Page 61 of The Wish List
I shook my head to clear it. That sort of thinking was dangerous. I was grateful for what AJ and I had. I couldn’t be envious of the things we didn’t.
Clearing my thoughts, I rested my head against the soft fabric of the sofa, drifting. The sound of the elevator opening woke me, and I blinked, unsure of what I was seeing. I met a pair of familiar dark-brown eyes across the length of the condo, but it wasn’t Asher and AJ. Instead, it was a woman, holding the hand of a little girl. They both looked at me quizzically, then the woman smiled. Widely.
“Youmustbe Rosie.”
* * *
Ten minutes later, I sat across from Asher’s sister, Suzy. She had his eyes and smile, but her features were more delicate. She was tall like him, forward, and blunt. I liked her.
Bonnie, his niece, was sweet. She didn’t have a shy bone in her body. She declared the cookies I set out delicious and informed her mother they had to get some. Then she spied the Lego being built and sat down in front of it, studying it closely.
“Does she like Lego?” I asked.
“Not as much as dolls, but she’ll give it a go. Do you want me to tell her no?”
I shook my head. “AJ and Asher won’t mind.”
Suzy sat back, picking up her tea and taking a sip. She studied me over the rim. “You have my brother tied up in knots. Acting like a crazy man.”
Before I could say anything, she grinned. “I like it. I have never seen him act like this. Out of control. Out of his depth. I can understand why. You’re very pretty.”
“Um, thank you?”
She grinned. “He is besotted.” She tilted her head. “In love, actually, I’d say.”
“Oh, no…ah…” I stumbled over my words.
She shook her head. “I know my brother. And it’s in our nature. I fell for my husband in ten minutes. I knew I was going to marry him. Asher recalls my mom saying she fell in love with my dad from across the room. It only makes sense when Asher finally fell it would be hard and fast.” She paused. “It’s kinda fun to watch from afar.”
I had no idea how to respond. She picked up a cookie. “Want some stories about when he was younger?”
That, I could get on board with. “Yes.”
Twenty minutes later, the elevator doors opened and Asher and AJ walked out. Asher stopped when he saw me and Suzy. Bonnie streaked across the room, her arms outstretched. “Uncle Ash!”
He bent, swinging her into his arms and pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“Oh, you’re cold!” she squealed. Laughing, he set her down, and AJ smiled at her.
“Hi. I’m AJ.”
“I’m Bonnie. I like your Legos.”
A commotion ensued as coats were discarded, boots kicked off, and the kids ran to the Legos. Asher came over, bending to kiss his sister.
“I wasn’t expecting you,” he said dryly.
“Obviously.”
He stood beside me, placing his hand on my shoulder. He squeezed it gently. “I promised AJ hot cocoa when we got home.”
“I’ll make it.”
“Great.”
I stood, and he stopped me moving, his hand still on my arm. He captured my mouth, kissing me hard. “Want me to throw her out? I will,” he said quietly. Suzy heard him, laughing behind her hand, knowing he was full of it.
“How rude,” I said. “I like her. And Bonnie.”
