else, but compound their agony and pain with another family and that their father raised another man’s child as his own? I can’t imagine how things are going through that family right now. Either of them. I’m just glad it’s not something I have to deal with.”
“But you do. You’re married to Austin. I’m dealing with it, too. Flynne seems… not unsteady, but like he’s having short bursts of depression every now and then. Roman was going to call a special family meeting, but he just feels like everyone needs to be here, including Colt and Levi. It sounds like they’re up in Alaska doing a major search and rescue and they don’t want to come back right now.” Kali sighed, polishing off her donut and eyeballing another one. “All this talk about hard things is making that German chocolate donut look particularly satisfying.”
“Why do you think I brought a dozen?” Samantha wiped her now empty fingers on a napkin and arched an eyebrow. “You should be closing soon. What if we take these burgers, fries, and donuts to the house and watch The Man from Snowy River? I’m craving me some Jim Craig.”
“You just want to ogle him on the screen because he reminds you of Austin.” Kali reached out and pushed at her friend’s shoulder.
“Well, this is true, but don’t tell Austin that. He’ll let it go to his head and think he can start calling me Jessica.” Samantha rolled her eyes. “Come on. This is exactly what we need. We can put it to a vote. The baby will always side with Aunt Samantha. You know she will.”
Kali laughed. “You don’t even know what it is yet. You’re already calling it a girl? And I’m not fighting any of this. I would love a burger. I’m so hungry.” Her audacious statement made her grin. She’d just eaten two donuts and she was still hungry. Evidence that she was growing something spectacular in her body.
“I win. Just always make sure that baby knows it.” Samantha grabbed up the bags and boxes and led the way out of the barn.
Kali followed, making sure to turn off the lights and lock up. She glanced behind her and couldn’t help the surge of gratitude rushing through her at the thought that no matter what she encountered, she wasn’t alone. That was more than most people had.
And she wasn’t going to take it for granted.
Chapter 26
Amanda
What was Amanda doing? Inviting her therapist to live with her? Was she stupid or delusional or maybe she was trying to fix some kind of compulsory need to straighten out her origins?
Jennifer’s spiel left Amanda feeling… confused and wanted but also not needed. She didn’t know where she fit in and Jennifer had known exactly what she was doing when she’d left. She’d chosen her own selfishness and at the same time, Amanda didn’t blame her.
There was so much that was still unknown.
How could she demand from Jennifer what she didn’t understand herself?
She pulled into her normal parking spot at the house, watching in her rearview mirror as Tommy followed her in his truck.
He pulled up alongside her and turned off his engine.
Amanda climbed out of her truck and waved to Tommy as he did the same. He rounded his own rig, a backpack slung over his shoulder. “Are you sure this is okay? I don’t want to intrude.”
“It’s a big house. You’re not intruding.” Plus, Amanda looked forward to seeing him more. “Come on. I’ll show you around. It looks like my dad might be here. I’ll introduce you. He’ll love having a guy under the same roof, no matter how short of a time frame.” Amanda didn’t want to think about Tommy leaving, but she kept her thoughts to herself. She didn’t need to add more pressure to an already tenuous situation.
“Sounds good. If he doesn’t want me here, promise not to fight it. I can find another place to stay.” Tommy’s phone dinged, interrupting him. He pulled it out and glanced at the message and then put his phone away. His expression seemed a mixture of relief and disappointment. “Okay, lead the way.”
Amanda went through the front door and then into the kitchen. “This is the kitchen. The presence of the sink and oven would give it away.” She laughed and pointed at the fridge. “If you have any favorites, let me know and I’ll get them ordered in. We’ll also do dinner every night at six. I cook, but Cari comes back