Page 183 (1/2)

It’s not unusual for Wilder to call before handing the phone over to his mom

“She’s busywith a man That’s why I called”

“Is he a custo?

“I guess so,” he answers doubtfully “I h It’s the Australian I told you about”

“Huh”

“Jenner says he’s dreamy” Wilder fake barfs “And he said he’s seen the man’s face on a billboard”

It was probably a wanted poster, knowing Jenner, Kennedy’s part-time barista

“Why do you think he’s hanging around so much?”

“I don’t know He seems to like it when Mos are getting really weird around here”

“Well—” Shit Maybe oing in different directions when they—the men, not buses—have turned up at the same time

“Uh-oh She’s just thrown a glass of ice water over his head,” the kid whisper-hisses “That’s the second tio, Aunt Holly Can you at least give her a call and tell her she’s acting weird?”

I agree I will and take Alexander’s hand as he opens the car door

“Everything all right?” He wraps his arm around my waist as alk to the door

“It’s hard to tell with my family”

“Fa hall He puts down our bags and turns ins to cartwheel in my chest “Are you ready to start a new adventure?” he asks, s back my wild hair

“With you? Absolutely” He lowers his head, though I stop hi, could-rent-the-space-for-advertising chest His chest that houses his heart A heart that is my home “Do you have a crown?”

“I’m sorry?” He frowns down playfully at me

“Never mind” I shake my head “Silly question”