Page 106 of Quiet Beautiful Things

“You think our brother deserves a pass? You know the definition of crazy, right? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?” Her hands land on her hips. “I hope this sends a message to everyone who might consider dating him in the future. He’s not going to change. And any woman who thinks he will is crazy.”

I get a beer from the refrigerator and sit at the bar in the kitchen. There’s a drawing on the countertop. I recognize it as one of Ellie’s creations. I pick it up and run my finger along the edge.

“She left a few hours ago,” Allie says.

I look up.

She nods at the picture. “Ellie. She left when Mia and I got here. I invited her to stay for a drink but… she didn’t.”

I put the picture down and take a long pull from the bottle.

“You really like her, don’t you?” Allie asks.

I nod, staring into my beer.

“Maisy called her ‘Mom’ earlier.”

My eyes snap to hers. “What?”

“When Mia and I first got here and Ellie went to leave, Maisy signed,Mom, stay.”

I scrub a hand across my prickly jaw. “Jesus, is that why she left?”

“I don’t think so. But it is why she drew the picture.”

I study the drawing again. It shows Maisy and me holding hands inside the house, and Ellie standing outside the house. She was trying to explain that she’s not her mom and this isn’t her house. Christ, it’s the exact opposite of everything swirling around in my head.

Mia laughs. “Well, damn. It looks likeoneMontana brother may be off the market soon.”

“Honestly, if I had it my way, yeah.” I glance at the drawing again. “It’s obvious she doesn’t feel the same.”

Allie blurts, “What? Because she was trying to explain to your kid that she’s not her mom? It’s true, she’s not. That doesn’t mean she’s not hot for you, Blake. Or that she doesn’twantto be inside the house in the picture. Everyone can see how she looks at you. When the two of you are in a room together, it’s like you’re the only ones there even if you’re surrounded by people. Of all my brothers, I never expected you’d turn out to be the hopeless romantic. The two of you, I can’t even explain it, you just seem to fit. It sort of gives me hope for humanity—especially after what happened today.”

I sip my drink and contemplate her words.You just seem to fit.

“I was thinking of looking for a new house now that we know Maisy will be with me permanently. Do you want to go look at some with me?”

Allie cocks her head. “I think you’re asking the wrong person, Blake.” She kisses my cheek. “We’re taking off. See you at work on Monday.”

Mia signs, “Good night.”

I smile, loving the way everyone in Maisy’s world is making an effort.

After they’re gone and I check on Maisy, to see her sleeping peacefully with Bolt, I go into my office and open my laptop. I search houses for sale. Calloway Creek is a small town. There aren’t a lot of houses on the market at any given time, but there are two or three that might fit the bill. The bill being lots of bedrooms, a big yard, and either a pool or room for one.

Me: Now that I’m a full-time dad, I need a bigger house.

Ellie: THAT’S what you got out of today?

I laugh, because yeah, from her perspective, that did kind of come out of left field.

Ellie: And your house is plenty big, Blake.

Me: I want her to grow up with everything I had. Big yard. Lots of room to run. Maybe a pool. Will you go house hunting with me?

Ellie: I don’t know Calloway Creek nearly as well as you do. Maybe you should take Lucas.

Me: Lucas has been swimming in a bottle of whiskey since three o’clock. I doubt he’ll beany good to anyone for a while. He’s pretty torn up.

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