Starlee's Hope (The Wayward Sons 4)

“I hate to tell you, but the guys beat you upstairs. Yours will probably be cold.”

His lips curve into a smug smirk. “With the lack of time I’ve spent with you lately, a cold shower may be best anyway.”

It’s been weeks since we’ve had time to sneak away to Katie’s camper. “You miss me?”

“So much.” His hands cup my face and he kisses me again, long, slow and sweet.

I break away and fan myself. “You keep that up and I’ll be taking a cold shower, too.”

He laughs and kisses me again anyway, and I know that even with the loss of Sierra that he’s okay. If she taught him anything, it’s that family is more than blood and Dexter is definitely part of ours.

30

Starlee

Mom and I hover around LeeLee, adjusting, powdering, spraying. When my grandmother finally stands before the mirror in her ivory dress, beads glinting across the bodice, she looks like more than a bride-to-be. She looks like a queen.

“Oh, Mom, you look just…” my mother wipes tears from her eyes. She’s a crier now. I think it’s hormones or something. Unfortunately, they’re contagious and I blot the corner of my eyes, trying not to mess up the makeup Katie so expertly applied.

“You look perfect,” I say, finishing for my mom.

The three of us are wearing matching earrings—emeralds given to us by my grandmother. LeeLee has a blue handkerchief tucked in her sleeve.

“Is this crazy?” she asks suddenly. “Should I be getting married at my age?”

“You’re not crazy,” Mom says. “It’s just nerves.”

“I know. I do. I guess I’m set in my ways and all the sudden it’s here and what if it’s a terrible mistake.”

“Do you love him?” Mom asks.

“Yes.”

“Do you want to spend all your time together? Build a life together?”

“I do.” She smiles.

“Then I think you’re not making a mistake.” She squeezes my grandmother’s hand. “You both still have your businesses, your friends, and your own lives. This will just be icing on the cake.”

We make the final touches; straightening out our skirts, applying a fresh coat of lipstick, smoothing our hair. We gather in by the front door and LeeLee rests her hand on the doorknob.

“Thank you both for being here.” She looks at Mom. “Thank you for coming home—at least for a little while. I want you both to know that no matter where you go, to college or other exotic locations, this will always be your home.”

“Wait,” I say abruptly, “I need to tell you my decision.”

They both look at me, expressions eager—my mother’s slightly apprehensive.

“I’m going to Stanford. I think I like the program better and they offered me a small scholarship based off my ACT scores.” And although I’m not chasing a boy, I do want to stay close to Jake—make sure he succeeds academically. The twins have each other and Dexter’s focused on the shop. They’ll all come down for the games and it seems like a good spot for me.

“I think that’s a wonderful decision,” LeeLee says. “Another family member at Stanford. My father would be proud.”

“Perfect choice. I liked it, too.” My mother embraces me, careful not to mess my dress or hair. “I guess it’s time for me to share my news, then.”

I’m not sure why we all decide now is the time for the great reveal, but I guess it has something to do with the fact this may be the last time we’re all in one room together by ourselves for a while.

“I’ve booked my trip to Asia—the one I was about to take when I came here last December. With the boys all eighteen and moving on, you headed to college and Leelee getting married, it’s time for me to jump back into my own life.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” LeeLee says, her eyes bright. “We all have adventures awaiting.”