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I make my way down to the kitchen and put on the teakettle when something catches my eye on the island. There’s an upside-down glasswith a small piece of paper sticking out from it. Next to the glass is a note, and I pick it up with trembling hands.
In case you didn’t think I was serious.
I slip the paper out from under the glass, which turns out to be a receipt from Snowflake Diamond, the jewelry store in town. The script is worn and I can barely make it out as I squint down at it.
‘Size 6, oval cut, rose gold’
The date readsJuly 3, 2020. Almost four years ago.
My heart thunders in my chest as I lift the glass, revealing the small ring box, and a tear slips down my cheek. I fall onto the stool, opening the box slowly, and my breath catches as I see the most gorgeous diamond ring I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I’ve wanted you since I was twenty-one years old.
I snap the box closed, and my body shakes with silent tears as I finally recognize that Billy’s been ready this whole time. All along he’s been there, a silent force we all knew to depend on, even when he didn’t act like it. He never thought it was him, but amongst all the chaos and tragedy, he’s become the backbone of this family.
And it all started because a man and woman fell in love.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
ADLEY
I takecomfort in the fact that I am not the first one to need Janet’s advice. It’s scary to know I’m the last, though. I’m her last baby’s girlfriend. And if that doesn’t scare the shit out of me, I don’t know what does.
Janet and I have a good relationship, but I’ve never sat with her one-on-one like this. Francesca and Chelsea told me it’s a rite of passage. She waits for us to come to her, to fall for her boys and then complain about their love.
I’ve got a lot to complain about.
Before I can raise my hand to knock, the door opens, and she meets me with a sweet smile.
“Hi Adley!”
“Um, Hi, Mrs. Casanova. Were you just going out? I can come back la-”
“Oh no, I was expecting you.”
I swallow the lump in my throat as she steps back and beckons meinside. “Come. I just made a pitcher of sweet tea. Let’s get a glass before Frank does.”
She winks and steps back, motioning for me to pass by her as we enter her home. I love this house, knowing it’s raised a bunch of wonderful kids, it gives such a warm feeling when you enter. You can feel the love and memories dancing across the walls.
We enter the kitchen, and she already has two glasses poured, so she picks them up, turning and handing one to me as she asks, “Want to go outside?”
“Sure.”
I follow her to the two chairs already set out in the shade, and I’m thankful because it’s scorching hot today and I’m already sweating just thinking about this conversation.
“So, how far along are you?”
Choking on the tea I just sipped, she chuckles as she pulls a tissue from her pocket and hands it to me. “I’m sorry. Guess I should have warmed up with ‘nice weather we’re having’, huh?”
“How did you know?” I put my hands up. “Wait. Don’t answer that.”
She laughs again and I join in. “It’s mother’s intuition. You’ll see.”
Nodding, I lift my face toward the sun. “I’m actually not sure, but I expect about ten weeks. It was a surprise.”
“It always is.” She smiles. Chelsea was right. Janet is the mom we needed growing up, and I’m glad I have her now.
“I know he knows because he’s been avoiding me.”
