Page 49 of To the Chase

“Yeah.” She put her index fingers together. “Like, they should be in a relationship. It would be so cute. Neighbors and friends to lovers! And Ben and Bea sound so adorable together, don’t they?”

I stared, completely thrown.

“Notthatadorable,” I muttered.

She laughed. “You wouldn’t get it. You’re not a romantic like me, Uncle Sally. When you meet them, you’ll see. It’s kind of perfect.”

I disagreed. Vehemently. Nothing about Bea being with some airheaded rugby player was perfect. He might’ve been muscular and conventionally attractive, but she needed someone who challenged her mind. Surely, this man held no appeal for her. If she were dating him, she would have mentioned him to me, toAnthony.

“Uncle Sally?” Scarlet called, jerking me out of my head. “You’re staring into space.”

I forced a smile, scrubbing my hands down my face. “Sorry. Too many changes at once. My mind is struggling to keep up.”

She nodded. “I get it. Tally and Lace were having a dance party with Grandpa this afternoon. At first, it was fun, then all the noise and scream-singing became too much. That’s why I came to my room to work on my picture. Sometimes I need quiet to recenter myself.”

That was her mother speaking. Tia had been the most empathetic person I had ever known. She could put herself in anyone’s shoes and make them feel comfortable being themselves.

My sister would be proud of who her daughter was becoming.

“Sometimes I need that too,” I agreed. “Especially after a Tally and Lace scream-sing session.”

“Right?” She giggled. “They don’t sing well, but they sure are loud.”

“Neither has any shortage of confidence.” Her laughter was a balm. Hearing it flow freely after too many days filled with tears and despair made everything worth it. Not that I would tell her that. It would make her self-conscious, and I wanted her to continue to shine.

“Do you like this house, Scar?”

Her laugh subsided, turning into a sincere smile. “I really do. I like that we got to customize it for us. The old house was nice, but this feels like it’s really ours. I think Grandpa’s going to be really happy having his own private apartment too. He needs that, don’t you think?”

I returned her smile, even as a swell of sadness rose on my chest. My sister would have loved to be the one having this conversation with her, but she would never have the chance. It wasn’t fair, not for any of us. But I always remembered how lucky I was to be the one here with these children.

“Yes. I think so.”

“But I’m glad he’s still close,” she added.

“He wouldn’t have it any other way.” I exhaled through the tightness in my chest. “Neither of us wants to be anywhere but here with you guys.”

Scarlet nodded, then turned her attention back to her tablet, and I took that as my cue to leave. I stood, giving her shoulder a quick pat.

“Don’t spend too much time on that. You’ll strain your eyes.”

“I won’t,” she promised. “Just a few more finishing touches.”

I walked back down the hallway, Lacey’s chatter and Talon’s enthusiastic narration of everything he did floating from the living room along with the faint hum of Frank Sinatra—my father’s contribution to the day’s soundtrack.

This house was full of life, sounds, chaos.

As I rejoined the rest of my family in the living room, I realized I hadn’t felt alone in a long time.

What used to be my default was now so rare, I couldn’t remember the last time it had happened.

And I didn’t miss it. Not ever.

Chapter Eighteen

Bea

Iwasstupid.