Page 115 of Here & Now

“They’re a bit much,” she whispered, “but you’ll get used to it.”

“I like them already,” he said and kissed her on the nose.

“Aw, how sweet,” Ivy chirped.

Bree laughed. “You saw that?”

“I see everything,” Ivy said and gave Zane a faux warning look.

He chuckled. “I’ll remember that.”

Bree decided she’d subjected him to enough family time for one day. “Mom, Dad, we’ll talk about this more later, okay?”

They all quieted down.

“I love the idea of you guys coming down here, though. I miss you all.” Her voice broke on the last word, and Zane gave her another reassuring squeeze.

“We miss you too, sweetie,” Paula said with tears in her eyes.

“If it’s too hard for you all to drive down, we can come up there instead,” Zane offered, drawing everyone’s attention.

“You’d do that?” Bree said.

“Sure. I’ve never been to Michigan.”

“What? You’ve never been to the Great Lakes State?” Sam said, incredulous. He was a true Michigander through and through.

Laughing, Bree held up her hands. “Okay, everyone, we’re signing off now.” They ignored her and kept talking.

“They could stay with us if they come,” Paula said to Sam.

“Or us,” Ivy offered.

Bree looked at Zane and sighed.

“It’s okay,” he whispered.

He was right. After their initial shock, her family seemed to have accepted her decision. She couldn’t wait to see them and for them to meet Zane.

Sofie squirmed in Ivy’s arms and let out a squeal. It was amazing she hadn’t woken before now with all the noise.

“She’s a cutie,” Zane said to Ivy.

“Thanks. We think so too,” Ivy said proudly.

“I can’t wait to hold her again,” Bree said, gazing at her beautiful niece. Kids grew so fast, and she hated the thought of missing out on all the changes.

“I think our time’s up,” Jack said as Sofie’s cries became louder. “Our girl needs to eat.”

“I know how she feels,” Bree said, and everyone laughed.

“It was very nice to meet you, Zane,” Paula said. Then she looked at Bree. “I love you, honey, and I can’t wait to see you.”

“Me too, Mom.”

“Same goes for me,” Sam said gruffly.

Bree blew him a kiss.

“And us too,” Ivy added while Jack nodded.

“I’ll talk to you all soon,” Bree promised.

“Goodbye, everyone,” Zane said, waving at the screen.

Bree clicked a button, and then they were gone. She leaned her head on Zane’s shoulder and burst into tears.