Page 37 of Watercolor Skulls

Hammering, paint fumes and laughs are all around us. “These are my sisters, Katie and Ally,” Jesse says. “They are the designated babysitters of the club.” She points to the two kids playing in the living room. “You’ve met Billie Rose. The ornery little boy with her is Jackson. He’s our nephew. Raffe and Rachel are his parents. You met Raffe the other day.”

“The pretty guy?” I ask.

“Yep. Rachel is Dirk’s sister.”

“And Dan is Dirk’s cousin?” I say slowly, trying to figure out who is who.

She nods and continues through the house introducing me to so many people. I’ll never remember all of their names. In the kitchen we find the two women who saw me naked this morning. “This is my step-mom, Candice, everyone calls her Mama Bear.” Mama Bear pulls me in for a quick hug.

“And this is Raffe’s wife, Rachel,” Jesse finishes.

“It’s nice to meet you both.” I shake Rachel’s hand. “Sorry about this morning.” I give them both an apologetic smile.

“Oh, girl, I should be apologizing to you for the way my husband acted. He’s enjoying teasing Dan,” Candice says, going back to the big pot she is stirring on my stove.

I chuckle, nervously. “Yeah, seems like Dan and I have been giving him plenty of opportunity for that.”

“We should have known Dad was up to something when he started laughing the minute he saw Dan’s bike in the driveway,” Jesse adds.

Deciding to veer the conversation, I turn to Candice. “Whatever you’re making smells wonderful,” I tell her.

“Rachel and I are in charge of lunch today. When we put the men to work we like to feed them good.”

“This is just like a barn raising in the pioneer days,” I say, a bit in awe that these people are so willing to help someone they don’t know.

“Kind of. You can get a lot done if everyone pitches in. It’s one of the best things about being a part of the club,” Rachel says, wrapping her arm around me. “And, since Dan informed all of us that you are his girl, I guess that makes you one of us. Welcome to the family.”

Another part of my heart thaws at her words. Tears form in the corner of my eyes. She notices and hugs me a little tighter. “It’s a lot to take in but you’ll get used to us.” She studies me as I rub my neck. “Jesse told me you had a bad fall. I’m a physical therapist maybe I can help you work out your kinks.”

I drop my hand and wipe at my eyes. “I’m feeling better, I’m just a little bruised.”

“Well, let me know. My hands are like magic.” She wiggles her fingers in front of me. Just then a loud crash comes from the living room, drawing her attention away from me. “Jackson,” she yells. “What did you break now?”

Jesse rushes out and scoops Billie Rose up in her arms before she cuts herself on the glass that is all over the floor.

Jackson looks up at Rachel with tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry, momma.”

“What did I tell you about playing ball in the house. Tell Lily you’re sorry for breaking her pretty painting.”

“I’m sorry,” Jackson says, looking at the floor.

I bend down so I can get him to look me in the eye. “It’s okay, it’s only a painting.”

“I’m so sorry.” Rachel grabs a broom, quickly trying to sweep up all the glass.

My eyes stay locked on Jackson’s. “Do you know how many windows there are in the world?” I ask him.

He shakes his head no, wiping a finger under his nose.

“There are billions and billions,” I tell him throwing my hands out for effect. “How many of you are there in the world?”

He tips up one side of his mouth and holds up one finger.

“One. You’re right. I can always get more windows, but I’ll never get another friend like you.” I poke him in the tummy, and he laughs. His brown eyes sparkle brightly with unshed tears. “You want to help me paint another one?”

He nods excitedly.

I stand up noticing Rachel is staring at me. “Is it okay if Jackson and I go outside and paint another window? There are more back in the shed.”

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