Chapter 22

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

The hot sun beat down on her shoulders as Kinley shifted the box of supplies in her arms. The front door swung open before Kinley could knock and Ainsley stood there, a smile lighting up her face. "Hey! Come on in, we're just about to start on the centerpieces."

Inside, Brynlee was already seated at the dining table, surrounded by a sea of flowers, ribbons, and glass vases. She looked up and grinned. "Hey, Kins!"

Kinley returned the smile, her heart feeling lighter just being around her sisters. "Hey, yourself."

They settled around the table, the familiar rhythm of their chatter and laughter filling the room. Kinley tried to immerse herself in the task at hand, but the persistent throbbing in her head made it difficult to concentrate. She reached up, subtly rubbing her temples, hoping her sisters wouldn't notice.

Unfortunately, Ainsley did. "You okay, Kins?" she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

Brynlee glanced over, her expression mirroring Ainsley's worry. "Are you still having those headaches?"

Kinley forced a smile, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "I'm fine. The doctor says they'll come and go. Nothing to worry about."

The truth was, she'd considered multiple times telling them about the back door being open the last few mornings, but she knew what they would say. Ainsley and Brynlee would insist she get therapy or go for more tests. Kinley wasn't ready for that kind of scrutiny, so she kept it close to her chest.

Instead, she took a deep breath and shifted the conversation. "Actually… I do kind of have some news, though. I've been thinking about selling my house."

Ainsley and Brynlee looked surprised. "Really?" Ainsley asked. "What brought that on?"

Kinley fiddled with a piece of ribbon, avoiding their gazes. "After what happened two weeks ago... the attack... It's just hard to be there now. The house holds more bad memories than good."

Her sisters' expressions softened with understanding. "We get it," Brynlee said, reaching out to squeeze Kinley's hand. "That must be really tough."

Ainsley nodded. "If selling the house will help you move on, then we're all for it. And we'll help in any way we can."

Kinley felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. "I know," she murmured. "It's just… It's important that I do this on my own, you know?"

Ainsley laid a hand on Kinley's shoulder. "No one would ever accuse you of taking advantage of something or someone. But, Kinley, it's okay to ask for help."

She hesitated for a long moment, her gaze sliding toward the window. Her voice was quiet when she spoke again. "I wish I'd asked for help sooner, you know?"

Her words broke Kinley's heart. "You did the best you could. You know that, right?"

"I just wish…"

"Whatever happened is in the past," Brynlee jumped in. "You did what you had to do. You got out of a bad situation, and look at you now." She gestured widely. "You got a fresh start, and you're getting married to the man of your dreams soon. It doesn't get much better than that."

Ainsley smiled, her eyes glazed with tears. "You guys are the best, you know that?"

Kinley forced herself to focus on something—anything—else so she wouldn't break down and cry. She couldn't bear to think of what Ainsley had been through.

As the last of the centerpieces were carefully arranged, Ainsley turned to Kinley, her eyes filled with concern and warmth. "You know, Kins, if you really do decide to sell your house, you can always move into the suite—the one I used to rent from Dare."

Kinley smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, Ains. That's really nice of you, but you guys are just settling in and getting used to being a couple. I wouldn't want to intrude."

Brynlee chimed in, her expression apologetic. "I'd offer my place, but it's just a tiny one-bedroom in a duplex. Plus, my neighbor is the spawn of Satan."

Ainsley let out a choked laugh, and Kinley bit her lip to control her own as Brynlee grinned unrepentantly. "But you're always welcome if you need somewhere to crash."

Kinley chuckled, the familiar banter between her sisters a comforting distraction from her worries. "Thanks, Bryn. I appreciate it."

Ainsley glanced at Brynlee before turning back to Kinley. "So, have you thought about where you might go? Any other offers on the table?"

Kinley hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Actually, Cam offered to let me move in with him."

Ainsley and Brynlee exchanged a quick look, a silent communication passing between them. Ainsley leaned forward, her tone gently probing. "How do you feel about that? Moving in with Cam, I mean."

Kinley bit her lip, her thoughts swirling. "We've been best friends for years. He's always been there for me. But... I don't know. What if things don't work out? We have such a good friendship, and I don't want to ruin that."

Brynlee's eyes sparkled with curiosity and her head tipped slightly to one side. "Why would that ruin things?"

Kinley felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "He's been so great, checking on me all the time, making sure I'm safe. I just…"

She trailed off, and Brynlee's gaze turned speculative. "Do you think you might have feelings for him? Like, more than just friends?"

Kinley swallowed hard, her gaze fixed on the table. "We had a couple… moments…. where I thought something might be there."

Ainsley propped her chin in her hand. "Have you said anything to him?"

"God, no!" Kinley looked up, horrified. "I'm sure he's just being nice."

"I don't know," Ainsley said dubiously. "I don't think you see the way he looks at you sometimes."

She slid a look at her sister. "What do you mean?"

"She means," Brynlee put in, "that we think he feels the same way about you. But he's probably afraid to push you too much, especially right now."

Kinley arched a brow. "But moving in together? That's a big step."

Ainsley nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It is a big step, but it could also be a wonderful opportunity. If you're already feeling an attraction, maybe it's worth exploring those feelings."

Kinley sighed, feeling the familiar pounding of stress at her temples. "I just don't want to lose him as a friend. What if things get awkward or don't work out? I'd hate to jeopardize what we have."

Brynlee reached out, placing a comforting hand on Kinley's arm. "It's a risk, sure, but every relationship is. And if anyone can handle a situation like this, it's you and Cam. You two have such a strong foundation."

Ainsley nodded in agreement. "Whatever you decide, we'll support you. And if you want to talk it out more, we're here for you."

Kinley felt a swell of gratitude for her sisters. Moving in with Cam could be the fresh start she needed, a chance to heal and perhaps discover something deeper between them.

"Thanks, guys." Emotion swept through her and Kinley hugged her sisters tightly. "I don't know what I'd do without you two."

Ainsley smiled. "Good thing you'll never have to find out. We're always here for you."

Brynlee nodded in agreement. "Always."