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Well, lunch ended up being two hours later than usual and eaten at my desk. I place the phone to my ear and wait for my mom to answer.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Ma, how’s it going?”
“Well, wonderful now that you called. It’s not like you to call during the workday. Everything okay?”
“Oh yeah, everything’s great actually. I mean, completely swamped at work, but I have some news.”
“You finally proposed? Oh, Zach, that’s so wonderful.”
I rub my hands over my face. “No, Mom, it’s not that.” I exhale a loud breath. Wow, way to put a damper on this positive phone call. “But I think this will make you happier. Mom, Dani wants to come to brunch this weekend.”
Thump.
“Mom? You still there?”
“I’m here. I’m here. Sorry, I dropped the phone.”
I snicker. “I was wondering what that noise was.”
“I… I… I don’t know what to say. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long.” I can hear the tears forming and the emotion choking her.
“It’s okay, Mom. She brought it up this morning. She said it’s time.”
“We’ll have to make this weekend extra special, go all out.”
“Mom, slow down. Don’t make such a big deal of this. Just relax. Make it like any other brunch, just one with both of your kids.”
I hear her gasp. “Oh, Zach. I can’t wait to tell your father.”
A calendar reminder pops up on my computer screen, alerting me I have a client meeting in five minutes.
“Hey, Mom, I have a meeting soon that I need to prepare for. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Of course, thank you for calling. Natalie and I are going to have to go to the Amish Market on Thursday and gather the best for my baby girl.”
Oh man, the mention of the Amish Market makes my stomach growl even though I just ate a burrito bowl. Nothing tastes more like home than a pretzel cheese dog and Barq’s root beer from the Amish Market. I make a mental note the next time I am at home and have the time, we are swinging by there.
“I love you, Mom. Talk to you later.”
“Bye, Zach.”
I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that Dani had invited Kyler to brunch today. I mean, it’s still a little strange, but whatever, he’s family, and they seem to have been spending a lot of time together. I was shocked when he even convinced her to join one of the Lawson family dinners. How the hell he did that, I have no clue. Kate and Lauren are definitely two of a kind, but Dani survived to tell the tale and even got a job offer to help out at Lauren’s school. Between that and Dani finally agreeing to go back home to see our parents, I would say we’re moving in the right direction. I’m not one hundred percent getting my hopes up, but I think it’s safe to say she is planning on sticking around.
The breeze feels nice with the windows down as we head down the highway in Kyler’s truck. Not that I mind driving, but it’s nice to be able to relax. The girls are sitting in the back seat, and I glance back at my sister. She looks lost in thought and keeps quiet most of the ride while Haylee, Ky, and I keep up constant conversation.
Before we know it, we are getting off our exit on Route 50 and turning into my parents’ driveway. I stare up at the house once I shut the truck door behind me. I’ve always loved this house. One day, it would be nice to have one just like it. I could see myself sitting on the front porch swing with Haylee enjoying a drink after the kids have gone to bed or having family cookouts out back and enjoying each other’s company.
Woah, did I think of having kids? With any other girl that might have been a terrifying thought, but with Haylee, I want that future. Now if only I could get that one question out and we could move forward with our future.
My sister approaches slowly, also taking in the house. Her memories of this house I’m sure are different than mine.
She looks as if she is either ready to throw up or run out of here.
“It’ll be fine. Let’s go.” She reassures us that she’s ready to do this.
I take Haylee’s hand in mine and caress the top of her hand
