Page 75 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“We’re going to irritate each other. It’s inevitable. But I’ll still love you.” He glanced toward the door as it opened. “I’m going to slip out the back and see you later.”

I inched up and kissed his cheek. “Will you pose for me without a shirt?”

“Just say when.” He winked as he walked to the back. “Hello, Tandy. I was just headed out.”

Tandy laughed. “I think maybe I scared him off.”

“Possibly. He’s pretty skittish after working the store for me this morning.” I glanced back as the door closed at the end of the hall. “And he doesn’t want to leave the puppy alone for too long.”

She dropped her extra-large purse onto the counter. “Those Gallagher men are a breed of their own. But we don’t need to talk about that. Tell me about you. How are you? I heard the awful news.”

Her statement had me itching to ask, but my gut said to wait. Maybe Eli knew why she’d made such a pronouncement. I couldn’t disagree with her though.

“I’m okay. It’s a shock, and I know the next few weeks will be tough because I’ll keep thinking about it. But I have Eli, and he’s better than any house.”

She tapped a manicured nail on the counter. “Home isn’t about walls.”

“That’s true.”

Dragging her bag off the counter, she turned toward the door. “I’ll be around if you need me. Just wanted to check on you.”

“Have a great day.”

Once she was out the door, I wandered through the store, making sure items were in their proper places.

I had more questions than answers regarding the house, and it would be weeks before I had some of the answers.

That gave me time to think, and after yesterday, I had a lot of thinking to do. Since I was building my forever home, I wanted Eli’s input because I wanted him to be part of my forever.

* * *

I curledup on Tessa’s couch, cradling my cup of tea. “Thank you for being a good friend.”

She sat down on the opposite end of the couch. “I was probably too harsh, and I’m sorry about that.”

“No. You were absolutely right, and I’m grateful you cared enough to be honest with me. When you left that first night, I wasn’t sure if our friendship would survive.” I’d never told her why her friendship meant so much, but that would change today.

Shaking her head, she grinned. “It’ll take more than a blip of stupidity to chase me off.”

“Well, I’m glad. Your friendship means a lot. In fact, I’ve never told you this, but meeting you was why I chose this location for my store. You are friendly, warm, and authentic. It’s a rare combination, and I’m lucky to have you as a friend.”

She lifted her mug, intentionally blocking her face. “Thanks.”

“I feel like I should explain why those silly rules were so important to me.”

“Delaney, you don’t have to.”

“I want to.” I shifted, tucking my feet up next to me. “My mom had issues.” I told Tessa about my mom and how my stepmom didn’t want me. “I thought those rules kept me from turning out like my mom. I was wrong. I’m not like her. The rules have nothing to do with it.” I finished the last of my tea. “And one of the reasons I love you so much is because you make me feel like I belong. Apart from my grandma, and now with Eli I never really felt that.”

Biting her lip, she wiped her cheek. “We can’t all have perfect families like Eli did. Some of us just have to muddle through and make the best of it. But you and me, we’re both lucky enough to get to be a part of his happy family. They’ve been awesome to me.”

“I’m excited about that too. His mom is so sweet.”

“She is. And funny. More than once I’ve wished that I’d been her daughter instead of just her niece. But please don’t repeat that. My dad would be heartbroken to hear me say that. My mom too.” Tessa leaned forward. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you and Eli worked it out. Y’all are my two favorite people, and I’m thrilled to see you happy together.”

“Because you know us both so well, you shouldn’t ever feel like a third wheel. Ever.”

“I’ll remember that.” She sprang up off the couch. “The brownies are probably ready. Let’s indulge.”

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