one eyebrow lifts. “What’s going on?”

I frown. “Sorry?”

A mischievous smile takes over, scrunching her eyes at the corners. “Well, first, you feel different. Alive in a way you haven’t in a long time. There’s a spark.” My cheeks heat, but I say nothing. “And secondly, you don’t usually call meetings with me, especially where your mother is concerned.”

Randi is the easy-going one, so it’s easy to lose track of how much she takes in. I gesture to the couches with one arm. “Let’s talk?”

Her loving smile renews my confidence.

When we’re seated, she waits patiently for me to begin. At first, I’m not sure where to start. Are the house and Sutton two different scenarios? Did the possibility of one shift my view of the other? Would I have ended up here if one was missing?

Yes. Because Nana was the catalyst. Not the house for Sutton, or Sutton for the house.

Randi continues to study me quietly.

“Are you going to sell the house?” Given that I messaged her, her lack of surprise is anticipated.

She continues to study me openly. “I told you, I have fond memories here, but I have no need for this house.” As suspected. “Are you going to buy the house?”

I shouldn’t be surprised by her question. She’s hinted at something like this. “Even with my business being steady, I’m not confident I could make a loan happen right now. My savings is tiny.” I don’t feel weak admitting my current situation to her. “I think this house has the potential to share its beauty and love with many more people, though. And I have some ideas on how to do that. If it’s something you might be interested in.”

“I’m listening.”

“I want to be closer to you guys.” For years, I’ve kept most of my emotions surface level, conditioned not to show them. It feels important to beopen. My life is at a crossroads and I want to be active in it. Including taking risks for reward.

“We would love to see more of you. We miss you, too.” She squeezes my knee where ours touch on the sofa.

I place my hand on top of hers. “I’d like to move here. Move my business here. There are so many special places on the property that would be perfect for photo shoots.” Randi’s head leans to one side. She knows there’s more. “I don’t need a house this big, though, and even if I could secure a loan, my business will need time to grow here. I think we should consider turning the house into a bed and breakfast.” At last, I suck in a large breath and hold it, chewing my lip.

Randi has been focused on me, listening carefully. Now, she studies the floor absently and the wheels in her brain are turning. “Do you know what your mom asked me for?”

I shake my head. “We didn’t discuss it. Only that Alan wants her to contest the will.”

She nods. “She won’t.” A smile passes her lips. “She asked that if you decide to move back I keep an eye on you. Though, I got the impression she’s really hoping you don’t.”

“She tried to persuade me against moving at lunch.”

“Maci, if you want Nana’s house, I’m happy to sign it over to you.” She pauses, chewing her bottom lip. “I never would’ve kept the house from Steph if it wasn’t Mom’s wishes. I’m not surprised over the stipulation, given her feelings toward Alan, though. Anyway, it’s a family house. Hopefully there’s a way to maintain that.”

“Liv already told me she’s never wanted to live here, but I didn’t tell her about business ideas. I’d love to share it with her if she wants. Thank you.”

Randi leans forward and we wrap each other in a long hug. Something about the new plan for Nana’s house is therapeutic. Knowing it won’t be lost from our family or fall into disrepair. If anything, this house has so much more life coming into it.

“I’ll let you know as soon as the documents are taken care of.” She stands and together we walk to the front door. “You better be coming around a lot more often.”

“Of course."

Randi pushes through the storm door, waving behind her. As she crests the top stair, a motorcycle rumbles down the street toward the driveway.

Randi slips into the driver’s seat with another wave as the motorcycle pulls onto the drive and my heartbeat accelerates, expecting to see Colt. The man atop the bike isn’t him, though.

It’s James.

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