Page 347 of The Maxwell Brothers
I leaned over to one side, catching my breath. We were both utterly spent.
A cell ringing interrupted us a while later.
"No, be quiet," Liz muttered.
"I think that might be your family."
"Oh crap," she said, turning to one side and picking up the phone from the floor. "You're right. It's Mom."
“You can't ignore her. What kind of an impression would I make?"
"Um, you flew down here with your brother's helicopter to be with me. I don’t think you have to worry about the impression you’re making," she said with a smile as she answered the phone. "Morning, Mom. Yeah, I just woke up. How is Amy?" Shenodded as her mom spoke. “We’ll be there soon. Love you too, Mom.”
I got out of bed, ready to start the day.
She was smiling from ear to ear when she hung up. “Amy’s fine. They’re all at my sister’s house. Feel like going?”
“Obviously.”
"Oh my God. You have so much energy," she muttered. "How doesn't all this have an effect on you?"
"Like I said, I'm motivated to make a good first impression. Come on, let's go. We've got to shower."
We had to take turns showering because the bathroom was insanely small. We were ready to go half an hour later. I kept a close eye on Liz. She was utterly relaxed as we got into the Uber.
"What are you smiling about?" I asked.
She immediately schooled her features, glancing at the driver. He pretended not to hear us.
"How do you know I was smiling? You're not looking at me."
"I can feel you. Besides, you've been smiling since we left the B&B."
"I'm just happy," she murmured. "Aren't you?"
"Yes, I am. I still have to win over your parents and sister.”
She threw her head back, laughing. “As I said, Mom is your fan. Dad too. And Rose too. I think she liked you even back when I dubbed you the landlord from hell.”
I cocked a brow. “How come?”
“She thought I needed some excitement.”
I tilted my head toward her, touching her cheek with the tip of my nose. “And was she right?”
“Hell yes. We’re here.”
The drive took less than five minutes. Talk about a small town. Sunnyvale was definitely that. The car stopped in front of a bungalow-style house surrounded by a large property and a white fence.
She sighed as we got out of the car. “I miss coming over here. I used to visit her every Saturday evening, and we’d watch a movie.”
We heard voices outside, so instead of going into the house, we went around to the backyard. Rose was holding Amy, who was wide awake and smiling. Mark, Jake, and Danielle were hovering around her, putting plates with food and cups on the table.
“Sis, you’re here,” Rose said. Liz immediately went over, hugging her. “I’m feeling so guilty that you actually came here. But I’m so happy.”
“I’m happy too, Rose.” Taking a step back, she kissed Amy on the forehead.
Something shifted inside me. I loved Liz with all I had. I knew that. But this was the first time I could picture having a family with her.
