Page 2 of Unraveling Rain
Mama chuckles as she eats a spoonful of eggs.
“I wouldn’t expect it any other way from my feisty and determined Rain,” she says after swallowing.
I give myself a little internal pat on the back for dodging the never-ending conversation:When are you getting married?
“So, tell me—how’s the diner going? Do you need me to help at all? I know summertime gets busy.”
I’m thankful she changed the subject. We keep chatting over breakfast, and I leave after washing the dishes and giving Granny one more hug on my way to the van.
As I suspected, she’s feeding the horses at the stable. If River catches her sneaking extra food, I don’t want to be around to see him in the sour mood that follows.
Mama’s worried about me and my solitude, but honestly, I’m more worried about River—my oldest brother and the grumpiest person I’ve ever met.
“Hey, sis. How are you?” My twin’s voice fills the van as I answer her call on the Bluetooth system.
“Hi there, RuRu. How are you and my babies today?”
Right on cue, she scoffs.
“Yourbabies? You wish.”
Ruin had twins back in March—Indigo and Sage. They’re the most adorable babies I’ve ever seen. Saying I’m obsessed with my niece and nephew is an understatement.
“Do you have time to walk with us?” she asks.
“I’d love to. I still have a couple of hours before I have to be at the diner. Do you want me to stop by your house?”
My sister is married to a billionaire, and he built their dream home on top of one of the Azalea Creek mountains. They can see the Blue Ridge from their backyard—the view is breathtaking.
“No, we’ll meet you in front of the diner. I can’t wait to have lunch there so Granny can see the kids,” Ruin says with so much excitement that I can’t deny her.
“Sounds good. See you soon.”
I disconnect the call and crank up the volume on the radio. I can’t sing like my sister, but I love a good tune.
I arrive downtown in no time and quickly park the van in the lot behind the diner. Ruin is already by the front door with the double stroller.
“Aww,there are my babies,” I say, making a beeline to greet them.
They’re fast asleep—Indigo, with red hair like Ruin’s and mine, and Sage, a blonde, blue-eyed mini version of Gio.
I remember going with Ruin to Charlotte for the day to buy their clothes. Today, they’re wearing the most adorable outfits—overall shorts with a forest theme. Perfect for the warm weather.
They look so comfortable and content, all I want to do is squeeze their chubby cheeks.
My sister is glowing in her mama era. She’s wearing big sunglasses, her hair is up in a messy bun, and a loose shirt that says Serene Lookout—the place she runs.
After her car accident, Ruin wanted to create a place where people could recover from physical and mental injuries. She switched her majors, became a psychologist, and hired doctors, nurses, therapists—you name it. The place has become famous for its incredible work, and people from all over the country come to Azalea Creek to heal.
“Wanna push the stroller?” Ruin asks, adoration in her gaze as she looks at her babies.
I happily accept and start pushing.
“I bet Gio is having a great time with those jugs,” I say, nodding at her boobs.
She throws her head back, and a huge laugh fillsthe street.
“Oh my God, Rain, you won’t believe how obsessed that man is,” she says.
