Chapter 62

NATHAN Mel rocks on the balls of her feet as she stares at the elevator doors. She’s been on edge all day, jittery and nervous, and probably excited too. From what she told me, she hasn’t seen her little sister since Christmas, and I know how hard that must be because I know how much I miss Drake and Maddox even though I could technically go see them whenever I want. The memory of our miserable Christmas at my father’s house, where the absence of both Mel and her sister was keenly felt by my father and brothers and me, leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I lean against the wall, watching her, my arms crossed over my chest. Teddy called less than a minute ago to say that Ashley was on her way up, and Mel practically bounced out of the den and down the hallway. I haven’t seen her this animated since before she lost the baby, and happiness warms my chest from the small glimpse of the person she was before. The elevator doors open, and Ashley bounds out and straight into Mel’s waiting arms.