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Sophie laughs at that and takes the mic back.
“You know, it’s funny, because London and I were talking about bringing the team out here at some point for a couple of days of R&R. Anyone who wanted to come, that is. So, you never know. But be careful what you wish for.” She winks at Charlie and then takes the next question, which is thankfully back on topic.
For the next hour, I listen raptly and take notes on my phone about branding and social media ideas. I know that my business is vastly different from Sophie’s, but I think I can implement a lot of her ideas into my business to help it continue to grow.
Finally, Erin joins her cousin and gives her a big hug.
“Thank you so much,” Erin tells her. “Please come back anytime you want, even if it’s just to sit in on a meeting or for a visit. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too. London and I werealsotalking about bringing the cousins out for another vacation. It needs to happen sooner rather than later.”
“Bring everyone,” Charlie shouts, making us laugh again, and people start to stand and file out, headed back to their jobs and schedules.
When it’s just the five of us once more, with London and Sophie already saying their goodbyes and headed to London’s condo at the ski resort, Millie turns to me and wraps her arms around me for a big hug.
“Hey,” I say, awkwardly patting her back. “You’re not a big hugger.”
“I know, but you need one.” She pulls back, my shoulders still in her hands, and smiles at me. “You’re a good woman, and you’re perfect for my brother. I don’t care what those jealous women said earlier. I know they didn’t really mean to be snarky, but they kind of were anyway. And even though I think they’re gross, I know that most girls think my brothers are hot.”
She gags at that, making me giggle.
“I’m okay,” I assure her as Erin takes my hand. “For…reasonsin my past, I’m not good at being the center of attention. That’s what makes me the most uncomfortable. And I guess that I didn’t realize that being with Brady was going to make that happen sometimes.”
“You co-founded this whole thing,” Polly says with a frown. “We’re the center of attention a lot.”
“Weare,” I stress to her. “As a group. In photos and at events, we’re together as a unit. It’s not just me singled out. I’m proud to stand with you guys, but I’m not usually the spokesperson, if you think about it.”
“No,” Summer murmurs. “You’re not. And that’s okay.”
“It’s totally okay,” Millie agrees. “We’ve got you. And let the jealous types roll off your back. Brady’s is the only opinion that matters anyway. And from the gross looks he sends your way, I’d say he’s pretty much in love with you.”
“Yeah.” I can’t help the giddy smile that spreads over my face. “We’re going to build a house at the ranch.”
“WHAT?” they all exclaim at once.
“You’ve been holding out on us,” Polly says, rubbing her belly.
“Hey, are you okay?” I ask her.
“No, you’re holding out on us. Spill it. Everything. Tell it all.”
We take our seats once more, and I fill them in on the few hours Brady and I spent at the ranch and the property we chose.
“He wassonervous that at first, I thought he was trying to dump me.”
“Men,” Summer says, rolling her eyes.
“Right? He scared me for a minute. It’s so beautiful there, and he wants to get started on the house as soon as possible. First, we have to talk to whoever the people are who design those things and get the ball rolling.” I turn to Polly. “Brady mentioned that Ryan knows all about that stuff.”
“Oh, he knows,” she says with a nod. “And he will happily take that whole project over if you let him. He’s obsessed with building things and renovations. This will give him a new hobby to see to. Not that he needs one.”
“My brother is good at it,” Millie agrees. “He has expensive taste, but Brady can afford it.”
“I didn’t think Brady should have to pay for it all,” I admit. “I mean, I have some money from my late husband, but?—”
“Trust me,” Millie says, shaking her head. “Brady can handle it. I’msoexcited for you guys. All of you. I couldn’t have asked for better sisters.”
That strikes us all speechless, and then I can’t help the tears that come.
