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“That little fella who lives downstairs is going to have a hell of a haul from this cuss jar,” Granddaddy said, holding out a few bills for us to add.
Carlos, who’d arrived late yesterday, shoved in those and some of his own. “This should cover me while I’m here.”
“How’d you manage to get your own room?” I asked.
“I sleep where I’m told.” He glanced affectionately, yet uncertainly at Muriella.
Mama sat opposite Easton. “Where are you and my baby girl going to live?”
Daddy grunted as he slung an arm around me. I gave him an odd look. “You’ll always be my little girl.” He kissed the side of my head and tears stung my eyes. “You happy, baby?”
I burrowed against him but didn’t answer. He’d kick Easton’s ass for what he’d proposed to me, though I couldn’t burden him with all that mess. In the few minutes we’d been back at the apartment, my husband had officially become a member of the family.
“We’re in the process of purchasing the building,” Daniel said. “You two should look at the floor below. It’s gutted, so you could do as you please.”
I glared at him. Vivian grinned. “That’s a fabulous idea.” Her face fell. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Appreciate the offer,” Easton said.
“We’ll go look after we eat,” Ruby piped up, turning to wink at me.
“Your parents are still in the city, aren’t they?” Muriella asked, her kind gaze on Easton.
“They are. My brother too.”
“Maybe they’d prefer to stay here instead of a hotel.” She’d spoken as if it were a suggestion, but nobody at the table would be able to say no to her.
“Probably so,” Easton agreed. “But I’m already enough of an imposition.”
Muriella waved him off. “Nonsense. When we tour the apartment below, we’ll look at the others that are available to see which is suitable for your family.”
While I liked the idea of Mr. and Mrs. Carter being here, I wasn’t so keen on Drew. After our last exchange in the closet, I’d been dodging him like the plague. Although it looked as if they’d probably be here by the end of the day if Muriella had her way.
“I’m going to change clothes.” I couldn’t handle this normalcy. I’d gotten married and nobody hardly batted an eye, given that I’d hidden it from all of them. They were all acting like Easton and I were starting our new life together instead of trying to fix a Vegas mistake. I guess I hadn’t told them any different, but anybody could see the tension between us.
“Mulaney Jacobs, you will help your sister-in-law and stop being such a sourpuss.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Stone and Mitch fist-bumped since I was the one in trouble with Mama. “I’m not being a sourpuss,” I said to myself.
“I heard that,” she replied with a warning look.
I was forty going on ten.
“You’re incredibly lucky to be so loved,” Muriella said quietly as she handed me a dish of squash casserole.
I didn’t need her to tell me that. Sometimes they were aggravating as all get out, and I just needed a minute. Or a time machine. One where I could go back and I’d still be getting scolded, but Easton wouldn’t be here.
“Mulaney, I discussed your idea for Paths of Purpose with Mrs. Quinn,” Vivian said, and I was grateful for the distraction. “She agrees that mentorships for the ladies is a perfect fit.”
When I’d gone there to speak, it became abundantly clear the women needed an opportunity. Paths of Purpose already had the framework in place with their partnerships. With a little work, we could help the ladies build a stronger foundation for their lives.
“What about a home ownership program too?” I suggested.
Vivian and Muriella’s excitement was palpable.
“Yes. That’s perfect.” Vivian looked very close to coming around the table and hugging me. “Easton, you’re in charge of finance. Can you help us set it up?”
He scrubbed his face. “That’s not exactly my area of expertise, but I’d be glad to help in any way I can.”
