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“What?” Callie’s eyebrows shoot up. “Are you kidding me? You’re not terrible at all.”
“She’s right,” Aspen says firmly. “Lily, you can honor your mom in a million other ways. Ways that are actually true to who you are, not some version of yourself you think you should be.”
The tightness in my throat eases. They’re right. Mom would want me to be happy, not broke and stressed over a house I can’t afford to maintain. I pull out my phone and send a quick text to my boss with the go ahead to list it.
I smile as I tuck my phone away. “And with that, it’s ready to be sold.” A touch of sadness tugs at me. Mom and I had so many memories. But it’s a new day. Time to start fresh, far away from haunting moments. This is the right decision.
Both women wrap me in a hug that nearly knocks me over, and I laugh despite the emotional weight of the moment.
“Coffee?” Callie suggests. “I think this calls for celebration.”
“And cake,” Aspen adds. “Definitely cake.”
We pile into Callie’s car and head downtown to Big Ridge Coffee Roasters, our usual spot. The familiar smell of espresso and cinnamon hits me as we walk in, and I immediately relax. We snag our favorite table by the window and order our usuals.
“So,” Callie says, settling into her chair, “what’s the first thing you’re going do with all that commission money?”
“Pay off my credit cards,” I say without hesitation. With my recent sales, Tom Wilson’s included, I’ve almost taken care of all of my debt, and I finally feel like I’m recovering from the initial blow of the expenses to take care of Mom. “And the loan for the renovation.”
“Boring,” she teases.
Before I can respond, the door chimes and Hudson, Cole, and Gage walk in. My heart flips as it always does when I see them. I still can’t quite believe they’re mine.
Hudson spots us immediately and his face lights up with that dimpled smile I’ve come to crave.
“Ladies,” Cole says as they approach our table. “Mind if we crash this little party?”
“Only if you’re buying the next round,” Callie shoots back.
Gage laughs and heads to the counter while Hudson and Cole grab chairs from nearby tables. A few minutes later, the door chimes again and Callie’s guys walk in. It’s like they have some kind of sixth sense about where to find her. Or maybe my guys text Callie’s guys.
“This is turning into quite the gathering,” Knox observes as he pulls up another chair.
The conversation flows easily. Hudson updates us on a new construction project, Cole makes everyone laugh with some ridiculous story about a customer at the hardware store, and Gage slides me a vegan cinnamon roll. It’s comfortable and warm and exactly what I needed after the emotional morning.
I’m mid-laugh at something Brax said when Aspen’s phone buzzes. She glances down and her entire face turns scarlet.
On instinct, I peek over at her screen and immediately wish I hadn’t.
“OH MY GOD!” I screech, causing everyone at nearby tables to stare. “ASPEN!”
She quickly flips her phone face-down, but the damage is done. Her face is now roughly the same color as a fire truck.
“Who the hell is sending you dick pics?” I demand.
Her lips press together in a tight line and she refuses to meet my eyes.
Callie and I share a look across the table—without a doubt we will abso-freaking-lutely be interrogating her later. But seeing the mixture of embarrassment and what looks suspiciously like happiness on Aspen’s face, I can’t help but smile.
If she’s happy, then I’m happy.
I lean back in my chair and look around the table at all these people who’ve somehow become my chosen family. Hudson catches my eye and winks. Cole’s making Gage laugh so hard he’s crying. The twins are arguing about something completely ridiculous while Knox shakes his head at them. Aspen is still blushing but there’s a secret smile playing on her lips. Callie watches her with a sparkle in her eyes.
My chest is warm and full, like it might actually burst from how perfect this moment is. Everything feels right. Finally, after months of chaos and uncertainty, everything feels exactly how it’s meant to be.
Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
