Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
We’d passed the one-year mark of Montgomery’s death in quiet acknowledgment, all of us reaching out to Eric and the kids as they entered the second year of their journey without Montgomery’s large presence. And something seemed to have shifted within Eric in recent weeks, a return of his easier smiles and teasing nature. He’d always been the most serious of us and a silent leader, but he seemed less stoic these days.
“I’m glad.” Seeing my friend happy made my shoulders lift as I returned his smile. “You know you still have me, right?”
“Buddy, nothing is ever destroying our friendship.” Eric crossed the room to clap me on the shoulder. “You falling in love is a good thing, not a stressor. And with Rowan deciding against college, my financial pressures are a lot less. I’ll be okay when you move out.”
I made an indignant noise, but I wasn’t faking my shock. “Who says I’m moving out?”
“You will.” Eric met my gaze before glancing at my made bed where Declan had spent the majority of the last month. Oz was currently lounging on the couch, and okay, the basement was a little cramped for the two of us and slightly lacking in privacy, but we managed. “And all of us will be fine when you move on.”
“Yeah,” I agreed weakly. Unlike previously, the reminder that eventually I’d move on and not be as needed by Eric and the kids didn’t sting. I finally had more of my own life, my own future, and thanks to Declan, my own dreams.
“I fully expect Sean and Denver to need more space eventually too, and I’ll be the old, crotchety landlord with an ad up at the college for rooms to rent.”
“You’re not old. And you might find—”
“Some good renters.” Eric finished my sentence before I could renew my bid for him to think about dating. “You better hurry, or you’ll be late to the Murphys.”
“A mortal sin.” I took the hint and made my way upstairs to where Declan was waiting by his new truck. The sleek black full-sized truck was another sign that Declan was sticking around Mount Hope for a while, giving him something to drive other than borrowing vehicles and rugged enough for any local races he might want to attend over the summer as a spectator.
He drove across town to his grandparents’ house, Sean’s folks’ place, which they’d had as long as I’d known Sean, although they also now had a small condo in California. Between Sean, his sisters, and assorted other Murphy family and friends, we struggled to find a parking space on the street.
“Oh look, the neighbor is selling.” Declan pointed to a sign in front of an older split-level that looked like something out of a classic comedy. “Probably tired of all the Murphys parking on the street.”
“Probably.” I was way more nervous than I’d expected to be as we walked up the sidewalk. Sean and Denver must have arrived shortly before us because they were ahead of us on the sidewalk. They paused near the neighbor’s For Sale sign, deep in conversation. Perhaps Eric had been onto something there, but I had little time to contemplate as we were swept into an April shower worth of family greetings, food, Easter outfit admiring, and kid antics.
An hour in, and I was more exhausted than after an eighteen-hour shift. But so far, other than Sean giving us a noticeably wide berth, everyone had been nice, if overly talkative. I could see now where Declan had struggled to find his spot in this loud family, and I was glad to be the place where he could find quiet refuge. However, the Murphys were also good people who knew how to cook, and I enjoyed myself more than I’d expected.
“T minus fifteen minutes, and then we’re escaping for a drive.” Coming up beside me in the family room in the back of the house, Declan leaned in to whisper in my ear. “I think we’re both ready to bail.”
“I’m okay with staying as long as you want.” I gave a nominal protest even as I eyed the front door.
“Nope.” Declan chuckled. His sister was in town for the holiday, and she’d grilled him throughout most of the buffet-style meal. His eyes looked happy but tired, much as I also felt. “You’re overwhelmed, and so am I, and there’s something I want to show you before it gets dark.”
“That sounds promising.” As did getting away from the hectic party.
“But first, I need to hit the dessert table, or Grandma will have my hide. What can I get you?” He headed back toward the dining room.
“Surprise me,” I said as I followed. I would have joined him in picking out my own, but I caught sight of Sean in the living room, sitting by himself with a sleeping redheaded Murphy baby on his lap. “I’ll take anything without coconut.”