Page 124

If you’re listening, thank you, Mama and Dad. For everything. Especially for loving me.
With that, I can't help but feel that glimmer of hope burst into something brighter.
CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
According to Forbes, a collapse in home sales spurred by rising interest rates will continue into next year. On the bright side, a lesser demand for existing homes will allow those of you with a handy nature to personalize your dream home.
—Beautiful Today
The “For Sale” sign goes up in the front yard of Fallon’s mother’s house five days later. For the last three, there’s been an estate sale. I’ve been on the phone with Austyn continuously while Fallon took off for parts unknown. She assured me, “Fallon went through everything at her mother’s house, Uncle E. Truly, if she wanted it, she’s boxed it up.”
“But what about the house itself?”
My niece sputters. “Are you offering to buy her mother’s home for her?”
“If she wants to hold onto the memories, yes.” I’m standing outside the three-bedroom, two-bath with the detached garage.
“Oh, Ethan.” I hear my sister’s voice through the line.
I grunt. “A little heads up I’m on speaker next time, kid?”
Austyn makes a non-committal sound. “Ungrateful brat.”
“Love you too, Uncle E.”
Paige jumps in. “Ethan, while I think your gesture certainly shows you’re thinking about Fallon?—”
“Way more than before you completely screwed things up!” Austyn shouts.
“Yes, well. Austyn’s right. You still need to explain why things happened.”
I sit down on the front stoop of her mother’s home and warn, “The first person who will hear the full explanation will be Fallon.”
“I think that’s fair. Would you like to speak with a professional?”
“No, Paige. It was work.”
“Work?” Paige parrots.
“Work. And no, I can’t, nor will I, get into more than that unless I’m speaking directly with the woman I love.”
“Then what’s the house about, Ethan?” she queries.
I answer unhesitatingly. “She’s just lost so much recently. Too much. I...I didn’t want her to lose this too. If it was important to her.”
There’s a distinct sniffle in the background. Paige clears her throat. “Well, I think your motives are genuine. Don’t give up, Ethan.”
“I won’t. You’re certain about the house?”
Both Paige and Austyn come back with, “Very!”
“Fine.”
“But, Uncle E.?”
“Yeah, kid?”
“It’s nice to see you’re using your heart to think.”