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Ember

“This cannot be happening” I glowered out of our living roo on the driveway of the house next door More specifically, I glowered at thevan To my sister, Jade, I demanded, “Did you know about this?”

Jade raised her hands defensively “I swear Colt never said a word”

Colt was my elder sister’s fiancé and the business partner of theinto the house next door

A man I couldn’t stand

“I think we’re all being very rude and should probably go out there and welcoest sister, remarked as she peered curiously at him “His kid is cute”

“Kid,” I huffed, rollinga child”

“That can’t be helped” Jade’s tone adave Foster full custody Colt said they’re both having a hard ti”

Foster Foster Darwin Quite possibly the rudest irl standing on the driveway, her hand held tight to Foster’s as they watched theteam unload the truck She wore a somber expression on her sweet little face “How could a mother abandon her child for a job?”

“We don’t know the circumstances,” Celeste reminded us

“True,” I murmured

“I’ out the ” Jade started for the front door “Foster is Colt’s bestIt would be weird if I didn’t say hello”

Celeste hurried to follow Jade

Lifting the hem of my full-skirted maxi-dress, I marched out of the house, bounced down the porch steps after my sisters, onto the lawn I took care of, hopped over my flower beds and onto Foster’s driveway

My new neighbor

The universe had a sick sense of humor

“Foster!” Jade called and the hter in hand