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

and Laura followed me up while Sarah stayed back in the

guest rooms upstairs. "Josh, you'll take this one with Laura," I said, pointing to the room on the left. "There's a

Laura-said, tossing her bag onto the bed and immediately flopping down beside it. "I had something going on the stove. Mind if I just finish

I found Sarah waiting by the staircase, her expression

house. "It's a little cozier than the ones upstairs, but it's got an attached bathroom, so you'll have more

she said with a shrug, her

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288 Vouchers

smile. "But this

anything," I offered, ignoring the slight

to get settled, retreating to the kitchen where

looked far too fancy for a last-minute dinner. A pot of pasta was boiling beside her, and a pile of

sinking onto one of the barstools. "I don't think I

anything in sight, so I might as well make something decent. Besides, you've been on your feet all day, haven't you?" I glanced down at

Laura's tone was playful but firm. "Sit. Rest. I've got

The dull throb in my feet was enough to convince me that sitting still for

Luke walked in, his hair damp from the shower, and immediately

room to press

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leaning into him for a second before

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