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Summer reached for a doughnut and found a single maple-glazed—her favorite—left on the plate. She went to take a big bite, turning to rub it in Autumn’s face, and that’s when she noticed her twin was mysteriously absent—on doughnut morning!
“Where’s Autumn?” she asked, setting the doughnut down.
There was a silent exchange of glances at the table that made her belly hollow out. “What?”
“She took Buttercup for a walk when she heard you come down the steps,” Randy said.
“Family business,” Wes whispered to his brother.
“I am family,” Randy argued, and the ladies cooed their reassurance. “See, bro.”
Summer wasn’t sure what Wes’s expression meant, but she felt a sudden pinch in her heart. Was he upset that Randy would have a whole new family, a welcoming family that absorbed him into their fold, just as he was reconnecting with his brother?
You okay?she mouthed to Wes.
His response was a barely visible nod, which likely meant he was far from okay. Her first instinct was to reach across the table and take his hand. Reassure him that he wasn’t on the outside. That he wouldn’t lose his brother. That a heart had the capacity to love many people at once. Then she remembered,Hummer. And yes, what a mess indeed.
Then he mouthed,Are you okay?
She could have nodded—should have nodded. But she found herself sharing with him another vulnerable moment and shook her head.
Can I help?
Immediately she remembered the steady beat of his heart, the safe vibes that had come off them that morning when they’d snuggled. Strike that: when she’d snuggled. Had he snuggled her back at some point during the night, or had he merely endured the raw affection?
It looked as if he were about to stand, so Summer stretched out her foot so that their toes touched, and she gave him a tap that she was okay. She wasn’t sure what surprised her more, that she’d initiated contact again, or that he received it and gave a tap back.
She smiled to let him know he was part of the group and that his concern meant something. His eyes shot to hers and gratefulness flickered in the soft blue depths. He tapped back his thanks. And they sat there for a moment, just like that, with their feet touching and a million words silently passing between them.
“I’m sure Buttercup just needed to use the restroom,” her dad said, breaking the hold Wes had on her.
She turned to Frank. “You don’t have to lie. I know she’s mad at me.”
Summer hadn’t taken the news well and had ruined her sister’s moment. Still, she was taken aback. Her sister had left the room on doughnut morning to avoid seeing her. This hadn’t happened since they were kids and they’d had an argument over who was the biggest Shawn Mendes fan. For the record, it was Summer.
“Maybe you should go talk with her,” her mother said. “She was pretty upset last night.”
“You both were,” Wes whispered, and her heart tripped over itself at the verbal support.
“He’s right,” her dad said, always having her back. “But I think it’s time to talk this through.”
She thought back to what she’d promised Wes last night—that she’d give his family a chance.
“You’re right.” Summer grabbed the doughnut and headed out the kitchen door.
It didn’t take long to find her sister. Autumn was sitting in their favorite spot, the porch swing, with Buttercup at her feet, panting. The dog couldn’t be bothered to lift her head for a hello, but she did wag her tail in greeting.
“Can I sit?” she asked Autumn, who was still in her PJs, which she noticed matched Randy’s. “I come bearing gifts.” She held out the plate as proof.
“There’s a bite taken out of it,” Autumn pointed out.
“I got hungry between the kitchen and here,” she said, taking a seat and handing over the maple-glazed olive branch. “I saved the rest for you.” Her sister didn’t budge. “It’s the last maple one, you know, and instead of fighting you for it, I’m offering it to you. That’s love.”
“I guess we can split it,” Autumn said. “Since we both said some hurtful things last night.” Autumn put up a hand to her ear, likeI’m ready to hear what you have to say.
Not getting caught up on whyshehad to go first, Summer took a deep, cleansing breath. “I’m sorry.”
“And?”