Page 99 of Eleven of a Kind

“I’m happy to see you too, beautiful.” I kissed her.

“Not as happy as I am to see you, handsome.”

“Um, is this how it’s always going to be with you two? Because it’s kind of nauseating,” Riley said.

“You just wait, kiddo. You’re going to find yourself in this nauseating situation one day.” Piper winked. “This is what love looks like. Take it all in. Right, Gabriel?”

“You bet. I’ll take your bag upstairs.”

When I came back downstairs, I saw Riley outside with Piper, showing her the almost completed pottery studio.

“Wow, Gabriel. You really are the father of the year.” Piper grinned.

“Do you like it?” I asked as we stood inside it.

“I love it. Riley is going to make some great pieces in here.”

“I can’t wait,” Riley said.

“Welcome back, you two.” Shaun smiled as he stood in the doorway of the studio. “Riley, I have someone out here who wants to meet you.”

The three of us stepped out of the studio and I saw Asher and Everly standing by the pool.

“Asher. Everly. It’s good to see you.” I hugged her and shook Asher’s hand. “What are you two doing here?”

“Shaun and I have some business to go over. We’re only in town for a couple of days.

“You must be Riley.” Everly walked over to her with a smile. “My name is Everly, and I have a message for you from your mom.”

“Dad?” Riley looked at me.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. She has a special gift. The deceased talk to her.”

“That’s so cool.” Riley’s eyes widened. “What’s the message?”

“She’s happy that you found your dad, and she can rest now knowing you’re happy and being well taken care of.”

“She’s been here, hasn’t she?” Riley asked.

“Yes. She’s been watching over you. She told me that when the accident happened, she didn’t go right away, and the only thing she could think about was what would happen to you. She thought about it so much that when she did finally pass, her spirit was stuck here. She couldn’t move on until she knew you were going to be okay. She said she loves you so much and will always be watching over you.”

“Thank you, Everly.” Riley hugged her as tears fell from her eyes.

“You’re welcome, honey.”

“Everly, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Piper,” I said.

“It’s nice to meet you, Piper.” She extended her hand.

“Trust me, Everly. The pleasure is all mine. You have an amazing gift.”

“Sometimes, it’s amazing. Other times, it’s annoying.” She smiled. “Anyway, I think you should know that your room screw-up at the hotel wasn’t a coincidence.”

“How do you know about that?” I furrowed my brows.

“Ariana had a hand in making that happen.” Everly smirked. “She’s been watching you too, Gabriel, and she’s sorry she never told you about Riley. But she’s at peace knowing what a good father you are to her.”

“Thank you, Everly.”

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