Page 18 of The Last Thing
“What do you think?”
I blink back tears yet again. I could say it’s hormones, but really, I’m processing everything.
“I really miss you.”
“Hallie…”
“I’m okay. The city just sucks without you and Kend. I don’t know how I’ll like small-town life, but I’m willing to give it a shot.”
“Really?” she squeals.
I laugh at that. “You’ve been trying to get me up there for a while now.”
“I know, but you never said yes.”
“Kend was still here.”
Frannie’s quiet for a moment.
“Now we’re both gone.”
I clear my throat. “Yep.”
“I’m sorry, Hallie.”
“It’s fine. I’m fine. You got your wish, and I’m coming to Ida. And please, don’t tell Kennedy I said anything about her leaving. I don’t want her to feel guilty. I’m glad she and Dev are finally together and living their best life.”
“I know you are. So… when will you be here?”
“What day is it? Friday?”
“You’re scaring me if you don’t know that, but yes.”
Ignoring that, I continue on. “Okay, then I’ll pack tomorrow and head up on Sunday.”
Again, she squeals. “I’m so excited. I can show you all the best restaurants. The coffee place and café down the street are the best. Oh, and we can go bug Justin and Jade in Woods Junction. I promise you, this is going to be amazing.”
Her excitement lifts my spirits a little. “I hope so. Anyway, I should get started organizing things. I love you.”
“Love you too. See you Sunday!”
Her cheery voice rings in my ears as she hangs up.
Looking around the room, I inhale deeply. This is it. New adventure. New start. Next chapter.
I pick up the stuffed bunny and stare at it for a moment. “What do you think, Veranda? Ready to find a new home?”
Maybe my baby’s first home.
Then I rub my hand over my flat stomach. I can’t believe there’s a baby growing in there. And now I’m packing up my life and moving to a small town that I’ve briefly visited twice.
What’s that saying? When it rains, it pours.
I guess I’ll find out if it’s the kind of rain that ends a drought or the kind that destroys everything in a flood.
CHAPTER SIX
WILSON
