Page 47 of Last Call

Fallon placed Hope on the floor with her toy car. She looked back at Riley. “She could stay here when our house is finished.”

“She could. I don’t think Beth loves the idea of asking you for anything.”

“Beth can ask me for anything. So can Barb. I’ve told them that.”

“Mm-hm. You can’t wave a magic wand or your deep wallet and fix this. Not this.Youknow it.”

“I don’t want to fix anything. I just want to help.”

“Yes, but your way of helping is to find solutions for everyone. I love you for it. We all love you for it. The best thing you can do right now is just let them come to you. Except maybe for Evan.”

Fallon cast her gaze towards the hallway. “I’m not sure what to say to him.”

“Let him know it’s okay that he sees Pete as a father figure.”

Fallon looked back at Riley, stunned.

“Evan adores you, Fallon. You’re his aunt. You’re Dean’s sister. He needsyouto be okay with it.”

“What do I say?”

“You don’t need my help with that,” Riley replied. “Just talk to him.”

“Now?”

Riley raised her brow. She started to respond when her phone rang.

Fallon held her breath.

“Hi,” Riley said. “Did you get a call?” she asked.

“No,” Andi replied. “I can’t sit still. Carol called. She said Ida just strolled into Murphy’s. Charlie is there, too. I thought maybe we could all meet there. Dave has been pacing.”

Riley looked at Fallon.

“What?” Fallon asked.

“Andi suggested we all meet down at Murphy’s. Your mom just got there.”

“My mom is at the bar?”

“I don’t think anyone wants to be alone,” Riley said.

“It’s already eight. What about Owen and Hope?”

“They’ll be fine.”

Andi chimed in. “I’ll bring the pack-and-play I bought for the baby,” she said. “Hope can nap—if she needs to.”

“Andi’s got it covered,” Riley said.

Fallon nodded. “I’ll get the boys. You take Hope duty.”

“Riley?” Andi asked.

“We’ll meet you there,” Riley promised. She scooped Hope up into her arms. “This family is a mess sometimes,” she said.

Hope grinned and babbled something that delighted her.

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