AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s so sweet,” Sidney says.
“Yeah, they don’t suck. Hey, where’s Maya?”
Sid grins and looks around with me. Maya was able to come over to Seattle for the weekend to see how her mom handles less constant care. The family felt comfortable with it, given how well Jeanie’s been doing, and Maya deserved a break.
“I don’t know,” Sidney says with a frown. “I don’t see her.”
“Maybe she’s inside, getting some food.”
“Let’s go see.” Sid grabs my hand and leads me through the yard to the back door of the original Alki house that’s been in the family forever. My mom bought it when she was younger than I am now.
“Here are some more chips,” I hear Maya say as she opens a bag and begins to fill a bowl. “I think there are more burgers on the grill outside. Go ask Drew. It’s his turn on grill duty.”
I snicker, but Sidney frowns.
“Uh, Maya?”
The beautiful woman’s head comes up at the sound of my voice.
“Yeah? What do you need?”
“Nothing. Honey, you’re a guest here, not a waitress.”
She cringes, then shrugs. “Sorry. I can’t sit still. I have to do stuff, and when I came in here and saw that the platters needed to be refilled, I just did it. It’s no big deal. Unless you’d rather I didn’t—”
“As long as you’re having fun,” Sidney interrupts. “That’s the whole point of you being here this weekend.”
“Oh, I am. It’s really nice to get away for a little while, you know? And everyone is so nice. I’m about done here anyway.”
“How do you remember everyone’s names?” Sidney asks her sister quietly. “Because I wish they all wore nametags.”
Maya laughs and waves Sidney off. “I’ve always been good with names.”
“I need a spreadsheet,” Sid says with a scowl, making me laugh.
“I’ll make you one,” I reply and kiss her hair.
“Come sing karaoke with me,” Liam says, taking the bag of chips out of Maya’s hands and tossing it aside. “I need a duet partner.”
Maya’s wide eyes find her sister’s. “Uh, I’m not really the singer in the family.”
“Don’t care,” Liam says as he drags her away, and now Sidney’s laughing.
“Don’t look now, but I think your cousin is flirting with my sister.”
I shake my head, watching them in the corner of the living room, mics in hand. “He won’t do anything she doesn’t want him to.”
“She needs to be pulled, literally, out of her comfort zone now and then. I’m not surprised that she slipped right into the role of hostess. She’s a mother hen.”
“She’s actually really adorable.”
Sidney’s face whips up to look at me.
“Don’t worry, I only have eyes for you, babe. I’m just saying your sister is sweet, and I’m glad she was able to come over here for a few days.”
“Me, too. We’re having a little bridal shower for Stella tomorrow, and Mom’s going to join us via video call.”
“What?” I frown down at her. “Why video?”
“It’s a decent drive from their house to Seattle, and I think it’s best if she only does it once, so she’ll come for the wedding.”
“That’s absolutely ridiculous.” I shake my head and pull out my phone.
“What do you mean? Keaton, what are you doing?”
“She shouldn’t miss the shower tomorrow. You said she’s been feeling well and in good health?”
“Well, sure, but—”
I hold up a finger to shut her up, and her eyes turn into sapphire slits.
It makes me grin.
“Hey, are you guys okay?” Dad asks when he answers the phone.
“Yeah, we’re having a good time. Everything’s under control here. I need a favor.”
“Name it.”
I smile down at the woman I’ve completely fallen in love with when I wasn’t looking and say, “Would you be willing to use your plane to get Sidney’s mom from Idaho and bring her here for Stella’s shower tomorrow and then take her home when she’s ready?”
“Of course.” There’s no hesitation in my dad’s voice. No hint of irritation.
Sidney’s shaking her head, but I just continue to smile.
“Thanks, Dad. They don’t want her to do the drive twice in the same month, but she’s pretty healthy and should be okay with the short flight.”
“I’ll start making arrangements right now. I have the Sterlings’ number. I’ll call and get everything organized on their end, too. Good idea, Keaton. I’ll make sure they have the jet for the wedding, as well.”
“Thank you. Appreciate it.”
“Think nothing of it. Talk soon.”
He hangs up, and I push my phone back into my pocket. Sidney has tears running down her cheeks, and she launches herself into my arms and kisses me like her life depends on it.
The whole party erupts in applause and cheers, and I hear Stella yell, “Get a room!”
“Thank you,” Sidney says against my lips, staring into my eyes. “Thank you so much. You didn’t have to do that.”
“Your mom shouldn’t miss out.”
She hugs me close and buries her face in my neck. “I can’t believe I’m saying this right here, right now, but I love you, Keaton. For a million reasons, and your kindness is right at the top.”
