Page 55 of The Ampersand Effect

“What?” Grove edged forward, eager for details.

Grier froze. She couldn’t formulate words. Of all the possible scenarios he could’ve supplied, this was not on her list of potential excuses. She stiffened, feeling the sting of inevitability. She had known this day would come, but it still hurt—knowing Grant was moving on, preparing to replace Nora in their home, perhaps even in his heart.

Grier blinked back tears. She didn’t want to cry. She needed to be supportive of Grant—she knew he was probably as emotional about moving on as she was. She just needed to process. She had always assumed he’d come to her first, that they’d talk about it, have an established game plan for Delta. She hadn’t expected to be ambushed by it.

“Grier, please don’t cry. I know what you’re thinking,” Grant pleaded.

“I’m sorry. I… just… I wasn’t prepared for that,” she stammered, swiping at her eyes with the cuff of her sleeve. She turned her head away, not wanting her siblings to see her pain.

“I’m not replacing her, Grier,” Grant choked out. Then, softer, “I’m going slow.”

Grove sat between them, obviously uncertain which one needed her support more right now.

A small, unbidden sob escaped Grier’s throat. Grove was beside her in an instant, a steadying hand on her shoulder.

“I can’t have both of you ganging up on me for this,” Grant pleaded, his voice edging toward desperation. “I… I’m lonely. Please. Please don’t punish me for trying to live again.” He swallowed, his next words barely a whisper. “Nora never wanted me to be alone. She told me to move on.” His voice cracked. “She told me to love again.”

Grier felt his hurt—and his need. She couldn’t judge him for that. After wiping her eyes on Grove’s shoulder, she crossed the room to where Grant sat and pulled him into a hug. His arms wrapped around her waist, clinging like a lifeline. She squeezed him tightly, hoping he could feel her support.

“I’m sorry. I was caught off guard, and my emotions got ahead of my brain.” She felt him ease a little in her arms. “I know Nora wanted you to move on. I’ve been trying to prepare myself for it, I just thought you’d come to me before you made the decision to put yourself out there. I’m sorry for how I reacted. I want you to be happy, Grant. And I’m grateful you’re starting to work toward that.”

Grant looked up at her, eyelashes wet with his silent tears. She saw his throat bob as he swallowed, searching for words. She released him and sat beside him, their arms and legs pressing against each other in quiet solidarity.

“You two are hot messes.” Grove leaned back against the couch, shaking her head. “I was briefly jealous that you bothhave lovers all of a sudden, but if this is what they do to you, I’ll just stick with the wilderness.”

Her timing worked—they both chuckled. “Can you tell us about her?” Grier asked gently.

“It’s still new,” Grant said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I— we—didn’t plan for anything to come of it. It started as a simple run-in, then texts, then accidentally planned encounters… a few lunch dates. This afternoon was the first time I’ve ever gone to meet her when Delta wasn’t in school. I knew it was a risk—but…” He laughed softly, blushing sweetly. “I’m smitten.”

“I knew Delta would be fine alone for a little while, and I figured you’d be home soon. I meant to text after I dropped her off, but I got lost in the excitement. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” He clenched his fists, resolving to correct his mistakes.

“You shouldn’t have to hide your whereabouts, Grant.” Grier’s tone was soft but firm. “I can cover for you in the future, until you’re ready to share her with Delta. But you have to let me know, so I’m not left worrying.”

“Yes, I know. I’ll communicate with you from now on.”

Grove scoffed, reclining on the couch. “You still haven’t told us about her. Details. Now.”

Grant laughed. “She’s beautiful. And kind. You’ll both love her—Delta, too.”

“More, brother. Details,” Grove demanded.

Grant hesitated, and Grier could feel his uncertainty. She rested a hand on his thigh.

“Ignore her.” She shot a reproving look at Grove. “You can keep her to yourself as long as you need. I understand needing time—and space—to sort yourself out.”

He smiled softly. “We’re taking it slow. I think it’s best if I don’t share too many details yet. But I hope that changes. Soon.”

“You two are killing me with your cautious, methodical approaches to the women in your lives.” Grove crossed her arms,petulant. “Don’t you ever just want to throw her up against a wall and kiss her stupid while she rakes her fingers through your hair?”

Grier glanced sideways at her brother, both their mouths agape before they turned back to Grove and exclaimed, in perfect unison, “Yes!”

Grove shook her head, muttering under her breath, “Savages, the both of you.”

Grier returned to work on Wednesday feeling renewed from her time off with family. She missed having her sister close but was grateful for the visit. They’d crammed so much into the past few days that, although she was tired from the constant activity, she already missed Grove’s presence.

She stopped by the nurse’s station on her way to the break room, preferring in-person updates on her patients to the treatment notes she could read on her computer.

One of the nurses greeted her on sight, “Good morning, Dr.