So Much More (Book One in the Enough Series)

43. Georgia

Eden

It was incredibly overwhelming to hear the nurse say that I was a match. She immediately went into discussing all of the details of what was to come next though my brain couldn't keep up. I was so thankful to receive the call when Reed was with me; I needed his comfort. It had been a week since I got that call, and now I was sitting in my office, preparing all my things to head out to Georgia for the convention. Reed was already traveling, having three road games before he would meet up with me in Georgia. He was a bundle of nerves when we last saw one another. His sister, Lizzie, had a medical scare. Appendicitis. She had to have emergency surgery to remove it and had spent a few extra days in the hospital.

I decided, after seeing how torn he was about not being able to be there for his Mom and sisters, to head to Georgia early and finally meet them in person. When I suggested the idea to Reed, the smile he gave me, my heart couldn't belong to him even more. I was a little nervous about meeting them without him; of course, it would be awkward, but we had video chatted a few times and spoken on the phone as well.

"Are you ready to leave me?" Brynn spoke from the doorway, startling me.

"Jesus! You can't just sneak up on someone like that!" I fussed.

"Punishment for running away." She shrugged, stepping in and plopping down into the seat across from me.

"I'm going for about a week; I think you'll survive." I laughed at her. "You need to get used to living without me. I think it'll be a bit odd to all live together when you're married."

"I'm holding out until you move in with Reed." She laughed as her red curls bounced with each movement. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Brynn was such a pushy thing.

"Did Tate get all of the paperwork done for the apartment?" I asked; Reed had made sure to sign everything relating to the purchase before he left. Unfortunately, I hadn't been able to see the apartment in person yet, but the pictures I had seen were beautiful.

"He did. Reed is good to go when he returns. Now, let's get out of here; I need some queso and a margarita with my maid of honor before she leaves me." Brynn hopped up, reaching her hand toward me.

"You're going to be such a bridezilla." I teased, standing and following her out of the office.

*

The flight to Georgia was surprisingly smooth. I napped on and off most of the flight, arriving well rested but nervous. Finally, with my carry-on in tow, I collected my bag from the baggage claim and then went to the sidewalk for arrivals.

I had spoken to Reed's Mom, Lila, before my flight took off. She would be picking me up. But, the more minutes that went by, I was beginning to wonder if she had perhaps forgotten about me. I checked my phone for the millionth time just as I heard someone shouting in my direction. I looked up to see a woman leaning over the passenger seat of her SUV, calling out in my direction. I pointed at myself, shrugging my shoulders in confusion.

"You're Eden?" She called out louder; I nodded, stepping forward as she pulled next to the curb, quickly exiting the vehicle. "Hi!" She smiled, a mouthful of pearly white teeth. She looked on the younger side, older than me, though. Her hair twisted into a messy bun on top of her head, and she wore a t-shirt and jean shorts. "I'm Marie, Reed's Step-Mom. I'm sorry, I know Lila was going to pick you up, but she needed to be with Lizzie." Marie grinned nervously.

"Oh, well, Hi. I'm Eden, yes." I extended my hand to hers; she took it and then quickly pulled me in for a hug.

"It's so nice to meet you finally," she squeezed me into her. "Lila, the girls, and Allen have all spoken so highly of you. Reed is a smitten kitten." She laughed, grabbing my bag from me. "Let's get ya to the house; lots going on." I couldn't help but immediately like her. She had a warm, welcoming spirit.

Once I was loaded up and buckled in, we headed out. It was silent for a moment as Marie navigated through the airport parking garage and onto the freeway.

"Have you spoken to Reed today?"

"Just a quick text this morning. Is everything okay?" I suddenly felt a pang of worry come over me.

"There were some issues other than the appendix with Lizzie," Marie spoke softly.

"Is she okay?"

"She's okay right now. They're at home. We're going there now; no one has spoken to Reed yet, though."

"Okay. Maybe I need to stay at a hotel? I don't want to impose during a stressful time?"

"Oh no. You're family now!" She smiled. I glanced at my phone, checking the time. Reed was in Minnesota, probably getting ready for pre-game activities. I was starting to think perhaps I should have waited for him to come if there was some big family issue.

*

When Marie pulled into the driveway, I couldn't help but admire the southern home. It was a larger home with a farmhouse look and a wraparound porch. It looked exactly how I imagined it to look, white siding, black and white trims, and a perfectly manicured lawn. It looked like a home from every sitcom with the perfect family.

As we entered the house, I gazed around, taking it all in. It was comfortable and cozy, though the mood felt somber. I followed Marie into the living area where everyone had gathered, everyone except Reed.

"I got her." Marie sang with a smile, walking over to the little girl I had known to be Amy.

"Oh, Eden!" Lila cried out, walking toward me with her arms stretched out, ready to pull me into a hug. "It's so good to see you in person finally! You are absolutely stunning." She held me out at arm's length, taking me in. She was a beautiful woman herself, light hair down to her shoulders; she was an inch or two taller than me, though it was hard not to notice the red rings around her eyes.

"I'm so happy to be here," I replied, giving her a quick squeeze back.

Lila turned me toward the rest of the group, introducing me formally to the girls and Reed's Dad. Reed was the spitting image of Allen, though Allen had a few extra pounds on Reed. He was smiling over at me as I stood with Lila; sweet Lizzie laid over on the couch, sound asleep. I'm sure the emergency surgery had worn her little body out.

"Amy, sit with Lizzie while we step into the kitchen for some coffee," Lila instructed, taking hold of my hand.

"Yes, Mama." I smiled at the blonde girl I had spoken to a handful of times. She was always so bubbly and silly. For some reason, right now, she looked like the weight of the world was on her shoulders.