Page 121 of Fluke
I stare at the phone, waiting on their responses, but they never come.
My laughter is a mix of amusement and disbelief.Surely, they don’t really think we’re getting married. Right?
I start to sweat a little.
But as I replay the conversation in my head, like I always do, the sweating eases. It’s not out of the question. Heck, at some point, we probablywillget married. They probably just see the writing on the wall.
Besides, who could be loved this entirely by Jess Carmichael, and not want to marry him?
I grin.Who could feel this loved by the entire family and not want to be a part of it?
Before I can think it through, my phone rings again. I don’t know the number.
I take a long, deep breath. “Hello?”
“Hi, sweetheart. It’s Damaris. Jess said you were home, and I finagled your number from him. I hope you’re okay with that?”
I laugh. Might as well. Everyone else seems to have it. “Sure. What’s up?”
“Did you have a good time on your trip?”
The way she says it tells me she knows I did. She’s already gone over it with Jess.
“I did,” I say, coyly. “It was a great time.”
“I’m so happy. It does a person so much good to get away. And, on that note, the girls and I—Ashley and Brooke—have a girls’ day once a month. It’s a break from all the men in our lives. We were going this week, but I got busy in the office. We’re thinking maybe next Saturday? Do you think you’ll be available? If not, we’ll work around it.”
What has happened to my life?
I stand in the middle of my bedroom and stare at the wall in utter disbelief.
How are these people this amazing? How do they just open their hearts, and doors, to me like I’m one of them?
Tears trickle down my face.
Well, it doesn’t seem like I’ll ever be lonely again.
“Next Saturday should work perfectly,” I say, fighting the sob in my voice. “Thanks for asking me.”
“Sweetheart, of course. I’ll warn you now. Foxx says I’m overbearing, and Kixx says I have to get it in control before grandbabies come.”
My breath hitches.Let it go. Trust Jess.
“But I’m a mom. I’ve been a mom most of my life. It’s what I do. If I overstep or push too far into your business, just let me know. I just want my kids to be happy, and it makes me happy to be with my kids. Okay?”
Tears fall fast and hard.
I wipe a hand down my cheek and sniffle.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“Yeah, it’s just allergies.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
She doesn’t seem convinced. “Call me anytime if you need something, sweetheart. Okay?”
