Page 35 of Sweet Madness

AriannaKenton: Everly, why are you on your phone this early?

EvieKenton: But Mom! Daddy said I could use it whenever to search for my word of the day.

AriannaKenton: Is that what you’re doing now?

EvieKenton: It was…??

AriannaKenton: Say goodbye to your sister and log off.

EvieKenton: FINE!

EvieKenton: See you soon, Lella! Make me one of those sugary burritos when you come home, yes!????? ???? ???? ????

Me: You got it! ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

EvieKenton appears offline.

AriannaKenton: Morning my sweet Haven, please come downstairs I need to speak with you.

HavenSKenton: BRT, Mom.

HavenSKenton: Miss you sister! Can’t wait for you to come home. Love you!??

Me: Miss you, bubbles. Love you to the moon and back.??????????

HavenSKenton: ????????????

HavenSKenton appears offline.

AriannaKenton: Ella… are you okay? Also, I’m impressed by your cooking skills, baby.

Me: Thank you, Mom. I am more than okay. ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

Me: I’ll make you some crepes when I see you again.?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

AriannaKenton: I can’t wait. I’ll call you later, okay? Have a sweet day, baby. I love you.

Me: You too, Mom. I love you, more.?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

AriannaKentonPar: Impossible.

AriannaKentonPar: And Ambrose Celeste Kenton, next time I enter this chat that crass message better be gone.

AriannaKenton: appears offline.

My smile widens as I close the chat tab. I love my family, but mostly I love how different we are. All of my siblings have traits from both our parents, but they also grew up to be independent thinkers with unique personalities. There’s never a dull moment at the Kenton household. That’s for sure.

As I flip the last crepe onto the waiting plate, my iPad buzzes softly against the countertop. Curiosity piqued, I wipe my hands on the cow-themed apron I’m wearing before tapping on the notification, a smile already tugging at the corners of my lips. My heart warms as I read the message from my Aunt Kadra—a simple yet lovely wish for a good morning. It’s a small gesture she’s done every day since I’ve had a phone, and it fills me with so much joy, like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds on a rainy day.

Looking at her, you wouldn’t think my aunt Kadra is a ray of sunshine like Aunt Mila. She isn’t, but there’s a beautiful light that shines from within her, warming everyone she loves and who loves her.

With a happy sigh, I tap out a quick reply, my still-dirty fingers dancing across the screen. It’s moments like these that remind me of how lucky I am to have so many beautiful souls to love and who love me back—a beautiful family. My perfectly imperfect tribe.

When I’m done, I place the iPad back where it was and return to finishing breakfast. As I pour more chocolate on top of the crepes, I hum my favorite pop song, my heart light with the knowledge that things will change between me and my handsome bodyguard. At least that’s how it feels. It feels as if today is the start of something new. Something sweet.

I finish adding my favorite fruits to the plate when an inexplicable feeling courses through me. Feeling watched, I turn slowly and lock eyes with Shaw. He looks almost puzzled, as if unsure of what’s going on.

He probably thought he’d never see me cooking breakfast in a kitchen since he thought I was a spoiled brat.