Page 122 of The Way We Collide

Absolutely! Haddy’s going to love it and we’ll go halfsies!

Liv

I’ll tell him to do it then—I’m so excited!!!

I can’t wait to see y’all again!

My chest squeezes when I think about all the time we’ll spend with the Bradfords this summer.

I’ll miss Heather and Star and the group of friends I’ve made here in LA, but I can’t wait to be with our family, especially now that they’re really my family, too.

“That’s a big smile.” Hendrix walks into the kitchen, pausing to kiss the side of my head before scooping Haddy off the floor.

“I was just thinking I’m a real Bradford now.” I look up at him.

His expression warms, and he puts his arm around me, pulling me into his chest. “You always were.”

My hands are around his waist, and I think about everything that happened starting with Dylan’s wedding. From that first night, it felt like I was meant to be there.

“The first time I met Dylan, she felt like a sister to me.”

“My sister loves a big family.”

Haddy starts to struggle and squeal, and he steps back, putting her on the floor where she takes off in a fast crawl to the living room. We both laugh, and I shake my head.

“When she starts walking, we’re never sitting down again.”

“What’s this?” Hendrix picks up the large package on the kitchen table.

“Oh my gosh, can you believe it?” I hop over to him. “I got eighteen rolls of toilet paper for only two bucks!”

His nose curls. “You realize you’re a millionaire now, right? And you’re married to me… And Haddy isn’t even potty trained yet.”

“Waste not, want not!” I hold up a finger, digging in the cabinet for penne pasta.

“I don’t think that applies in this situation.”

“That’s a great deal.” I walk over to where he’s standing. “When I had Haddy, and I was living by myself, I’d have freaked out to find a deal like this. You’ve never had to worry about money like I did.”

“Actually, I have.” He pulls me into his arms again. “When my parents were opening Cooters & Shooters, their business partner ran off with all their loan payments. We were left with nothing but a huge debt.”

“What did they do?” A familiar fear squeezes my throat.

“They pinched pennies, Dad took a job painting houses and Mom did odds and ends.” He shrugs. “We had to go to the food bank a few times, but the restaurant took off, things got better… and now I can afford the good toilet paper. And so can you.”

My nose wrinkles, and I lean closer, whispering, “But it’s such a good deal!”

“That’s also why I always donate to the food bank and shelters—which is where I’m taking this tomorrow.”

“I told Haddy you were secretly sweet.” Rising onto my toes, I kiss his lips.

He releases me. “You’re not going to turn into a hoarder on me, are you?”

“No,” I laugh. “But I am going to cook our dinner, and we can watchThe Holidayfor our bedtime movie.”

“It’s after Christmas.” He walks into the living room to check on our wandering daughter.

“Haddy won’t know, and Jack Black’s funny.” I dig around for ingredients to make tomatoey pasta with beef tips and rosemary. “He talks aboutDriving Miss Daisy.”

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