Page 154 of Sweet Dominion

In the foray, Chloe slowly spun around with her face lit up like she was in a dream. “If this is our place, then I’m never moving out, Moni.”

I chuckled.

“I’ll go to a college somewhere in Paradise City.”

“Fine with me.”

Just a month ago, we’d been arguing about what she would do after high school. She hadn’t even been sure about college. Granted, it could have been that she was feeling like she wouldn’t have even been able to afford it. Perhaps, that made her stressed.

But now. . .she was talking about college.

Pressure eased from my chest.

Mom, I think everything is going to be okay.

I looked down and checked TT’s reaction.

She darted her curious eyes from the marble floors to the priceless paintings on the walls. “We’re going to live here?”

“Starting tonight.”

Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi entered next with their team of shopping bag holders. Only God knew how many new outfits my sisters now had. I was sure their closets would be overflowing by the evening.

Aunt Suzi squealed. “Aww! Min, look at their faces. I just love the sight of happy children. This is such a gift to the East.”

Jo glanced at me. She had not quite warmed to Lei’s aunts yet, but that was how she rolled. Anyone new who came around was always guilty until proven innocent.

Aunt Min headed toward the dragon staircase and gestured to her staff. “Bring the clothes up to the second level and wait in the hallway for our nieces to choose their rooms. Then, I want everything neatly placed in their closets—folded, hung, whatever.”

Jo whispered to me, “Ournieces?”

“We’re all family now.”

Jo checked the aunts out. “At least they seem cool, but I don’t want to. . .”

“What?”

“Trust it all just yet. Seems like when everything is going great, that’s the exact moment when things go bad.”

“Well, things are different now. Trust that it is all good, even them.”

“I’ll try. It’s just that we’ve been living broke, tragedy after tragedy. Being happy seems like it will be harder to get used to.” Jo lifted her view, gaped at the chandelier and whistled. “Moni, this is insane. It’s like a palace.”

Chloe caught what she said and chuckled. “Yes, Jo. I feel like I should be wearing a ball gown. This place is incredible!”

Aunt Suzi clapped further away. “Oh goodie, Chloe. We bought several ball gowns so you can put one on and wear it for the cookout.”

Chloe gave her a silly smile. “That’s so funny.”

Aunt Suzi blinked. “What did I say that was funny?”

Chloe widened her eyes and looked at me. “Oh. Uh. . .”

I nodded. “She was serious about the ball gowns.”

Aunt Suzi bobbed her head. “I never joke about a good ball gown. Tonight, Chloe, will be one of your many Cinderella moments.”

Jo snickered.

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