Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
While we finish our hot chocolate, I ask, “How are Natalie and Brady?”
“They’re good. Natalie found a new job, so she’s currently working her notice period. She’ll be closer to home, and it pays more.”
“Oh my gosh! That’s such good news. I’ll send her a text to congratulate her.”
An apprehensive expression ghosts over my brother’s face, and I already know what he’s going to ask.
“Just give me a little more time,” I answer his unspoken question. “Levi’s been taking care of the garden, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
“I’m not worried about the garden. It’s been over a year, and you seem to be doing so much better. We need to talk about selling the house.”
My heartbeat speeds up, and my palms grow sweaty. Even though my anxiety spikes, it doesn’t spiral out of control and into a full-blown panic attack.
Surprise ripples over Jordan’s face. “You’re actually okay to talk about it.”
I shrug while I breathe through the anxiety. “Yes, but I’m not ready to sell. Can you give me six months? I want to prepare myself emotionally before I go to the house.”
Jordan nods as he leans in to hug me. “I can wait six months.”
Pulling away, I climb to my feet. “Let’s go next door.”
He darts up and hurries to the kitchen to place his mug in the sink. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”
A chuckle escapes me, and as we step out into the cold, Jordan places his arm around my shoulders. “I’m happy for you, Kelcie.”
“Thank you for being patient with me over the past fifteen months.”
“It feels like I should’ve done more for you, but I didn’t know how to help.”
“I know. Don’t forget that you were dealing with your own grief as well. We both did the best we could.”
He presses a quick kiss to the side of my head as we reach Levi’s back door. I knock once before opening it, and I gesture for Jordan to follow me inside.
Suddenly, Lick starts barking, and the sound of nails slipping on the floor sounds up. The instant she barrels into the kitchen, I hold up my hand to show her to stay.
She stops running, her eyes on Jordan.
“Just hold your palm out so she can sniff you,” I tell my brother.
He leans down and does as I say. Lick takes one sniff, then her tongue darts out and she slobbers all over Jordan’s hand.
“And that’s the reason her name is Lick,” I mention, laughter tumbling past my lips.
“Hi, Jordan.” Levi’s tone is much quieter than it usually is when he talks to me.
My head snaps to where he’s standing in the doorway, and noticing his discomfort at having Jordan in his personal space, I walk to him and link my arm through his.
“Hi,” Jordan chuckles while glancing between his spit-covered hand and Levi. “I’d shake your hand, but your dog just went to town on mine.”
I point at the sink. “You can wash your hands there, and Levi doesn’t touch people.”
“Oh, right. I forgot.”
While Jordan washes his hands, I go to the paper towel roll and rip two off for him.
Smiling, he takes them from me, then turns his attention to Levi and says, “Kelcie tells me the two of you are dating.”
Levi nods. “We are.” He gestures at the coffee machine. “Would you like something to drink?”
“I’m good. We just had hot chocolate,” my brother replies.
Before things can get too awkward, I suggest, “Let’s sit in the living room.”
We move to the other room, and once we’re sitting on the couches, Jordan’s gaze lands on the shelf. He gets up again and moves closer, looking at the books and awards with admiration.
He gestures at one of the toy cars I got Levi for his pretend birthday. “I loved playing with these as a kid.” My brother takes a deep breath, then glances at Levi. “Kelcie told me not to make a big deal of it, but I have to say I love your books. I own every single one.”
I look at Levi, seeing the discomfort ghosting over his face, but the corner of his mouth lifts. “Thanks.”
“Are you still writing?” Jordan asks as he goes to sit on the other couch again.
“Yeah. I struggled with writer’s block until Kelcie came into my life. That’s why there’s been such a long break between books.”
Jordan grins at me. “So all his fans should be thanking you.”
I shrug, a wide smile on my face as I joke, “Oh, definitely.”
I begin to relax because it’s going much better than I thought it would.
Jordan changes the subject, asking, “Have you replaced the battery in your car yet?”
I shake my head while letting out a sigh. “I’ll call Malakai and Asher this week and have one of them come out.”
My brother glances at Levi. “You need to keep an eye on her car, or she’ll let it fall apart in the garage. It needs a service.”