Forever Hers Walters, Ednah (best novels for teenagers .TXT) 📖

reasoning is warped, sweetheart. You can’t predict what’s going to happen or prevent it from happening.”

“Oh yes, I can. When it comes to that little girl, I have a sixth sense. At least, I usually have one.”

He chuckled. “Sixth sense or not, you are the best mother in the entire world.”

“You think so?”

He kissed her. It was ludicrous that she could ever doubt herself. “I know so. Can we go now?” He indicated the hallway leading to her bedroom.

“Not yet. I’m also worried about her seeing us in bed together. She’s too sick to be freaking out about a man in Mommy’s bed.”

Eddie grinned. “She already saw us sleeping together this morning and didn’t freak out.”

Amy frowned. “Really? I wonder why she didn’t say anything to me.”

“She’s been sick, worrywart. Or she’s smart enough to realize that if I like hugging you during the day I might equally enjoy doing it at night.”

She grabbed his shirt, pulled him down and kissed him. “That’s really good. I’m going to tell her exactly that when she asks.”

He scooped her up and carried her to her bedroom.

CHAPTER 18

Raelynn was well enough to attend her birthday party two days later. Amy even baked a confetti cake, Raelynn’s favorite, and made fresh lemonade for their three guests—Sam, Jimmy and Eddie.

No one was obligated to bring a present, but Eddie did anyway. He went into town and bought a stuffed female bunny for Mr. Rabbit, and a charm bracelet. Amy had already bought three different presents in advance and wrapped them. One said ‘from Mommy’ and the other two said ‘from Grandma and Grampa.’ Her parent usually sent Raelynn presents and Amy didn’t want her daughter to think they’d forgotten. Raelynn, still recovering from the stomach bug, barely touched her cake.

On Friday, they flew to Los Angeles via Spokane. Raelynn, almost fully recovered, could barely contain herself and pointed out clouds and cities from her window seat. It was her first plane ride.

“Eddie!” a female voice called out when they arrived at LAX.

A pretty girl with red highlights in her hair, amazing cheekbones and gray eyes waved furiously at them. She looked like she’d stepped off the cover of a fashion magazine. Her make-up was impeccable, Hermes bag on her shoulder and Jimmy Choos on her feet. Then Amy noticed the personalized birthday balloon in her hand and her heart melted.

“That’s my little sister,” Eddie said.

“Hey, big brother.” She hugged Eddie and kissed his cheek then surprised Amy by hugging her too. “I’m so happy to finally meet you, Amy. I’m Lori, his little sister.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m almost twenty-four and he still calls me little.” Shaking her head, she squatted so she was on eye-level with Raelynn. “Happy birthday, Raelynn. I know your birthday party was yesterday, but I couldn’t help myself. My name is Lori, Eddie’s sister, and this is for you. See? It has your name on it.”

She won both Amy and Raelynn before they left the airport.

“Tonight’s dinner is at Lex’s place, Aunt Estelle’s orders,” Lori said, leading them to where she’d parked her Honda CR-V. “Seven o’clock.”

Eddie glanced at Amy. “You don’t mind, do you?”

She shrugged. “No. I enjoyed her company when she visited the lake house.”

“We’ll have a couple of hours to rest before we leave.” Eddie glanced at his sister and wiggled his fingers. “The car keys.”

“No way. My car, my hands on the steering wheel,” his sister quipped.

“I’m not taking chances with Amy and Raelynn’s lives. Give it to me or we’ll take a taxi.”

She stuck out her tongue and slapped the keys in his hand. “Bully. Come on, Raelynn. We’ll sit in the back and you can tell me all about your house and my mean big brother Eddie.”

Amy smothered a laugh when Eddie glared after his sister. Lori was your typical little sister and it was so cute watching her interact with him. But Amy wasn’t smiling a few minutes later when she heard Raelynn say, “Uncle Eddie and Mommy kiss all the time.”

The little traitor.

“Grownup kisses or like this?” Lori dropped a kiss on Raelynn’s forehead.

Eddie’s hand grip tightened on the wheel. “Lori.”

“Okay, I’ll behave,” his sister said. “What do you want for your birthday, sweetie? Whatever it is, Uncle Eddie will get it for you.”

“I had my birthday party yesterday with Sam and Jimmy. I already got a present from Uncle Eddie. It’s a princess bracelet.” Raelynn stuck out her arm to show off her new bracelet.

“Oh, it’s gorgeous. I want one just like that. Who are Sam and Jimmy? Puppies?”

Raelynn giggled. “You’re silly. They’re boys.”

“You have two boyfriends? I’m absolutely green with envy.”

Raelynn giggled even harder. “They’re not my boyfriends. They’re just boys.”

Happy that Eddie had been right about his sister and Raelynn clicking, Amy tuned out their conversion and whispered, “Your sister is amazing.”

“She’s a brat, but she’s great with kids.” He took her hand and interlaced their fingers, pointing out various landmarks until he pulled up at the curb of a gated condo complex on a quiet street. Mature trees offered shade and lush patches of green lawn hugged the curb and driveways. Painted white, the complex had large windows, potted plants, tables and chairs on wrought iron balconies.

She and Eddie followed Lori and Raelynn, who walked hand-in-hand like best friends. The inside of the house surprised Amy. From the oak hardwood floor to the spacious, bright and airy rooms, it was very elegant. While Lori took Raelynn to see the pool, Eddie showed her around.

An arched entryway connected the foyer and the dining room then a pocket door led to the kitchen. He favored brown, gold and beige—from paneling in every room to throw rugs and draperies. The kitchen had gorgeous granite counter tops begging for bowls of fruit and vases of flowers, but it had every appliance imaginable.

“You cook?” she asked.

“Nope, hate it,” he said, leading her to the next room. “That’s Lori’s doing. Somehow she thought if she bought every kitchen