Page 77 of Sincerely, Mr. Braden

“How exciting,” my grandmother says.

“Are you shitting me?” I ask, thrilled for him.

“Nope,” Flynn says proudly. “And we want to feature you and Noah.”

My brows shoot up. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” Sutton says. “They’ve already applied for the permit.”

“You’re two of the best cavers we know,” Flynn says.

Noah whistles. “Nothing like a little nepotism. I’m in.”

“Me too,” I say.

“That’s incredible,” Ellie says, and I catch the glint in her eyes. “Seth missed going caving there because of me. I’m so happy he’ll have the chance to do it with all of you.”

I slide an arm around her shoulders. “You’re coming with me this time.”

“I love learning about caving, and I’m excited to go caving with you and Dad at Rysche Caverns, but I don’t belong in a cave like Kubla Khan.”

“You were born for caving,” Frank says gruffly. “You’re so frigging athletic, Taylor.” He waggles his finger around the table. “You all should see my girl climb a rock wall. She’s like Spider-Woman. She’s as good at that as Becca is at snow kiting. Damn thing nearly dragged me down the hill.”

Ellie whips around, glaring at Becca. “When did you take him snow kiting?”

Becca waves her hand and says, “He’s had too much champagne. Don’t listen to him.” At the same time, Frank says, “When you were at Seth’s when he was sick.”

“You were barely over your flare-up!” Ellie says.

“He was fine,” Becca says.

“I’m still here, aren’t I?” her father grumbles.

“Oh my God.” Ellie leans into me. “Just shoot me now. This is too slow and painful a death.”

Everyone laughs.

“No chance, sweetheart.” I kiss her temple.

Ellie points at Frank and Becca and says, “I’m never leaving you two alone again.”

More laughter rings out, but I know she means it.

“Hey, Flynn, when are you planning on filming?” I ask.

“We’re shooting for April.” Flynn takes a drink and says, “Probably the week before your grand opening with Wells and Jared. Are you still settling on the warehouse in Melbourne next month?”

“Yeah. I’m excited to get a foothold in that market,” I say proudly.

“How long will you be there?” my father asks.

“A couple of weeks at a time, on and off, to oversee the first phase.”

Flynn’s brow furrows. “I thought you had Rick Schaeffer lined up to run it.”

Rick is one of my top guys. He’s been with me since I opened my first US warehouse years ago. “I do. So?”

“So let a guy do his job,” Flynn said.