Page 143 of If You Love Me

“Great. I’m glad we’re all on board.” I look to Lexi, and she smiles, giving me the go ahead. “Now that you girls are moved in, Lexi and I thought it would be a good idea if we came up with a list of house rules.”

“House rules?” Callie parrots.

“Yup. I think it’s important, now that we’re the Hammerstein-Forrester clan, that we have our own set of rules.”

“We get to help make them?” Fee asks skeptically.

“We’re a democracy, so we should all get a say,” Lexi confirms.

“Like if the dishwasher isn’t running, put your dishes in it instead of leaving them in the sink.” Fee gives her sister a look.

“Sometimes I’m in a hurry,” Callie says defensively, while grinning.

“The kitchen can have its own set of rules,” Lexi clarifies, “which are different from our family rules. So what are the things we want to make sure we always do or don’t do when it comes to respecting each other?”

“Never go to bed angry?” Fee asks.

“I love that one. Peggy and I had the same rule when she was growing up.” I write it at the top of the list.

“Okay, Callie, your turn,” Lexi says.

“Be kind and use kind words.”

“That’s a great one,” Lexi says.

“I didn’t make it up. It’s a rule in my class.” Callie drags her bacon through her maple syrup. I’m pretty sure she learned that from Peggy.

“Definitely a great class rule and house rule.” I add it to the list.

“Is it Lexi’s turn?” Callie asks.

“It sure is.” This feels good, like we’re part of a new team, working together to figure things out.

“Be accountable. That means when we do something wrong, we own our mistake and try not to do it again,” Lexi explains.

“It’s okay to make mistakes, though. We’re all human,” I add. “But when we say we’re sorry, we should always mean it.”

“Those are rules three and four, right?” Fee pops a blueberry into her mouth.

“Yup. Your turn again, Fee.” I write down rules three and four.

“Um…” She taps her lip. “How about always be honest with each other?”

“Love that one.” I jot it down.

Callie bounces in her chair. “Oh! Never say it’s too hard or I quit!”

“You sound like a true goalie.” I wink.

“It’s Lexi’s turn again,” Fee says.

“We always keep our word, to ourselves and to others,” Lexi adds.

I dip my chin in agreement. “It’s okay to fail, as long as we learn and try again. Okay, Fee and Callie, last two rules, what should they be?”

“Always have fun!” Callie shouts.

“Yes to that. I love it. Fee, what’s rule ten?”

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