Page 142 of Renewal After Dark

“Where does that stand?”

“It’ll be final in a couple of months.”

“Are you anxious about it?”

“Not really. She wasn’t planned, and Jessie was in no position to take care of her. We’ve barely heard from her since she agreed to the adoption.”

“What’s the story with the father?”

“From what I was able to piece together, it was a short-term thing before they went their separate ways.”

“So he doesn’t know about her?”

“I don’t think she knows where he is.”

“I see.” That detail made Kendall nervous, but she’d never say so to Lizzie.

When Jared came into the kitchen, hair standing on end and his face flushed from sleep, Kendall was reminded of being home from college while he was in high school and laughing at his morning hair.

“What?” he asked when he saw her trying not to laugh at him.

“Some things never change.”

“What does that mean?”

“You look exactly the same as you did first thing in the morning when you were fifteen.”

“Thank you. I think?”

“Jared’s morning hair is a thing of beauty,” Lizzie said, smiling at her husband as he leaned in to kiss her and Violet.

“That’s one word for it,” Kendall said. “Good thing the editors ofFinancemagazine can’t see their favorite whiz kid first thing in the morning, huh?”

Lizzie laughed at the face Jared made at his sister.

“And to think I woke up feeling glad you were here. That didn’t last long.”

“Haha.” Kendall was delighted to be sparring once again with her little brother rather than fighting with her ex-husband. “All kidding aside, thanks again for having us. I slept better than I have in a long time.”

Jared poured himself a cup of coffee and then topped off Kendall’s and Lizzie’s. “I’m glad to hear that, and all kidding aside, I hope you’ll stay for as long as you want.”

“Even if I make fun of your morning hair?”

He smiled warmly at his sister. “Even if.”

Chapter29

After McKenzie left Martinez Lawn & Garden, she made a quick stop back at Duke’s to feed and change Jax before she drove to the Sand & Surf Hotel in town. There, she met with Laura and her manager, Piper, to go over the hotel’s bookkeeping while Laura’s husband, Owen, entertained Jax and their three kids in the main-floor living room.

“I can’t believe how many new friends Jax has made in one day.”

“We’re very kid- and dog-friendly around here,” Laura said.

“I love that. Getting a dog is on my to-do list once my cabin is rebuilt.”

“I heard you’ve got my cousin Mac lined up to rebuild.”

“I do, and he’s been amazing.”

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