BURST PIPE JESS

The sound of heavy boots on the porch brought me to the front door before the second knock landed. I swung it open to find Josh standing there, a sheepish grin on his face, and Laura and Sarah behind him, each carrying duffel bags.

"Hey, Jess," Josh started, scratching the back of his neck. "Thanks again for letting us crash here for a bit. It's a nightmare over at the house."

Laura let out a dramatic sigh. "A nightmare is an

understatement. Water is everywhere, the floorboards are fucking ruined, and now they have to turn off the power and water while they tear up the plumbing. Honestly, I'm just glad

we have somewhere to go."

I smiled despite the ache in my feet. "You're always welcome here. You know that."

Stepping aside, I motioned for them to come in. Josh walked through first, dropping his bag by the stairs. Laura followed, immediately heading toward the kitchen like it was second nature. Sarah lingered a moment longer, her lips curving into a polite smile as she passed me.

"I hope it's not too much trouble," she said softly.

"It's fine," I replied, meaning it-mostly.

The truth was, I didn't mind having them here. Our house was

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big enough to accommodate them, and it wasn't like Luke and I hadn't dealt with chaos before. The bigger issue was managing it while feeling like I'd been hit by a truck after every little task.

them toward the stairs. "I'll show you your

followed me up while Sarah stayed back in the

rooms upstairs. "Josh, you'll take this one with Laura," I said, pointing to the room

finish it here?"

found Sarah waiting by the staircase, her expression

the smaller guest room at the back of the house. "It's a little cozier than the ones upstairs, but it's got an attached bathroom, so you'll have more privacy." Sarah glanced around as we stepped into the room, her gaze lingering on the neatly

with a shrug, her lips curling

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288 Vouchers

smile. "But this is nice.

you need anything," I offered,

set her bag down by the dresser, and I left her to get settled, retreating to the kitchen where the smell of

a last-minute dinner. A pot of pasta was boiling beside her, and a pile of chopped vegetables

one of the barstools. "I don't think I have the energy to look

I might as well make something decent. Besides, you've been on your feet

was playful but firm. "Sit. Rest.

argue. The dull throb in my feet was enough to convince

out a sigh of relief, Luke walked in, his hair damp from the shower, and immediately zeroed in on

asked, crossing the room to press a

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for a second before pulling

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