Page 88 of The Wedding Run
CHAPTER 45
Libby
With the scent of freshly baked cookies filling the apartment with gooey warmth and memories of home and family, I share the story of Momma and me making cookies.
“I remember that tea party,” Charlie says. “Or maybe it was another one.”
“We used to have them often,” I tell her.
“I don’t remember.” Elle pouts. “But I should pull out Momma’s recipe book and see what I can find.”
I prepare instant coffee and start the kettle to boil water for Charlie’s tea. I consider telling them about my conversation with Aunt Barb but decide to keep it to myself. “Chasing after that teabag,” I tell them, “stirred memories about Momma. I should share more of my memories with you.”
Charlie lightly strokes Bailey’s head.
Elle gets out plates, napkins, and coffee mugs. “I’d like that. Of course, you could let me read Momma’s letter.”
“I don’t think so.”
Charlie rolls her eyes at Elle and shoves a cookie in her mouth. “What’s this?”
“A wedding present from Dad. I’ll return it.”
Elle carries her mug of instant coffee into the living room. She peeks at the edges of the taped paper and rips a corner. “Oops! Now you have to open it.”
She was never patient on Christmas morning or birthdays, tearing into packages like Sonic the Hedgehog and scattering paper as if a tornado had swept through the house.
With both sisters assisting, I unwrap the large box. It’s a barista espresso machine that handles everything from grinding beans to steaming milk. Perhaps it will clean itself and the apartment, too.
“Like you’ve always wanted!” Elle cries, giving me a quick hug.
“I have?”
“There’s a reason Dad and Elle wanted it for you,” Charlie explains, sniffing disdainfully at the instant coffee in Elle’s mug.
“This must have cost a fortune.”
“It’ll be worth every penny.” Elle sets her mug aside. “Let’s get this bad boy out and give it a whirl!”
“Dad needs to return it.”
“Why?” Elle argues. “You still drink coffee, don’t you?”
As the kettle begins to whine, Charlie returns to the kitchen but calls, “Maybe it will convert me to a coffee drinker. Luke’s coffee wasn’t half bad.”
“It was fantastic!” Elle gushes. “If you drank coffee regularly, caffeine wouldn’t bother you so much.” She digs into the box, tossing packing paper and foam everywhere. “This better have a huge owner’s manual.”
“Preferably in English,” I say.
She laughs. “There’s probably videos on YouTube.”
“Call Luke,” Charlie says from the kitchen, “to show us how to set it up.”
“We’re smart,” I protest. “We can figure this out.”
“Where’s your tea?” Charlie asks.
Elle squeals. “Oh, look at this!”
