Page 164 of The Wrong Brother

“What if she thinks I’m too loud?” she continues in a rush. “Or too girly. Or annoying. Or that I talk too much. I mean, I definitely talk too much.”

A small laugh escapes me despite the seriousness of the moment.

“I don’t think that’s possible. You two have already hung out a few times.”

“Yeah, but this is a sleepover. At her house! And you’ve only known me for a few months.”

“I’ve known you long enough to know you’re wonderful, Kate.”

She sighs dramatically. “Youhaveto say that.”

“I really don’t. It’s not like I’m married to your uncle.”

Her eyes narrow as she gives me a little smirk. I cut her off before she can start teasing me about a possible engagement in the near future.

“Kate, Shannon has spent years wondering if she’d ever get to see you again. She isn’t showing up today with a checklist of personality traits.”

Kate’s shoulders loosen just a little. “She isn’t?”

“No.”

“Even if I ramble?”

“Especially if you ramble. She’d probablyloveto hear all about your life and the things you love to do.”

She laughs softly, bringing the bag around to her chest and hugging it tight.

I continue, “Do you know why she bought that little house in Thousand Oaks?”

Kate nods uncertainly. “Because she wanted to be closer.”

“Exactly.”

“She could’ve lived anywhere.”

“She chose to be close toyou.”

Kate stares down at where I’ve slipped my hand into hers. “I didn’t really think about it like that.”

“She’s excited, Kate. Nervous too, I’m sure. But mostly excited.”

A quiet smile slowly spreads across her face. “I guess that makes two of us.”

“I’d say so.”

She leans sideways without warning, wrapping both arms around me in a tight hug.

“Thanks, Emma.”

I hug her back just as tightly.

“You’ve got this.”

“I hope so.”

Kate pulls away, grabs her overnight bag, and heads toward the front door before abruptly stopping.

“Oh!”