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Rain

I decided to spend my first night without Xander in the RV he got for us.

There’s still some of the casserole he made, so I reheat it in the oven and pull out my phone while it warms.

A smile tugs at my lips as I scroll through our photos. It’s amazing how much we’ve done in just two months.

It’s nothing compared to twenty-eight years, but I can’t remember the last time—at least not in my adult life—that I’ve been this happy. My smile is big and bright in every single picture.

How did I ever think I could handle long distance?

The sheets smell like him, but his warmth isn’t here. His hard body isn’t curled around mine. His lips aren’t brushing my forehead, whispering I love you before I drift off.

With a sigh, I close the photo gallery and open my messages.

I need to let my siblings know I’m alive—before River starts a search and rescue op when I’m not in the usual parking spot tonight.

MacAllister Siblings Chat

Rain : Hey everyone. Just wanted to let you know, Xander left this morning for Raleigh. I’m okay. I’m staying in an RV he got for us. See you around.

I know what’s coming next—a flood of texts, full of questions, demanding details, and the inevitable When are we seeing you?

Maybe before Xander, I’d have been irritated by their nosiness. But now? I’m excited to share our plans with them.

Miles : A new RV? Fancy! Where did you park?

River : Exactly! Is it a safe spot? I can’t see your location on my phone.

I roll my eyes, but a smile spreads across my lips.

Rain : I’m at a lot that Xander bought. He left the RV here since there’s a hookup for water, electricity, and sewage. I’m all set. And I’m safe.

Miles : New lot? Is it near the new development by any chance? Rain : Yes!

Miles : Holy shit! So he was the guy who bought them.

Rain : Bought them?

Miles : Yeah. Xander bought the largest lot on the top of the mountain and the four surrounding it.

I gasp. Xander is crazy. Why would we need so much land?

River : Good to know you’re safe. Let us know if you need anything.

Ruin : OMG, yay! I’m so glad Xander got some land here. That can only mean he’ll build a house and you guys will stick around. *eye hearts emoji*

Rain : That’s the plan. But it might take a few years to get there. He’s hoping to get a contract extension.

Ruin : Well, the timeline doesn’t matter as long as you two are happy.

My chest warms at her words. Always supporting me.

Merlin : Oh, nice! I’m glad Xander is sticking around. He’s a nice guy. Happy for you, Rain.

Rain : Thank you, baby bro! I’m meeting his parents tomorrow. *peeking emoji*

Ruin : What? How? OMG, Rain. This is huge!!!

Rain : Yeah, we’re flying tomorrow morning to Boston, then driving to Cape Cod.

Ruin : Wait. Are you flying out of Raleigh? How are you getting there? Shouldn’t you have gone with him?

Rain : Well, yeah. He offered, but I told him I needed to stay. There’s a lot for me to take care of before taking the weekend off.

Miles : Ruin is right. What time is your flight?

Merlin : *eating popcorn GIF*

Rain : Guys, I’ll be fine. I just need to leave early. It’s okay. I’m a tough girl. *muscle emoji*

Ruin : Nonsense. Gio is calling the pilot now. You can take the helicopter in the morning.

Miles : Ohhh, the dough is rolling! *money emoji*

Ruin : Shut it, Miles. I’m just looking out for my twin! *manicure emoji*

Merlin : Attention people—Ruin has thrown the first punch! *boxing emoji*

Ruin : All set, Raindrop. The pilot has your number. He’s going to contact you to arrange the time you need to leave. *kiss emoji*

River : Thank you, Ruin. It was a smart move.

River : Have fun, Rain. I hope his family is nice. Let us know if you need anything.

Rain : Love you all. I’ll keep you posted.

Merlin : Party’s over. No fight. *whining emoji* You all are getting boring AF as you get older.

Miles : Shhh, baby boy. The adults are speaking.

Ruin : Sorry, baby bro. Some of us have more rewarding things to do than fighting over the phone with our siblings. *eggplant emoji* *peach emoji*

Merlin : Ewww, Ruin. You’ve scarred me for life. *sick emoji*

River : Merlin, how do you think Indigo and Sage came to be? By divine intervention? You’re definitely still a baby—and it shows. Good night!

Miles : Bahahaha. The old man still has it! Tough act to follow. G’night everyone.

Miles : And Ruin, tell Gio to wrap it up. As cute as my niece and nephew are, you already have two.

Rain : *laughing emoji* *laughing emoji* *laughing emoji*

Ruin : I’ll have you know, I’ll be happy to have a dozen kids with this man. *kiss emoji*

Miles : #CoolUncleEnergy #SingleAndReadyToMingle #CatchMeNeverHavingKids

Rain : Ohhh Miles, don’t jinx yourself. You might end up with a beautiful family and kids who call you Daddy and love you and adore you. #shudders

River : If you guys don’t stop texting, I’ll leave this group.

Merlin : Don’t worry, old man. I’ll add you right back. I’m more tech savvy than you. #winning

The oven’s timer goes off, and I set my phone on the table—my siblings never disappoint with the theatrics. I’ll catch up on their texts later. Right now, it’s time to enjoy the food my man cooked for me. A man after my own heart.

After dinner, I wash the dishes, get ready for bed, and spot a new text from the pilot. I reply quickly, letting him know my flight’s at ten in the morning. He texts back that we’ll leave at eight.

I’m beyond grateful I don’t have to drive three hours just to get there.