Page 105 of A Little Twist

“She actually stayed longer than I thought she would. Pinky put her through the wringer.”

Aiden chuckles. “That little girl is a pistol. I can’t imagine what she’ll be like all grown up.”

“Yeah, good luck with kindergarten,” Adam teases.

Rolling my eyes, I groan. “We’re lucky to live in a small town where everybody knows everybody.”

“Mrs. Priddy knows how to handle kids like her.” Aiden pulls the pizzas off the grill and arranges them on the platter. “She handled Adam, after all.”

“Hey!” He tries to act offended, but he knows it’s the truth.

We gather around the table, and I take in my oldest brother with his arm around his glowing wife. Adam is across from me making sure Ryan has everything he needs, as always, only this time I also notice him subtly making sure Piper is taken care of as well. Cass is beside me, tucking a napkin into my daughter’s shirt. When she sits up, I slide my arm around her waist, kissing her temple.

This is what I want. It’s where I want to be, and I can’t imagine making a choice that would take me away from it.

* * *

Pinky’s asleepwhen I carry her to her booster seat. She did her best to hit another homer for her grandmother after dinner, but Owen was determined it was not going to happen. Several rounds later, we finally called it a night.

It wasn’t long before my princess was asleep in Cass’s lap.

Closing the door, I pull my lady into my arms. “Are you staying with me or…”

“I’ll stay at Britt’s old place tonight. Jessica needs a chance—”

“She’s leaving.”

I don’t mean to say it so bluntly, but it’s the first time we’ve had a chance to talk when Pinky wasn’t listening.

Cass’s brow furrows. “Did something happen?”

“I don’t know.” I open her door for her. “I don’t know what provoked her to come here in the first place, but I’ve been waiting for this since the first night in El Rio.”

When I climb in on my side, she’s looking back at Pinky with a worried expression. I close the door quietly and start the short drive to town.

“Honestly, I don’t think she’ll be upset about it.”

“You know her better than I do.” Cass turns to face front. “Still, I’ll give her these final days with her daughter.”

“My daughter misses you.” Placing my hand over hers, I lift it to my lips. “So do I.”

Her pretty blue eyes meet mine, and she smiles sweetly. “I miss you both, too, but it won’t be long before we’re together always.”

“It’s already too long.”

CHAPTER30

CASS

Do you follow Jesus this close?

The bumper sticker glares at me from my back window, white lettering on a bright red background, and I snort a laugh.

“Alex!” I call out in the empty parking lot.

Last night he called to ask if I’d help them shop for kindergarten supplies today. Of course, I couldn’t wait to help. Looking at all the school supplies is the best part of fall, and kindergarten has the cutest stuff.

Piper and Britt do not share my enthusiasm for back-to-school shopping, but I’m already planning to have feathers and sparkles and Miss Piggy everything for our little Sweet P starting kindergarten.

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