Page 76 of The Art of Being Merry
“You thought he was going to give you a car for free? Oh, child. Where did I go wrong?” Autumn’s head shakes from side to side. “We should go. You’ve got homework to finish.”
I put Jace down and walk them to the door. Shania spins on her heels. “Anytime you need an escape, let me know. Apparently, I’m going to need lots of money if I want to drive myself anywhere.”
Again, I stifle my laugh. Oh to be fifteen again.
“I’ll keep it in mind.” My mind drifts to Dax, imagining what his thoughts would be if he heard her. Left to his own devices,he’d probably buy her the car as payment for free babysitting. “See you soon.”
Closing the door behind them, I turn and find my sister’s blue eyes behind her glasses scrutinizing me. “The boys need a quick bath. There’s beer in the fridge. Help yourself and make yourself comfortable. How long are you staying?”
“Until I get out of you where you’ve been this evening.”
“I thought you had something you needed me to look at. Wasn’t that your original reason for stopping by?”
“Yes, and girl talk. I haven’t seen you in a few days.”
I put my hand over my heart. “Willafred, did you miss me?”
“Always, Clementine.”
My full name sounds so much better leaving Dax’s mouth.
Fifteen minutes later, the boys are bathed and in bed. I settle onto the couch. Willa’s got her feet tucked under her and a bottle of beer in her hand. I shudder about drinking from the bottle. Gross.
“What’s this you need my opinion on?”
“New artwork for my next book. Have you had a chance to read it?”
“Yep, finished it this weekend.The Clockwork Caperis still my favorite, but I enjoyed this one. The twist at the end was clever.”
“It was. Wish I could take credit for it.” Her lips turn into a frown, giving me a clue why.
“Beckett?” I guess. Since she’s been with him, he’s been a great sounding board.
“Yes. I should be more appreciative, but I’m envious he had the good idea. Off the cuff, too. Like no time spent on it. Infuriating.” She’s smiling now, the love for her husband exuding off.
I hide my envy of her relationship with him. She deserves him, the life they’re building, all the good things coming her way personally and professionally. She deserves the world.
I nod to the beer. “So guessing you’re not pregnant?”
“Nope. Not for lack of trying.” She waggles her brows. I deserve it. I stepped in it by asking the question. As much as theywant a baby, it’ll happen when it’s supposed to happen. “So, want to tell me where you were tonight?”
“Out shopping. The craft store in Dunford is pretty cool. I wanted to buy one of everything.” I laugh, hoping to hide the nerves leaking through.
She leans closer and quirks a brow. “And the whole ‘get dressed’ part?”
I’m thankful it’s quiet so the boys won’t hear our conversation. “Trying on clothes at Old Navy. Nothing fit the way I wanted,” I tack on, preventing her from asking to see what I bought.
“Have you been to the boutique on Main Street? Frannie is a miracle worker. She’ll have something for you.”
I roll my eyes. “This coming from the woman who lives in leggings and sweatshirts.”
“She dresses Evelyn. Better?”
“Fair. I’ll add it to my stops this week.”
“What else is on your agenda this week? Work busy? Want to get lunch one day?”
“I’m finishing up a few projects so that I can take the week of Christmas off. Lunch sounds excellent. Oh, I tried Cobble Glen tonight. You weren’t kidding about the deliciousness.”
