Free Waking Up To Love (Lakeside Porches Book 4) by Katie O'Boyle Page B

from her sister’s hug and welcomed his kiss on her cheek. “I’m loving your old apartment. I’m so sorry I wasn’t in London to greet you and show you around. I feel bad that you went there at the end of a long trip, all for nothing.”
    “It worked out all right,” Joel said. His face was younger, but the resemblance to Justin was striking, the same patrician features and discerning gray-green eyes. He stood with most of his weight on his left leg. “I’m heading inside for a shower, but you two stay and talk.”
    Manda reached for his hand. “Justin said he stocked the kitchen for us. I’ll fix us something to eat, if you’re hungry.”
    “No hurry,” he said with a tender smile for her. “Enjoy some time together.” He gave them a cheery wave. He used his cane to walk to the entry for 14 Lakeside Terrace, where he let himself in.
    “Joel will probably fall asleep after his shower, and he can fend for himself in the kitchen if he gets hungry before we’re back.”
    “You two live in my building?” Lyssa asked, incredulous.
    “On the first floor.”
    “Justin neglected to mention that.”
    “Justin is selective about what he tells people,” Manda said, her tone wry.
    “Now there’s an understatement. But I’m thrilled we’re living under the same roof.”
    “Me too. To Justin’s credit, after Joel’s accident, he completely renovated the first-floor to be handicap-friendly for Joel. And, in case you’re wondering, there’s no one on the second floor right now. Do you really like living on the top floor?”
    “Love it. Great exercise, beautiful view.”
    “Have you met Bridey yet?” Manda grinned.
    Lyssa struck a pose, one hand on her hip. “You, too? Is this a conspiracy to freak me out?”
    “Well, have you?”
    “Not yet, but I’ve been warned. Come up for an iced tea?”
    “I’m dying to walk over to the Cushman grounds. Come with me, and I’ll show you where our house will be. It’s only a half mile from here, if we cut through the park.”
    She linked arms with her sister, and they set off across the lush green lawn of Overlook Park. After a few yards, they both kicked off their sandals and wiggled their toes in the grass. “We are definitely sisters,” Manda said with a laugh. “It’s so good to have you here.”
    “I agree absolutely.” They fell in step with each other. “Was your wedding trip wonderful?”
    “It was everything we dreamed it would be. Except Joel’s exhausted. It was good we didn’t have an itinerary in London. Kyle arranged a guide for me, so I shopped and did tourist things, while Joel swam and got some spa treatments and hung out in the hotel library, reading. He also chatted up the clientele and the staff every chance he got.”
    “He enjoys being an innkeeper, doesn’t he? Did you both love Ireland?”
    “Totally.” Manda’s eyes sparkled at the memory. “We’ve got a million pictures. If we ever sort out the best of the best, we’ll show you.”
    “Good. I want to go myself, maybe next year.” Lyssa’s hand brushed against Manda’s as they walked. “I can budget for a trip, now that I have a position that’s more than a year.”
    “I’m so amazed you’re at Tompkins College. And you’re teaching economics, just like Dad. You’ll be great for the students.”
    “Thanks, that’s a big compliment. I really admired that side of Dad. The way he shared his values, I mean, and how he got his students—and us—interested in managing our money. I wouldn’t have been able to get my degrees if he hadn’t taught us those skills.”
    “I know, right? And you made those fantastic TV spots to teach other women.”
    “I’m very proud of that. And now I’m doing it here, for college students.”
    “But, Lyssa, I can’t understand how you could walk away from Kyle Pennington? He is so dreamy and so smart and—”
    “So not interested in me for anything more than wonderful dates and weekends in Cornwall. I loved it all, but