Page 232 of That Rush

“Books.”

“I understood that much.”

“Selected books.”

It’s a deliberate choice, bringing just this crate, not starting the process of emptying her cabin.

Inside, everyone goes quiet.

Axel and Adrienne helped build the shelves. Scotty repaired the old fireplace surround. Deven brought the soft gray throw, and Sadie chose the oversized mug sitting on Paige’s desk. They’ve all seen pieces of the room, but seeing it finished brings a sudden quiet.

Paige sets her end of the crate down and turns toward them.

“I know Aiden designed it, but all of you helped make it real.” She runs her hand over the smooth edge of the nearest shelf. “Thank you.”

Adrienne grins. “You’re welcome. Although you should know he called me before seven on a Sunday.”

“It was seven,” I say.

“It was six fifty-three.”

“Seven.”

“Your growth has limits,” Paige tells me.

“I never claimed otherwise.”

Axel drops into the reading chair and stretches his legs toward the fireplace. “I may borrow this room during the next family dinner.”

“You, quiet for eight minutes?” Sadie asks.

“Ten if I brought snacks.”

Adrienne leans against the desk. “We could start a reservation calendar.”

“No.”

The answer comes easily. Every gaze in the room turns to me.

“This entrance belongs to Paige. If she invites you, use it. Otherwise, the room is private.”

Axel raises both hands. “Understood.”

“Requests may be submitted in writing,” Paige says. “Current processing time is six to eight business years.”

“I respect an efficient system.”

“You’ve never respected an efficient system,” Adrienne says.

“That is slander.”

The talk shifts to Sadie’s new espresso machine, warm and uncomplicated. My family heard the boundary and respected it. It doesn’t have to be a confrontation.

When they leave, Paige locks the door behind them and walks over to the crate.

“Do you want help shelving these?” I ask.

“I do.”