Page 22 of The Truth

Ayla didn’t really know what was going to happen next. Except… she was going to be there if her bestie needed her, no matter what.

She just stayed where she was in the backseat. Aubrey was driving. Greer was a bit super-clingy with Aubrey right now. Ayla thought it was because Aubrey had the whole “I know what I am doing” thing. And Greer really needed that right now.

Greer’s friend Cody was in the big moving truck. They couldn’t stay in the car forever.

She could see Gunn and his brothers and his parents on the porch now. With Genny and Chad and Ronnie, too.

“Great. My parents are here, too. Life just got even more complicated.”

But well… Ayla had a more pressing need and it wasn’t like she could exactly run or anything. “You know, we’re all going to have to get out of the car eventually. I really have to pee; I don’t think I’m going to be able to wait much longer. I can’t exactly rush inside, you know.Rushingis so not my thing.”

15

Gunn wason the porch with his brothers and sisters and Chad when Aubrey’s SUV pulled in—followed by a big box truck, with Value Movers on the side. His parents’ car was right behind that truck.

“Aubrey just moving right in? Moved fast, Guth. Moved fast,” Chad said. “Considering you don’t even live here.”

“You don’t live here either, so what’s your excuse? You’re here all the damned time now,” Guthrie shot back. And it was true. Chad was just…chastelysleeping in the extra room. Right next to Genny’s.

Gunn wasn’t a fool. But they were adults—it wasn’t his place to judge them or tell them what to do.

“Not that I mind… but I’d prefer she move intomycondo, not here. Considering. But… she’s got Greer with her. And Hala and Ayla.” Guthrie’s tone said he was as confused as Gunn. “I’m not sure why they are here, actually.”

Well, Gunn wasn’t either.

They started down the steps, just as Aubrey headed to the rear of the SUV in time to help Ayla out. She wobbled a little until she got her balance.

Gunn was already headed for her.

Greer and Hala were there, Hala looking at Greer with concern on her face.

His mom hugged Greer quietly. “Hi sweetie, we just stopped by to bring Gunn some desserts to freeze for the bake sale next week. What brings you here tonight? What’s in the truck?”

“I need to talk to everyone inside.” Greer’s voice told Gunn one thing—his sister was on the verge of crying now.

“Ronnie and George were bringing muffins, I believe. And I’m not sure why the rest of your siblings are here,” his mom said. She had that concerned look she got when it was one of the girls.

“What’s with the truck, kid? You moving back home?” Gene asked.

“Yes. Actually. For a while. My lease is up, and I am not going to renew.” There was a look of determination on Greer’s face now. Gunn knew… something big. This was something big.

Gunn headed down to Ayla. He took her crutches from her and handed them to Grady. “Hang on, sweetheart, I’ll give you a lift.”

He looked at her. Waited. They both knew she was perfectly capable of making it up the porch ramp herself. Even in the light rain.

And really, how was it much different than Chad standing on the porch, holding Gunn’s little sister inhisarms right now? Chad was perfectly serious about Genny—just like Gunn was perfectly serious about Ayla. His family would catch on eventually.

He lifted his woman into his arms.

“I’ll take you up on that. You’re getting pretty good at this, you know.” She rested her head against his shoulder for a moment.

“I do try.”

He carried her inside and settled her on her feet inside the house. She just looked up at him, a little smile on her face. A secret one. Just for him. Gunn wanted to just scoop her up and ride off into the sunset here.

Gunn’s father pulled Greer close. “Baby girl, what’s wrong?”

Gunn’s sister burst into tears right in front of them all.

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