Page 43 of The Rules We Broke
She smiled with quiet pride. “You’re radiant, as always. But remember—you’re more than a beautiful face, Ella Lu.”
I leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back after church to make sure that procedure’s been scheduled.”
She gave me that sly grin that never failed to stir trouble or truth.
And I had a feeling we were in for both.
Chapter Seven
Onthedrivebackto Kaysville, I tried to make sense of Aunt Lu’s request—and her behavior. Why did she want me to stay through the holidays? And more importantly, why wasn’t she at all upset that Brady Jackson was pursuing me again?
Maybe she really was losing her mind. I hated the thought. But something didn’t add up. And I intended to find out what that was.
The church parking lot was packed, as usual.
It looked just as it had nine and a half years ago—same white siding, same picket fence wrapping around the property. The cars were newer, sure, but the church hadn’t aged a day.
I’d always loved this little church, especially in spring when the trees bloomed and flowers framed the perimeter like something out of a storybook.
Once upon a time, I imagined walking down its center aisle to Brady. He used to talk about getting married right after highschool. But we both knew that would’ve set our parents off. So, we planned for after college instead.
We were so naive.
Ugh. I needed to stop thinking about him.
It was bad enough I’d be seeing him inside those church doors. Worse that I’d agreed to stay in Kaysville through the holiday season.
I was nervous walking in. Coming back felt like opening a sealed box labeledDo Not Disturb.
I wished Aunt Lu were beside me.
I kept repeating:I’m an Eaton. I’m a successful author.I only have to survive this town for one month.And—why not?—I have more money than the Queen of England.
Not that it mattered. But I was grasping at any advantage.
Church was about to start, so I slipped through the back—on the right side, of course. Still, it was as if everyone had anticipated my arrival.
Heads turned as soon as I stepped inside. The right side, thankfully, was friendlier. I focused on them. Until I heard my name called out in a flurry of syllables and enthusiasm.
“Miss Ellie!”
I turned to see Caroline waving with both hands like she’d just spotted a real-life princess.
I smiled and waved. Her mom gently hushed her, ushering her back to the pew.
Then I saw the full Jackson clan. Brady. His parents. Benjamin and his family.
Brady waved.
Benjamin and his wife smiled.
His parents? Their icy glares could’ve frozen water. Not unexpected. But still—ouch.
I straightened my spine, summoned Aunt Lu’s spirit, smiled, and held my head high. Found a seat on the back pew. Sat. Breathed.
A few people smiled at me—including my old Sunday School teacher. It helped ease the nerves some.
The pastor stepped down from the pulpit and greeted me kindly. “Ms. Eaton, we’ve all heard about your aunt. How is she?”
