“You’re getting married this week, JoJo,” her father said. “Please. I’ve dreamed of walking my baby girl down the aisle. I’ve dreamed of this week since you were born.”

“You know who else has dreamed about this week, Scott?” said Bea. “Me. I’ve dreamed of this week since she was born!”

“You know who else has dreamed of this week?” Everyone stared at her. Joey’s throat was hoarse from the shouting.

“Oh, forget it,” she said softly, and walked to the door. And as Grant took her hand, she wondered even if she’d told the truth. If she ever had dreamed of this week at all.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Joey

Florida
2019

They watched Leo speed off on his bike. Joey shoved aside Grant’s boxing gloves and the tangle of his hand wraps and collapsed in the passenger seat. Her body had nearly stopped twitching when Grant said, “Oh jeez…”

Joey watched a figure dart from the house, tugging a massive suitcase on wheels that bobbed down the front steps. Lily. Grant rolled down his window.

“I just want to say,” said Lily, poking her head in, subdued, tight. “You guys aren’t my favorite people right now, but as favorite people go, you’ve got a substantial leg up on the parents.”

“Lil.” Joey rubbed circles into her forehead. “Do you want to sleep over?”

“Yes.” Lily pitched herself into the backseat. She tapped Grant’s shoulder. “Do you mind getting my suitcase? I don’t have, like, an iota of energy left.”

“Sure. Got it.” He unbuckled his seat belt.

“That’s a big suitcase,” Joey said.

“Are you seriously going there now?” Lily said.

“No.” Joey’s eyes turned compassionately on her little sister. “I’m sorry, Lil. I’m here for you, I really am. I really want to be.”

“Joey, you guys have a bed for me, right? My back doesn’t do so great on couches.”

Joey smiled in spite of it all. “We have a comfy couch. Two of them, in fact.”

Lily sighed, like she’d just been informed they were dumping her in the Sahara with a scorpion-infested sleeping bag.

Grant got back in the car. “Lil, that’s quite the packing job for one night.”

“Who said I’m staying with you just one night?” she asked, lying horizontal now. Her hands cupped her head, her elbows splayed out, her copper hair a waterfall off the seat.

“I didn’t mean…you’re welcome to stay as long as you want.” Grant started the motor. “As long as you put your seat belt on.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with that?” whispered Joey over the irritated clacking of metal from the backseat.

“Yes. She needs us.”

“You’re amazing. Thanks.”

“Of course. I’m her family too.”