Page 11 of Heartbeat Harmony (Hearts in Hawthorne #2)

“I’ll take these up to Autumn’s old room,” he told them. She knew her mother had turned Summer’s bedroom into a craft room after the twins had flown from the nest, while her room had become a guestroom.

“Mine’s a little heavy,” Summer warned.

Dad grinned. “This old man’s been working out, I’ll have you know.” He picked up the larger suitcase and grunted. “I see I’m going to get an additional workout carrying these up the stairs.”

“Don’t complain,” Mom said. “Our girls are home. I’m just so happy to see you both together. Oh, when you pulled up, I called in an order to Pizza Palace.” She looked at Summer. “And I don’t want to hear how New York pizza is the best in the world.”

“It is really good, Mom,” Summer said. “But since Mario and Mischa are from New York, their pizza is pretty darn amazing as it is. Now trying to get a good bagel in Hawthorne?” she sniffed. “That’s another story.”

Mom laughed. “I have to agree with you on that. That bagel place you took us to on our last visit was wonderful.” She looked to Autumn. “I brought a dozen home with us on the plane. They say it’s something in the water in New York that affects the bagels. I believe it.”

Dad returned downstairs, opening a bottle of wine and pouring everyone a glass. The pizza arrived, and they gathered in the kitchen.

“I have some good news,” Autumn began. “First, I’ll return to Houston on Sunday because my divorce petition will be heard Monday. Basically, it’ll be a rubber stamp kind of thing.”

“I know you’re hurting, honey,” Mom said, sympathy in her eyes. “But you’re still young. You have a lot of living ahead of you.”

“I agree. Because of that, I’m going to be leaving Houston. I’m also going back to my maiden name.”

“Sutherland is a good one,” Dad agreed. “I think simply not having to introduce yourself as Ferris will help put distance between you and that boy.”

“He’s not a boy, Dad. He’s a grown man. A doctor and a cheater. I’m better off without him. I know that.”

“Where do you plan on moving?” Mom asked. “I know you probably have your pick of places. Everywhere seems to be short of nurses and teachers here in Texas.”

“I had an interview today and have accepted a job at the new Hogan Health hospital opening soon here in Hawthorne.”

Her parents looked stunned. Then Mom squealed with joy, jumping up to hug her. They both congratulated her. Dad poured more wine and made a toast. “To a new chapter and new start for our sweet Autumn.”

They clinked their glasses together, and Mom said, “I’m thrilled for you, honey. Was it for a staff nurse or charge nurse position?”

“I interviewed for charge nurse, but Dr. Carson decided I would suit better in the position of Director of Nursing. I’m going to be in charge of all the nurses at the facility,” she said, her excitement obvious to her family.

“That’s remarkable, Autumn,” Dad said. “A great deal of responsibility. Tell us what you’ll be doing.”

She walked them through what Eli had told her regarding the job description, and Dad likened it to many things he did as a school superintendent.

“We couldn’t be more proud of you,” he said.

“When do you start?” Mom asked eagerly.

“Next Wednesday.”

“Oh, you’ll need to live here for a while then,” Mom said matter-of-factly. “That will give you time to find something. Rentals are scarce now. Even if you want to buy a home, not much is on the market.”

“I don’t want the commitment of buying just yet,” she said. “I am tired of apartment living, though, after all these years. Maybe I can find a small house to rent and take some time before I buy a home.”

“Meanwhile, I’ll be living in my miniscule Brooklyn apartment,” Summer bemoaned. “I can practically touch all four walls if I stand in the center of it.”

“She’s not joking,” Dad confirmed. “I cannot believe what they charge in rent there. It’s outrageous.”

“My publisher is thinking about letting more people work from home,” Summer said. “If I get the chance to do so, I will. I could work from anywhere.” Her gaze met Autumn’s. “Maybe even Texas.”

She threw her arms around her twin. “I hope that’s the case. Maybe we could be roommates.”

“You always said I was too messy, Autumn, but living in a couple hundred square feet, I’ve had to change my ways. I’ll keep you posted on what happens.”

After dinner, they continued to sit at the table, helping their mother make some table decorations for the upcoming wedding.

Mom told them that BBQ Bliss would be catering the small affair, and Autumn couldn’t wait to sink her teeth into some good brisket.

Flint hadn’t liked barbeque of any kind, and so she had rarely eaten it.

Summer began yawning, and Mom said, “You’re on New York time, so you should go to bed. You, too, Autumn. You’ve been working around the clock. You need to be rested up for the wedding and then your new job.”

“I don’t want to talk about that this weekend,” she said. “It’s West and Kelby’s time to shine. I’ll tell them about the divorce and new job after the wedding.”

She went up the stairs, arms linked with Summer. They got ready for bed and then climbed into the queen-sized bed. Summer linked her fingers through Autumn’s.

“I’m so glad you’re gaining your freedom,” her twin said. “And coming home to Hawthorne.”

“Me, too,” she said softly, drifting off to sleep, feeling safe and happy for the first time in years.