Page 4 of Call it Reckless

Me, too, I think. What’s left of it, anyway.

“Will you be all right tonight? Chase and I can come over after the reception.”

“Don’t you dare. I’m a big girl. Enjoy the celebration.”

Cam and her twin, Chase, had mutual friends who were getting married a town over. They’d planned to spend the night rather than drive back down the mountain so late.

“I could kind of use the time to regroup anyway,” I continued. “Besides, I’ll probably go to bed early. It’s been a long week packing up to move.”

After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Okay. I know better than to argue with you. So long as you understand that just because you’re there by yourself, doesn’t mean you’re on your own. You know we’re here for you. Always.”

“I know.” I pushed the words past the lump in my throat. My siblings were too good to me. Sometimes I had to remind myself I wasn’t the only one who lost our father.

I heard a crunching sound through the earpiece, a muted “hey” from Cam, and then Chase’s voice took over the speaker. “Hey, sweetheart.”

“Hey, big brother. You guys don’t change plans for me, okay? You’ve done enough already. I’m fine, I promise.”

He chuckled. “Well, you can’t blame us for being concerned. We love you, and we want to make this as easy as possible for you.”

His words spread more warmth through me than the seat warmers I’d turned on to soothe some of my back pain from sitting so long. “You guys are the best. I love you, too.”

“Tomorrow, then? Brunch at the farmhouse?”

“I’d love it.”

“Okay, lil’ sis. Welcome home.”

There was more noise as Cam claimed her phone back. “So, I dropped your new set of keys inside the flowers to the right of the front door.”

I laughed. “You left the keys where anyone could find them?”

I finally got out of my Jeep and stretched my legs while looking closely at the porch. Of course, Cam, again, went overboard. The flowerpots looked more like the size of wine barrels cut in half and were full of more colorful pansies mixed with some kind of green-and-white-striped leaf plants.

“Um, yeah. This is Sterling Mill, remember? Please try to remember to water them.”

“I will.”

I felt around the dirt until my fingers found the promised keys. “Got ‘em.”

“Everything inside has been painted and the appliances upgraded. I still need to have an electrician switch out the fuse box for a circuit breaker. It’s scheduled for later this week. Other than that, it’s mostly done and waiting for you.”

“Great!” My sister was nothing if not a work machine.

“Emalee and I packed up the things we talked about. The things we weren’t sure you wanted we had put in the attic, and the rest were donated, just as you requested.”

“You’re amazing, Cam. Thanks for everything.” I owed her big time. When I saw her tomorrow, I would have to figure out what I could do to help her in return.

“Eh, what’s the point of owning a construction and renovation company if I can’t use it to help family?”

“I appreciate you handling that. I don’t know what I would have done if it weren’t for the three of you.”

“It’s what family does.”

I heard Chase call her in the background. “Okay. Gotta go. I’ll see you tomorrow. And, Bri?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m glad you’re here. Everything’s going to work out. You’ll see.”

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