Page 17 of Last Call

Fallon threw her hands into the air.

“As I understand it, Pete, Dale,andJacob all offered to act as a donor for you and Riley.”

“And?”

“They’re hardly strangers.”

“Pete, Mom?”

Ida chuckled. “Pete is one of your best friends, Fallon. He is one of the kindest, hardest working, and most decent men I’ve ever met.”

Fallon sighed.True.

“I can understand why you wouldn’t feel comfortable with Dale. We all know his feelings for you ran deep for years.” Ida said.

“I know they are all sincere about their offers,” Fallon said.

“Maybe you should talk to Riley about your possibilities—possibilities that don’t involve Dean.”

Fallon’s gaze narrowed. “You mean Jacob’s offer.”

Ida shrugged.

“Jacob is a kid.”

“No. Jacob isAndi’skid. He isnota child. And he shares a special relationship with both you and Riley,” Ida said.

“Yes. He thinks of Riley like a big sister‚ so does Dave. I know.”

Ida smiled.

“Oh, no. Come on. That would makeAndiour kids’ grandmother!”

“Fallon, AndiisOwen’s grandmother in every way that matters,” Ida said. “I know it feels a little strange for you. Riley doesn’t have close relationships with her family. Andi is like her mom. We both know that. And Andi loves Riley just as much. Believe me, Fallon, that wasn’t easy forher. She was in love with you once. Becoming so close to Riley was painful for her.”

Fallon sighed heavily. “And you think it would be a good idea to put Andi in this position?”

“I can’t speak for Andi. I know her differently than you or Riley. And I know you. Fallon, you and Andi will always love each other,” Ida said. “You can’t erase what you shared with her. Time passes more quickly with each minute that goes by. You’ve both moved on—found the person who fits with you. You love Riley. Andi loves Billie. Everything worked out. But you and Andi will always share something beyond friendship. There is an undercurrent to your relationship that only people who’ve been in love can claim. Riley knows that. Billie does, too. They aren’t threatened by the past you share with Andi.”

“I know that, too.”

“I don’t imagine Riley will suggest accepting Jacob’s offer.”

“But you think she’d like to,” Fallon said.

“I think having that kind of connection to Andi means something to her.”

“How does that differ from how I feel about Dean being our donor?”

“What do you mean?” Ida asked.

“Won’t Owen feel left out again?”

“I don’t think so. I adore Owen. Owen is closer to Andi and Billie. Your father was your person when you were growing up. Dean was closer to me. Riley never had a person as a kid. Sheloves Brenda and Doug, but you know as well as anyone that she has always felt like an outsider in her family. Andi isherperson. Andi is also your best friend. There’s a reason Owen gravitated to her. And there’s a reason she is so attached to him.”

“I never thought about it that way.”

“Why would you? I’m an outside observer,” Ida said.

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