Page 91 of The Rules We Broke
We didn’t stay much longer. Aunt Lu’s energy flagged, and I didn’t want to push.
Before we left, Brady made a final move.
He took her hand gently. “It was really lovely to see you, Luanne. Ellie and I are excited for you to come home so we can spend more time together.”
I saw the slightest hesitation—like she wasn’t sure whether to pull back or let the moment stand. And for half a heartbeat, I thought she might say his name. Her lips twitched. Maybe a “B.” But it passed.
“Well,” she said, “just make sure you take care of my girl. Don’t keep her out too late.”
“I promise,” Brady said quietly, letting go.
I bent close and whispered, “Thank you. I love you.”
She gave me that signature Aunt Lu look. “I love you more than air, Ella Lu.”
In the hallway, I slid my arm around Brady’s waist. “There’s always tomorrow.”
He exhaled, brushing a kiss against my head.
“I thought I almost had her.”
“Me too.”
Maybe next time.Well . . . probably not.
Chapter Sixteen
Carolinehadn’texpectedme,so when she opened the door, surprise lit up her entire face. She skipped right past her uncle and leaped into my arms. Brady put on a show of wounded pride, clutching his heart dramatically, but his eyes gave him away—he loved it. So did I. If only the adults in our family could be half as accepting.
Caroline squeezed my cheeks in her tiny hands. “Are you still coming to my class next week for show and tell?”
I tried to respond through the cheek-squish. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
I glanced at Brady, who stood watching the scene like it was the best thing he’d seen all week.
“Caroline,” I said, “would it be okay if I brought your Uncle Brady with me?”
She nodded like I’d offered her front-row tickets to a princess parade.
Her mom, Kendra, appeared in the doorway, visibly pleased—whether for us or for her own social advantage in the Jackson family, I wasn’t sure. But I also knew she genuinely cared. That warmth didn’t need decoding.
I set Caroline down just as Brady swept her up again, earning another burst of giggles.
Kendra hugged me and whispered, “I had a feeling about you two.”
“Thanks for the chocolate-covered strawberries and hot chocolate.”
She laughed, and Brady shot us a curious look.
“What’s so funny?”
“Privileged information,” Kendra teased, brushing him off with a grin.
Brady didn’t press. “C’mon, Caroline—go grab your shoes,” he said.
She dashed off, her ponytail bouncing.
He simply took my hand, threading his fingers through mine.
