Clover’s POVWe stand there for a few more seconds, wiping our faces, pulling ourselves together, exchanging more hugs. I end up laughing softly because Lauren, the woman I now believe with my whole chest is my mother, refuses to let me go. Her arms are tight around me, like if she loosens them, I might disappear.“Okay,” I whisper to myself, voice shaking. We gotta go out there. We gotta act normal.Tears still slip down my face anyway.She finally exhales and pulls back, cupping my cheeks before pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Alright,” she says gently. “Everyone fix yourselves.”I nod, breathing deep.My eyes drift to Grandma Turner, who is… clearly feeling good. She’s swaying just a little, cheeks flushed, eyes glassy from all the Arnold Palmers she’s been downing, and I’m pretty sure I saw at least two Aperol spritzes disappear earlier too. She stands up and immediately hiccups, grabbing onto Grandma Lola for balance.I chuckle despite myself.Mr. Blackwood lets out a quiet sigh
Last Updated : 2026-01-01 Read more