Page 74 of Last Call

"Billie will support Dave's choice."

"It isn't thesafestchoice," Fallon admitted.

"Well, I think we've both learned that safety is an illusion."

"It’s a bit strange. Don’t you think? Us? The way everything turned out?"

"Is it? I don’t think so,” Andi replied. “We started as best friends, then fell in love. We didn’t take the chance to become partners when we could have, but we’ve always been like family. Every family I know is messy."

Fallon laughed. "That's an understatement."

Andi moved to Fallon's side and kissed her cheek. "I will always love you, Fallon. Nothing will change that. I know you're worried about Billie. Billie is the love of my life. She's the solid ground beneath my feet. Jacob and Dave love her."

"I know. That's why…"

Andi pressed two fingers to Fallon's lips. "Listen. That doesn't change who you are to the boys or what they mean to you. Billie knows that. It’s hard for her sometimes. And if you ask Riley, as much as she loves us both, it isn’t always easy for her. We have a long, complicated history, Fallon. You need to trust the solid ground beneathyourfeet. That’s what Riley is waiting to feel—that you’re not afraid something will rip everything away from you. Things will change, and none of us can stop life from unfolding as it will. Sometimes, we’ll disagree, and our relationships will experience strain—all of us. You need to trust that we’ll get through it together."

"Do you?"

"Yes," Andi replied. "I do. Accept Jacob's offer. He made it because he loves both you and Riley. Talk to Dave. Our kids are lucky, Fallon. My children had a small, devoted army to help raise them. You were a significant part of their lives for most of that time. You were there for them—and for me. Billie's presencedoesn't diminish that at all. Just as my role in Owen's life doesn't take anything away from Ida or Brenda. Our family is growing, and it's another change we need to embrace. We all need to carve out our places in each other's lives and make room for the new people who come along."

"I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Mm. You would be stuck with Carol's and Ida's advice."

Fallon laughed. "What do you say we head down to Murphy's?"

"Now?"

"Sure. When was the last time you and I sat at the bar together?"

"It has been a while."

"So? Come on. I'll make you a margarita."

Andi stood and grabbed her jacket from a hook by the door. "I'll go to Murphy's with you. You let Carol handle my cocktail," she said, stepping through the back door.

"Hers are not better than mine!" Fallon called after Andi.

"Come on, Fallon. You're driving!"

Fallon rolled her eyes and closed the door. "I have a feeling this could be a long night."

Ida watched as Owen concentrated hard on the pencil in his hand. In his four-year-old world,everythingrevolved around school—unless, of course, he spotted a toad, beetle, squirrel, bird, or, heaven forbid, a snake while playing in the yard.

The idea to give Owen “homework” had been Evan’s. Ida had to give him credit. His idea showed both creativity and heart. He’d drawn neat lines on a few sheets of paper and penciled in the outlines of every letter in the alphabet, telling Owen it was“practice work” just like what his cousins did in school. It was exactly what Owen needed: a way to feel included, important, and just a little more like his older cousins.

So far, Owen had managed a nearly perfect D and C. His A and B had gone a bit rogue, but she admired his effort. Now he was hunched over the page, tongue poking out the corner of his mouth, eyes narrowed in quiet determination as he tackled the letter E. His hand moved carefully along the pencil outline, tracing with as much precision as any four-year-old could hope to manage.

Ida smiled to herself. To Owen, this was the first step toward feeling a sense of belonging. Evan had understood that without needing to be told.

“Sweetheart,” she said softly, touching his shoulder, “you can finish later.”

Owen looked up, startled, then glanced down at his carefully half-traced E. “But Evan said it’s my work,” he whispered, as if stopping mid-letter might erase all his progress.

“You’ve got a big afternoon ahead,” Ida reminded him. “Pete will be here soon to take you to get Evan at school.”

Owen’s eyes widened. “Now?”

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