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Wilda thought about Milo’s big family on the drive back to the house. She and Mathias had been close growing up, but after their parents died while she was still in high school, they grew even closer. Because she was six months away from turning eighteen, the court allowed her to stay with Mathias until she graduated. He’d dropped out of college to take care of her. A year and a half ago, after Tom died, he moved in with her and Caleb. Mathias was her rock.

Mathias climbed down the ladder when she drove up, and she went to him and hugged him. “What was that for?”

“I was just thinking about how good you’ve been to me.”

“You’re my sister.”

“That doesn’t always translate to being the one person in this world I can always count on.”

“It goes both ways, you know.” He took the pizza from her.

“I’m very glad that you haven’t had to count on me as I’ve counted on you.”

“I’m sure the day will come.”

They sat on the porch and put the pizza box on a table between them. As they ate their first slice, a car pulled up, and Rachel got out.

Mathias raised an eyebrow. “Who is that?”

“The principal.” She set her pizza down and stood. “Is everything okay with Caleb?”

Rachel approached the porch. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here. Caleb is fine. I… Why are you here?”

“We’re both working on the house. This is my brother, Mathias.”

Rachel smiled. “Nice to meet you. Don’t let me disturb your lunch. I just ran out here to pick something up. Milo…um…yeah. Just borrowing something.”

She went into the house, and Mathias cocked his head. “Why was that so awkward?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Are she and Milo…dating?”

Wilda shrugged. “I don’t know. I suspect that might be the case. I’m pretty sure they are sharing the dog.”

“Caleb’s favorite dog?”

“Yes.”

“He did say he was in a weird pet parent situation.”

“I guess that would be with Rachel.”

Mathias glanced at the door. “She doesn’t look like any principal I ever had.”

“She’s very pretty.”

“Yeah. Maybe a little too pretty.”

“How can a woman be too pretty?”

“From my experience, when they look like her, they know it and use it to their advantage.”

Wilda turned in her seat. “That is so chauvinistic. A woman can’t help it if men find her attractive.”

“Not all women are as nice as you, Wilda.”

Rachel came out of the door holding a cookbook. “I’ve got to run, but nice meeting you, and enjoy your pizza.”