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McCrae scoffed. “Wow, bro. That was pathetic.”
I elbowed my brother, making him laugh harder. I turned to Ella. “Well … what do you say?”
She scowled at me. “I told you we should wait.”
“To come to church and Sunday dinner?” McCrae asked with a snort. “Why?”
Ella raised her eyebrows.
“What? You don’t think all of us could call this?” He wagged his finger between us. “Well, we hoped, anyway.”
I didn’t know how Ella would react, but she seemed to relax. “Really?”
He casually put his arm around her. “Are you kidding? This guy needs you. He’s been out of sorts without you.”
I frowned at him.
She frowned too, not seeming convinced. “I’m the one who’s been out of sorts. I’m the one to blame.”
“No one’s to blame.” I flashed a smile at her. “To my brother’s point, why not just come to church and family dinner?”
She cringed, then laughed. “Fine.”
I felt like I’d won a prize. “Great.”
McCrae laughed. “I’ll get out of your hair and see you both later.”
We walked him to the door, but Ella suddenly stopped, staring at the bookcase. Hesitantly, she stepped toward it and picked up a photo on display. “This picture wasn’t here before.” It was another picture of her whole family: Ella, her brother, her mom and dad, and her grandparents.
“Really?” It seemed so strange that another picture would appear.
She shook her head, clearly upset. “I don’t know if it was here last night too, or if someone put both of them here.” She looked around, like someone would jump out at us.
“We can search the place again,” I said, immediately heading back into the rooms.
“Yes,” McCrae said, moving to the door. “I’ll check outside.”
After a couple minutes of searching, we reconvened back in the living room. She was holding the picture, staring out at the lake.
“No one’s here,” I said, sitting on the couch beside her.
McCrae nodded. “No sign of anyone.”
“I bet they put both pictures up last night.” She scrunched her forehead. “Who would do this?”
McCrae kicked the floor. “It’s ridiculous. That’s what it is.” His eyes narrowed as he looked out the window. “I think you should rethink your stance on cameras.”
She pulled back. “Me too. Noah, would you mind helping me with that?”
I nodded, warmth filling me. “Of course.”
She gave me a half smile. “You’re not at all unhappy about that, either.”
“Hey, I want you safe.”
“Okay, well, I’ll be going.” McCrae looked uncomfortable being the third wheel. “See you two in a bit.”
I nodded at him. “Thank you for all of your help. Truly.”
