Chapter 22

"Annie!" My little sister rushed into my arms, and I held her tight. "I miss you," we both said and laughed. When I looked up, Mom was standing behind Charlie with her eyes fixed on the mansion. I walked over to Charlie, who was grinning at me and wiggling his eyebrows.

I laughed and hugged him tight. "I miss you so much, Charlie," he whispered in my ear. "Missed you too."

Mom only spared me a glance and turned to Jack, who was watching us. She smiled brightly and stretched her hand to him.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Reynolds." He smiled at her, and she waved her hand. "Oh no. Just call me Mary-Ellen."

"Of course," he said with a grin that would melt any woman's heart. But definitely not hers.

"Please come in," he added, taking one of the bags from the truck and into the mansion. Charlotte's heels clicked as she walked to us. "Oh my," she smiled, walking faster.

"I am so glad you were able to make it!" She clapped her hands. She wrapped her arms around my mom, shocking her. "