that first month or so after the accident.”
“That’s normal, Kyle. It’s part of the healing process. Do you remember what it was like for us when Mom died?”
He nodded. “I do, and like I said, I get it. But it’s hard watching them both hurt so damn much.” Pausing, he decided to voice what had been bothering him the most. “I’m afraid the therapist is going to tell Sydney that I’m not helping and that she should break up with me.”
“Dude, that’s crazy. Come on, why would you even think that?”
“I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve tried to make plans with them—either for all three of us to go out or just me and Syd—and I’m getting the brush off. Like...a lot. All of a sudden, I’m feeling like I’m not so sure things are going to work out.”
“Man, I’m sorry. That’s got to be rough. But you know you’re going to have to talk to Sydney about this. It’s not going to be comfortable, but you can’t keep putting it off. Otherwise things won’t work out.”
“I know.” He let out a long breath. “Maybe when I bring them home tonight I’ll be able to broach the subject.”
“Can I offer you a bit of advice?”
He nodded.
“Don’t do what I did. I put off talking to Violet and then thought it was a good idea to confront her at Dean’s wedding with all my insecurities and demands.”
With a smirk, Kyle said, “I remember.”
“Good. Then learn from my mistake. Trust me.”
“I will. I swear.”
“Good. Now help me figure out how to quickly add more space to this house. We’re not prepared to move, but a small addition is essential before the baby’s due.”
They stood and Eli came running over and jumped into Hunter’s arms. Haley wasn’t far behind, looking a little tired.
“You’re looking a little beat, Hales,” Kyle said, reaching out and wrapping an arm around her. “You gonna make it through dinner without falling asleep?”
“Ha, ha,” she mocked. “You’re so funny.”
“Yeah, we all tell him that about his looks,” Hunter chimed in, making Haley laugh. “But seriously, Haley, thanks for running around with this little guy. I know how exhausting he can be and especially after a day like you’ve had.”
Kyle looked and saw her blush.
“Violet and I were blown away by all your sets. You did a great job and you should be proud of yourself.”
Her blush deepened and she murmured a “thanks” before excusing herself to go inside to get something to drink.
Once she was out of earshot, Kyle shook his head. “I seriously adore her, but…I wish she were young like Eli.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know…like maybe this all wouldn’t be so hard on her, and maybe it would make things easier for Sydney and me.”
“Dude, you did not just say that,” Hunter said with a hint of disgust. “Are you seriously being pissy because you can’t spend the night over there?”
“Oh, please. Don’t go acting all sanctimonious with me. You know you struggled with the same damn thing when you and Violet started dating. You were pissy because you didn’t feel right letting her sleepover when Eli was home, so don’t act like it’s just me being a jerk.”
“Fine. Fair enough.” He kissed his son on the cheek before putting him back down and sending him into the house to get a drink too. “It just sounded way worse coming out of your mouth.”
Kyle couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “You’re hysterical.” Before he could say anything else, the back door opened and their brother Dean and brother-in-law Mason walked out smiling. And just like that, the conversation was over.
The Jones family was very loud.
And also very sweet.
Considering how Sydney had opted to move far away from her only sibling and their parents, she had no idea that this sort of family dynamic existed.
“I cannot believe you are best friends with Mia Kingsley!” Scarlett said excitedly while they were all sitting around the table for dinner. “That is so cool!”
All Sydney could do was nod.
“And they’re making her books into movies!” Courtney, Dean’s wife, chimed in. “Are you going to get to go to the movie set with her since you’re her assistant?”
“Um…I don’t think so…”
“Well that kind of sucks,” Scarlett said with a pout. “Are they filming up in Boston?”
“That’s the plan for at least some of the shoots. According to Mia, a lot of it will be done on a sound stage in L.A., and the location shoot in Boston will only be a small