Page 69 of Sudden Summer

“Yeah. Well now, two or three times a week, you won’t have to. She’s gonna drop off some meals for you on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

“Drop off means what? I gotta talk to her?”

I almost laughed. Lachlan and Lainey were so damn similar, it sent a shiver down my spine.

“Nope, not if you don’t want to. She’ll just knock and leave them on the porch, then you can get them from there. Although, I don’t think it would hurt to have someone other than your family to talk to. They can certainly be overwhelming.”

“That’s the understatement of the century. You know, if you won me over with this idea, you could probably try Jessie and Hawk.” Lachlan’s laugh made me smile.

“Uh, no thanks. I know Jessie has a hard time with Lainey. Even if she took pity on her being pregnant and trying to start a business, I think it would be a hard sell.”

“Yeah, well, Jess and Hawk are talking like Beckett is eighteen and heading off to college. I wouldn’t be surprised if they decide to have another one soon. And if Jess gets pregnant again, she’ll need the help.”

A pang of jealousy hit deep in my stomach. I hated that envy.

“Birdie?”

“I’m still here. Thanks for being open to helping Lainey.”

“Anytime, I guess.” He chuckled. “Before you go, I just wanted to say, I really am happy for you and Beau.”

I couldn’t hold back my smile, even as my voice wobbled. “Thanks, Lach.”

“Oh, Christ. Okay, I’m hanging up before Beau comes over here to kick my ass for making you cry.”

I snorted. “He’s out back grilling, he’ll never know. And even if he catches me crying, I’ll blame it on Lainey.”

“Atta girl. Bring Juniper over soon for a visit? I know we have her party this weekend, but I miss her.”

“You couldn’t keep me away if you tried.”

“Good.”

I smiled, proud of the way I’d turned the morning around. “See you later, Lach.”

“Bye.”

My eyes drifted closed. It was a tough pill to swallow, the realization that my relationship with my mother was gone, but I couldn’t find the energy to be upset about that any more. Having Juniper in my life showed me instantly what a mother’s love should feel like. What it should look like. Annie Calloway was never that for me—but Dolly Ford was. The entire Ford family was my family. And I’d be just as good of an influence to Juniper as Dolly had been for me all these years. That’s what mattered in the end.

Beau

“Hey, have you seen my hat? I can’t find it anywhere?”

I knew my voice carried up the stairs, but Birdie didn’t answer.

“Ugh!” A frustrated grunt reached my ears the second my foot hit the hallway landing. The package in my hand crinkled, and suddenly I had a pit in the bottom of my stomach. I probably should have taken her dress out of the damn shipping bag. At least tossed it out on the line or in the dryer to get any wrinkles out. Fuck. How the hell did I mess this up?

“Hey, are you okay up here?” I asked as I walked into the bedroom, fully planning on dipping into the closet to grab a hanger before she could see me.

“No!” On second thought…her response had me moving at the speed of light. My jaw dropped as I came around the corner, catching Birdie standing in front of the bathroom mirror in my favorite dress of hers. It was light green with little wildflowers all over it. The design cinched at her waist and flared out down to the floor. I almost couldn’t tell she was still wearing her ankle brace. Her hair was down, messy and free, and my heart stumbled around in my chest as slivers of sunlight illuminated her from the bedroom window. Why had I thought getting her a dress to match Juniper was a good idea?

“Beau! Are you listening?”

Shit. She was snapping at me. “Sorry.” I chucked the package over my shoulder, closed my eyes and took a deep breath, begging my dick to behave. “What’s the matter? You look amazing.”

She clicked her tongue at me, and I had to bite the inside of my cheek not to laugh. “I need to be downstairs, and I’m running behind on getting everything packed up to go to your brother’s house! I need to take the cake out of the fridge and make sure it looks okay after last night. I’m pretty sure I was half delirious when I finished it and you were just trying to get me to bed⁠—”

“Damn straight, I was.” I stepped up behind her, slipping my fingers through her hair and pulling it up off her neck. Leaning in, I blew my breath across her overheated skin. “Take a deep breath, Chickadee. Everything will be perfect.”