Page 129 of Broken Grump

“I—I don’t know yet.”

The crowd around me groans.

“I’m sorry! Just give me five minutes.” I make my way over to the stairs, put my elbows on my knees, and rest my chin against my hands.What to do. What to do. How can I make her listen to me?

Moments later, Noah joins me. “While you’re thinking, I just want to make sure you’re ready for all the possible outcomes.”

“Right.” He’s referring to her rejecting me once and for all.

“And I want you to do some serious soul-searching to find out if this is really what you want.”

My nose scrunches up. “What do you mean?” I’m almost offended by the insinuation.

“Well—having a family is a massive undertaking. And from what I know about Addie, being with her will be even more of a challenge than most. I love her, but she’s just as stubborn and bull-headed as you. Plus, I’ve yet to meet my little niece. But as the product of the two of you, I can only imagine that she’s the same way.”

That makes me chuckle, and the lightheartedness is a welcomed change from the heaviness of the day so far. “That she is.”

I think immediately about the time we took her to the zoo, and she refused to get cotton candy because the texture grossed her out. I’d never met another little kid, other than myself at her age, who felt that way about the otherwise commonly beloved treat.

Noah’s shoulder thumping against mine brings me back to reality. “What are you thinking about?”

I shake my head. “Nothing.” I don’t feel like going into all of it now—especially as the possibility of Addie kicking me out of their lives forever is looming over me.

“Anyways, whatever plan we come up with, you need to come to terms with respecting her decision. No matter what it is.”

I know he’s right. Of course, he’s right.

A little while later, Victor steps forward and asks, “So, what’s the game plan? If I’m understanding correctly, it doesn’t seem like we have much time to waste here.”

Finally, it comes to me.

Noah, knowing me better than the back of his hand, must recognize the look on my face because he says, “I think he’s got something.”

Denton rests his foot on a step and leans forward. “Is that true?”

“Maybe. But I’m going to need all of your help to pull this off.”

They exchange looks before letting out resounding exclamations of support.

My older brother, who is still sitting beside me, thumps my back and mutters, “Whatever you need. We’re here for you.”

Chapter thirty-seven

Addie

After deciding it wasjust too painful to stay in Abuelo’s old house, I booked a room for Luna and me at a nearby hotel.

However, I’m going back today to sign some paperwork for Steven.

When I pull up, it looks like nothing has changed from the outside. But as I walk in, I see an odd, unexpected sight. The entryway, hallway, and staircase are completely full of red tulips, my favorite.

“What the hell?” I stumble over a bouquet as I continue deeper into the estate.

“Now, I used to scold you for using that kind of language when you were a little girl.” Penny’s face suddenly appears from behind the wall.

My heart swells at the sight of such an old friend. “Penny! What in the world are you doing here?”

She gives me a big hug before introducing herself to Luna, who is at my side.

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