Page 52 of Happily Never After

“Great. I’ll set up interviews when we land. One more thing.” Mindy closed her tablet and turned to face Claire. “I think I’m going to propose to Sawyer.”

Clunk.Claire’s backpack hit the floor, startling a snore out of the woman next to them.

“Holy shit, Min,” Claire whispered. “When? How?”

“Not for a few months, until everything calms down a little bit. We can start the planning after California.”

The words “Are you sure?” were on the tip of Claire’s tongue. She clamped her mouth shut. Sawyer had proven time and time again that he was an honest, caring man. Love didn’t run on a specific timeline. So what if they hadn’t even been together a year? Maybe she could sneakily work their questionnaire into normal conversation. Just to be sure Mindy was really ready. She had boned a wanna-be serial killer in a bar bathroom less than a year ago, after all.

“This is huge. I’m thrilled for you,” Claire said, drawing her into a tight hug.

“I know it’s crazy. But I’ve never felt like this before. Normally with guys I can’t wait to get some space, but with Sawyer I’m paying for Wi-Fi on a plane in case he wants to tell me what he had for breakfast. Things with him are…”

“Different?” Claire smiled.

“Exactly. He’s so down-to-earth. No games, no drama. He’s there when I need him and he gives me space when I don’t. He justknows.”

“I’ve never seen you so smitten,” Claire teased, nudging her. “Not even with that lacrosse captain who burped a sonnet for you.”

“Ethan.” Mindy smiled fondly.

“I’m so glad you’re happy. He’s a significant improvement from…well, you know.” Claire said. Mindy’s last boyfriend, Garrett, had turned out to be a member of ESA. He was currently sitting in prison for his role in the attempted kidnapping of Claire’s nemesis.

“He’ll make an amazing husband,” she added.

“He will. Anyway, you want to clock an hour on Brad’s proposal, or should we try to squeeze in a nap before we get there?”

Claire yawned. “I vote nap. I keep thinking about Winston and Rosie down there with the luggage. It’s breaking my heart. Next time I’m driving cross-country.”

“I think that would traumatize them more,” Mindy said as she slid on an eye mask.

“You’re probably right.” Claire closed her eyes and waited for sleep.

CHAPTER TWENTY

To Do:

- Add Charlie to shit list

- Buy sunscreen

- Background checks

“I knewwe should have taken an Uber,” Claire hissed as she dragged her suitcase behind her. Rosie trotted at her side, clearly thrilled to be out of the cargo hold. Luke pulled a luggage cart with the dog crates behind him, Winston strapped to his chest.

“Is that Charlie?” He squinted at the tall brunette in platform wedges, white capris, and a coral peplum top. At 5’10”, she had clearly inherited her height from Jack. No one would have even guessed that they were sisters.

“It sure is. I’m going to murder her.”

Charlie waved enthusiastically and the sign she grasped that read “Welcome home from prison, Claire!” wobbled.

“There she is! Here’s your auntie, home from the slammer,” Charlie called loudly to the teenage boy next to her. Several people turned to look at them.

“Hope you guys like toilet wine,” Claire replied equally loudly. Luke chuckled.

Ryan, Claire’s nephew, shook his head and adjusted his earphones. “I told her not to,” he said. He reluctantly accepted a hug from Claire and Mindy and a handshake from Luke. Shaggy brown hair hung in his eyes, and it looked like he was due for a shower.

“Charlie,” Claire said, drawing her sister into a tight embrace. They hadn’t seen each other in person since Thanksgiving. “Cute sign.”

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