Page 17 of Take This Heart (Windy Harbor #1)

“She’s not the only one,” Grandma Donna says. “When you married my girl, you became my son too,” her voice cracks, “and you need all the family you can get right now.”

Dad exhales and his lip trembles as he nods. “Okay. You know there’s room for you here. I don’t think it’s necessary, but you’re welcome to stay.” He looks at me and sighs.

“It’ll be like a party,” I tell him.

He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, where I can’t get away with anything.”

“Darn tootin’,” Grandma Nancy says.

I get some work done and while Dad’s napping, I go into town for a little bit.

The grandmothers shooed me out the door, telling me I needed to get some fresh air.

The reporters gave up and hopefully that’s the last we’ll see of them.

I push into Cox Trading Post, and the little bell jingles.

I’m still stewing over the Milo-Camden-Tully lunch and instead of baking my feelings, I decided to come see Erin.

“Look who’s here,” Erin calls. “You look like you could use a hug or a wooden moose lamp. Maybe both.”

“I’m not opposed to either, although moose lamps are not typically my aesthetic.”

Erin taps her chin. “We just got a box of hand-painted mugs with raccoons wearing sweaters and sneakers.”

I give her a look.

“I know.” She lifts her hands. “Mom had to have ‘em. I tried to talk her out of the whole thing. But take a look. They’re weirdly cute.”

I go where she’s pointing and nod. “Huh.” I pick one up. “You’re right. They are cute.”

Next to the mugs are a line of T-shirts I haven’t seen yet. I pick one that says “Don’t Moose With Me” to be my new sleep shirt. At the counter, I put a bag of Cherry Sours on top.

“You doin’ all right?” Erin asks. “You’re awfully quiet.”

She rings me up but keeps studying me.

“I’m fine. Annoyed with my brothers at the moment, but fine. What’s up with you? You’re looking at me funny.”

“Nothing,” she says, a little too innocently.

“You know what’s cute? The Havanese puppies the Alexanders have right now.

They’re ready to adopt in a week. Carrie says they’re already potty-trained.

I think I’m gonna get one and you should too.

We’d have siblings and they could play with each other when we get together. ”

“It doesn’t feel like a good time for a puppy. I’ve been crazy busy.”

“It’s never a good time for a puppy, but it’s always a good time.”

“Is that going on your next T-shirt?”

“Maybe.” She smirks. “It could apply to a few things.” She points at me. “I’m not done with this topic. You need a puppy in your life. Your dad too. It’d bring him lots of joy.”

I tilt my head, eyes narrowing. “You might be onto something there. Dad would love having a dog again. It took him forever to get over Meggie, but this might really cheer him up.”

“I knew it. Yes. Meant to be. Here, this is Carrie’s number.” She jots down a number. “She asked me to help spread the word, so she’ll be excited to hear from you.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep thinking about it. Did you hear about all the reporters outside our house?” I ask.

She frowns. “No. What’s up with that?”

“I don’t know. Seems like some people in Windy Harbor might not be as glad that we’re updating the resort as we thought.”

“I haven’t heard anyone say anything negative,” she says. “And you know I’d hear it if it were being said.”

“It’s so weird. We’ve gotten calls all morning and then there were reporters out there—two stayed for hours.”

“That’s creepy. I don’t like that. I’ll mention it to my brother and I bet he’ll do regular drive-bys. You know Justin loves him some Whitmans.”

I grin and hug her. “Thanks. I already feel better.”

“That’s what I’m here for.” She leans in. “And don’t be too hard on your brothers. They love you.”

“Okay.” I sigh. “I’ll try.”

But then I get a text with a photo of them cheersing with their beer at lunch and am over all of them.

I guess Ava Piper was right—I am trite…and possibly predictable and self-indulgent too.

When I get home, I walk in with my things and everyone is standing there, looking sheepish, even Dad…like they’re up to no good.

“What’s going on here?” I ask, setting my things down. “You’re making me nervous.”

The door opens and Noah jogs in. “Did I miss anything?”

Tully shifts to the side and there’s something big behind them. It’s covered with a big blanket and Camden lifts the blanket to the side slightly, so I can see a large wooden crate with my name written on it.

“Is Dylan in there?” I ask, hopefully.

That cracks them up.

Noah lifts his phone and Dylan waves.

“I wish,” he says. “I’ll be home soon, but not quite yet.”

“We had something shipped to Cox and weren’t sure how we’d hide it from you, so we figured we may as well give it to you now,” Camden says, smiling at me.

“What is it?” I ask, excitement building. “You know I’ll never turn down a present.”

They all laugh.

“Dad has told us how much you’ve been doing, how helpful you’ve been, and—”

“She rarely leaves my sight,” Dad interrupts Camden.

“Try to sound a little less irritated by that, Dad,” I say, which makes him cackle.

“I love you, buttercup. Only you could make these days fun. I’ve loved this time with you.”

My eyes fill with tears. “I’ve loved it too,” I tell him.

“Okay, enough or we’ll all be crying,” Tully says.

“I’ve already started,” Grandma Nancy says, dabbing her eyes with tissue.

I squeeze her hand.

“Dad said you’re the reason his spirits have been so high, and the whole reason this project has gotten underway so fast is because of all the work you’ve put into it, and we just wanted to let you know that we’ve noticed and we’re grateful.” Camden tugs the blanket off the rest of the way.

I walk over and Milo hands me a crowbar. When I pull off the lid, I gasp. It’s a huge, gorgeous easel made of walnut. And on the front is a small engraved plaque that says G. Waters.

My hand flies to my mouth. “You guys…” I look at all of them, standing there looking so sweet and vulnerable. Even Milo looks like he’s set his cockiness down for the moment.

“I love it. I love you. Thank you,” I say, my voice breaking.

They swarm around me, hugging me until I’m swallowed up. When we finally break apart, my eyes meet Milo’s. He’s standing a couple feet away from all of us, looking on with a soft expression. His lips lift.

“Thank you,” I say again.

Sometimes feeling seen is all it takes to be okay.