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We take our bathroom breaks and grab food every time we stop for gas, but other than that, we don’t dally.
I think Marlow is just as ready to put Texas as far behind her as I was when I left, although for very different reasons. I couldn’t wait to be near Theo again, and she can’t wait to put as many miles as she can between her and Cash.
Dakota is such a trooper, but my sweet girl is not feeling well. I’m glad that she’s sleeping so much to make the trip easier on her, but I just want to scoop her up in my arms and put her in a cozy bed.
We make record time, pulling into Theo’s driveway at 6:50. Before I’ve shut the door to the SUV, Theo’s hands are on my shoulder, turning me around to face him. His lips are on mine, and he kisses me so soundly, I hang onto him for dear life, so I don’t go down.
There’s giggling in the background and Theo reluctantly pulls away, looking at me sheepishly before turning to face Dakota and Marlow. Dakota is just getting out of the SUV, but she looks the perkiest she has all day as she covers her mouth and laughs again.
“Theo, this is my best friend, Marlow, and my goddaughter, Dakota. Guys, this is my boyfriend, Theo.”
Dakota waves, shy all of a sudden, and Marlow can’t stop smiling.
“It’s great to finally meet you,” she says.
“I’m really glad you’re here,” Theo says. “Are you guys exhausted from the drive?”
“I was getting a little loopy that last hour,” Marlow says, shutting the door behind her.
“I think it’ll hit me soon, but at the moment I have all this adrenaline pumping because I can’t believe you’re finally all meeting each other,” I say, lifting my hands in the air.
Theo and Marlow laugh and then Marlow sees the house and the view surrounding us.
“This place is beautiful. And those mountains look close enough to touch…”
“I’ll take you hiking as soon as Dakota’s feeling better,” I promise.
“You’re not feeling good?” Theo asks, moving to help unload the trailer when Marlow opens it.
“My froat is bad,” Dakota says.
I exchange a look with Marlow, grinning that she still saysfroat.
“It’s not strep, the doc thought it was a virus. But I’m ready for the fever to go,” Marlow says. She pulls out two of the suitcases. “I think we’ll only need this right here. Everything else can wait until we know where we’re going to land.”
Theo nods. “Well, you’re welcome here as long as you need. And my brother is a doctor at Pine Community if you’re worried about Dakota or need a second opinion. Let’s get you inside. Dakota, do you need some chicken noodle soup?”
Dakota smiles and nods. “Yes, please.”
He winks at her, and her smile widens. I stand there beaming like a proud auntie.
As soon as he turns toward the house lugging the suitcases, Marlow turns to me with wide eyes.
“Wow,” she mouths, fanning her face. “He’s beautifulanda gentlemanandsweet to kids?”
“Now you can see why I never wanted anyone else,” I say.
“I apologize for every time I tried to set you up with my brother.”
“You’re forgiven.” I laugh and we walk toward the house.
“I don’t want to intrude, Sof. Tomorrow I’ll start looking at our options.”
“There’s no rush. There’s room here and you’re welcome to stay as long as you need, like Theo said. There are probably condos open at the lodge right now, or…well, there’s also my house. My aunts are there until they decide where they want to live, but you guys will hit it off. I’ll just probably make all of you visit me here instead of there.”
We exchange a look and walk inside the house.
She clutches my arm. “I’m so incredibly proud of you,” she says, hugging me.
