A real chortle escapes at her expression. “You’re a squirt. And also you used to like that nickname.”

“I by no means liked it,” she insists. “However Stone was like an older brother, and it felt like an indication of affection again then.”

“And now?”

She shrugs. “Now it’s a reminder that he nonetheless sees me as a child.”

Now my brows scrunch up. “Would you like him to see you as greater than a child?”

“Ugh, Ivy.” She tosses her palms up in annoyance like she did as a woman once I wouldn’t let her do one thing too grownup for her age. “No, I don’t need Stone specifically to see me as greater than a child. I simply need to be seen as greater than only a child.” Her expression softens. “However it felt good listening to him name me that, though he ruffled my rattling hair.” Sage flicks her thick black hair off her shoulder to punctuate her annoyance.

“Good. I’m glad there are elements of him which can be nonetheless the man we keep in mind. I used to be fearful he might need, I don’t know, hardened or one thing after all the pieces that occurred.”

Sage’s expression turns critical as she fixes me with a pointed look. “Ivy. It. Wasn’t. Your. Fault. Get that by way of your thick cranium, okay? And for those who nonetheless assume so, speak to Stone about it. He appeared fairly comfortable to see you.”

I take into consideration the way in which Stone had wrapped me in his arms, the acquainted heat and luxury of his embrace. The perfect pal hugs, I remind myself, as a result of that’s what we’re—pals. Grey is my boyfriend, and we’re strong. Predictable. Simply what I want proper now.

“You’re proper,” I concede with a sigh. “I’ll speak to him, I promise. However for now, let’s give attention to one thing extra enjoyable, huh? Like how I’m gonna kick your butt at Mario Kart later.”

Sage grins, the strain dissipating. “You’re on, Sis. Put together to eat my mud!”

CHAPTER NINE

Stone

Rattling, my head hurts. Sitting on the desk with an enormous country-style breakfast is simply what I want. “Ma, you’re staring.”

She flashes a smile and stabs a forkful of eggs on her plate. “I do know, however I’m simply so rattling comfortable you’re dwelling. I promise it will solely final a day or two. Per week tops.”

Dad laughs, shaking his head as he enters the kitchen and kisses Ma’s temple. It’s cool as fuck how my dad and mom nonetheless dig one another in spite of everything these years. As a child, although, it made me sick. “She’s mendacity, son. She’ll be looking at you creepily for at the least a month.”

Ma seems at me and laughs. “Lies! Don’t consider a phrase he says.” Her smile is huge and shiny, gentle with affection. “You hungover?”

“Nope. I’m a professional.” I flash a smile and pile extra bacon and toast on my plate. “I recognize the large breakfast. Who’s the brand new prepare dinner?”

“Her title is Patty, and she or he grew up on a ranch in Wyoming. Cooks breakfast right here and makes use of the kitchen within the bunkhouse for lunch and dinner.”

Dad eats rapidly, as he at all times does, pushing away from the desk with a grunt. This may very well be any second in my life, all of us sitting across the desk and giving one another shit. “Include me, son.”

Yep, any second in time. I haven’t been again lengthy sufficient to be within the shit home, but that’s precisely how I really feel listening to my dad’s tone. “What’s up?”

His brows dip right into a frown, most likely as a result of I do know higher than to query him, however I do it anyway. “Come discover out.”

I flip the toast and bacon into an outsized sandwich, stand up and comply with my dad out the door, Ma taking over the rear. We hustle by way of the mudroom till we’re exterior, the place the remnants of final night time’s celebration nonetheless sit. “Am I on clear up obligation?” I joke.

“Perhaps later,” Ma solutions earlier than wrapping an arm round my waist. “Now we have a shock for you.”

“Oh. Okay.” Not in bother. Outdated habits die laborious, and getting used to the brand new dynamic will take a while. “The place is it?”

Dad grunts, rolling his eyes. “Wait right here.”

“Any hints?” I whisper out of the aspect of my mouth to Ma.

“Nope. It’s referred to as a shock for a cause.” She grips my arm, giving it an excited shake.

“It have to be an excellent shock,” I chortle. “Is it a lady?”

“With that face, you’ll have extra ladies than you possibly can deal with.”

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