Page 118 of Puck Block

“Your surprises never go over well,” she says.

She isn’t wrong.

But this one is different.

“I have a surprise for you guys.” We’re all standing in the foyer, and I start to lead them into the living room. My aunt can barely keep a straight face. “Well, I have two surprises.”

Emory is the first to notice it. There’s a giant crease in between his eyebrows. “What the hell is that?”

I smirk. “What?”

“That.” He points to the photo above the fireplace and moves closer. “That’s not even you.”

“Is that Bobby Orr?” Jay asks, scrutinizing the photo closer.

Taytum is amused, but she’s also confused.

Just wait, baby.

“It’s part of the surprise.”

“Your face photoshopped onto Bobby Orr’s body is part of a surprise?” Emory asks. “This oughta be good.”

Mary-Ann looks at me with skepticism. “Why is it hanging above the fireplace?”

“Well, because it’s a housewarming gift.”

I meet Taytum’s squint. Her blue eyes swim with questions as she continues to silently ask me what’s going on.

Emory scoffs. “You’re supposed to get a housewarming gift when someone purchases a house. Not when they sell it.”

“Obviously.” I roll my eyes. “I got it for myself.”

The room falls silent.

The Olsons blink several times, and I’m prepared to defend my case. I pull my phone out, open the text from my realtor, then hand it over to them.

Congratulations! The paperwork has been signed. The house is yours.

“Now, before you get mad…it’s already done. I bought it with cash, and I did it for you. It’s yours.”

Taytum gasps. My eyes fly to hers. Those perfect, kissable lips part, and I’m having a hard time abiding by her brother’s ridiculous rule that we don’t kiss around him.

“You were the private buyer?” Mary-Ann asks in awe.

I nod. “And myonlyrequest…”

Emory cuts me off. “Here we go…”

I point to the photo behind me. “Is that you keep my photo up.”

Jay chuckles, and Mary-Ann can’t wipe the smile off her face. Emory comes up in front of me and pulls me into a hug. I’m shocked until he adds, “You suck at photoshop.”

I laugh, and then Taytum is crashing into my chest and wrapping her arms around my torso. She’s warm to the touch, and I know it’s from being worked up with emotion. My hand traps her face to my chest because, knowing her and herstubbornness, she’s trying to wipe away her tears so no one knows she’s crying.

I know, though.

I know everything about her.

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