Charlie told me about Dr. Riley, the conversation with her father, and that she wasn’t happy in Seattle. Being apart even though it hadn’t been very long had done a number on both of us. I supposed that was what happened when you missed half of your heart.
“Let’s get out of here. We have lost time to make up for.”
“So,” she said with a pretty lilt in her voice. “I stayed at a hotel last night, but since I checked out, and I don’t have a car here, do you mind giving me a ride? I mean, it makes sense. Unless you had other things to do; then I can go on ahead.”
Smirking, I shrugged. “Sure, I can give you a ride. Where to? Do you know the address where you’re staying?”
“I hope so. If not, I might need to wallop someone.”
A hearty chuckle escaped me. “It’s no problem if you crash with me.”
“You sure? I can look for a place online.”
“No, it’s fine.”
“How long can I stay?”
“How does forever sound?”
“I think it sounds perfect.”
“Great. Forever it is.”
“Forever. Do you think you can handle me for that long?”
“I think so. Although you got a lot of chutzpah, Miss Nicholson.”
She giggled, and I knew that everything was right in my world.
Epilogue
Charlie
“Surprise!”
Sally flew in the door and roped her arms around my neck, almost knocking me over.
“Hi! I’m so happy to see you. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
Sally’s shoulder hitched to her ear. “Well, I have news and didn’t want to tell you over the phone. Where’s my handsome brother?”
“Uh… in the shower.”
She lifted her hand in the stop position. “No details, please. I’m just glad you two figured your stuff out. Which is why I’m here.”
A few minutes later, Collin came down the stairs in a pair of sweats, carrying his T-shirt in his hand. His hair was wet, and if Sally wasn’t standing there, I would have jumped on him.
Seeing her, he shrugged his shirt on, covering that beautiful body of his. “Hey, Sis. I didn’t know you were coming. Your room has clean sheets, though.” Then he looked down. “Where are your bags?”
“That’s what I came to tell you both.”
Collin shut the door behind her, and we all sat on the sofa.
“First, whose black Ferrari is that out front?”
I shook my head and Collin smirked. “Bought it as a bonus for winning the championship.”
Sally rolled her eyes. “Because you needed another toy?”