“So I’ve been told.”
She sighs, like I’m the most irritating person on the planet. “I’m staying here. Right?”
“Right.”
“Even though you don’t know me.”
“We will. Know you. And you’ll know us.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why are you doing this?”
“You’re my sister. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
She starts sniffling again. “Stupid allergies.”
“Yeah,” I say.
“I should probably get that checked.”
“Probably.”
“All that salt in the air, I bet.”
“That’s gotta be it.”
“Bear?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m staying here.” It’s not a question this time.
I wait.
“You’re married to Otter. So you’re a Thompson.”
I see now where she’s going. And I hurt, but it’s a good hurt. “I am.”
“And Tyson, he’s a Thompson.”
“He is.”
“And Anna and Creed too.”
“They are.”
“D’you think…?” She clears her throat. “Do you think that maybe I could… if it’s not too much trouble….” She coughs.
“You’re going to be a Thompson too,” I tell her, putting her out of her misery. “We’ll see to it. You’re stuck with us now, Izzie. Hope you’re ready for that. You came here, and now I don’t think we can ever let you go.”
“Ugh,” she says again. “Fine. If you insist.”
“I’m afraid I must.”
“Whatever. You’re standing there like a weirdo while I’m trying to go to sleep.”