Those Sweet Words (Misfit Inn 2)

Hugging the idea of it to her heart, Pru declared, “I’m on board with this plan.” She already had so many things to worry about with acquiring a teenager. Adding dating to the mix just seemed like borrowing trouble.

Ari made a big, dramatic show of rolling her eyes, but Pru caught the smile. She liked being the center of everyone’s attention. At least there was no question that she was loved.

“Do you have your stuff packed?” Kennedy asked her.

“Already in the foyer.”

“Then let’s roll. There’s a pizza at the tavern with our name on it.”

“Pizza is an entirely appropriate celebration for such a momentous occasion as opening a spa,” Flynn declared. “Particularly in lieu of an adult beverage. Raise a slice for me.”

“We just had supper two hours ago,” Pru protested.

“That was supper. This is dinner,” Ari explained, grabbing the last clementine from the bowl on the counter. “Did you miss the part where I turned into a hobbit this summer?”

“A hobbit who’s been eating her body weight in clementines.”

Ari shrugged and popped a wedge of fruit into her mouth. “At least I won’t get scurvy.”

“That you won’t. Have fun at your sleepover.”

“I’m gonna trounce Kennedy at Killer Bunnies.”

Kennedy went brows up. “Should I be afraid?”

“Beware the Cyberbunny,” Flynn intoned. Killer Bunnies was another of Ari’s favorite board games that she’d introduced Flynn to through a sound thrashing.

“Noted. Come on Xander. Let’s roll.”

In a noisy knot, they all headed for the front door. Ari paused to give Flynn a tight hug. After an instant of hesitation, he squeezed her back, an expression of stunned pleasure on his face that had Pru’s heart melting. He stroked a hand over Ari’s ponytail. “Have fun, cailín beag.”

“Oh, I will.” She moved to Pru, offering a fast, hard squeeze. “Night, Mom.”

Pru’s heart stumbled. “Night, baby.”

Ari scooped up her backpack, and on a wink whispered, “Enjoy the empty house. I’m sure you’ll find an appropriate means of celebrating.” Then she shut the door smartly behind her.

“Did she just…” Pru began.

“I do believe she did,” Flynn confirmed. “Don’t think about it too hard. Your head might explode.” He wrapped his arms around her. “And how are you feeling about that little display there, Mum?”

Pru sighed and snuggled in. “I need a minute. My heart’s rolled over to show its soft underbelly.”

Flynn rested his cheek on the top of her head. “Mine, too. She’s an incredibly appealing kid.”

“She likes having a big messy family around, as unconventional as this one may be.”

“It’s a great family. Even if Xander keeps giving me those ‘I have a badge and I will use it against you, if necessary’ looks.”

She pulled back to look up at him. “He’s not hassling you, is he?”

“No. He’s worried about the circumstances, which we all are. I don’t blame him for it. He knows me the least, so it’s natural he’d be concerned. I’d think less of him if he didn’t look out for you.”

“Xander’s never been easy with lies or secrets.” Neither had she. But in this case, the ends justified the means. “Either way, it seems like you and Kennedy are back on reasonable footing.”

“We’ve sorted things out. Enough about your family for now. We do, in fact, have an empty house and no guests expected until tomorrow. What do we want to do with it?”

A smile tugged at Pru’s mouth. “I expect you have some ideas.”