Finally My Forever Read Free

bunch of books all wrapped up into one." He paused and stared at me intently. "It's the only book in the world like it. You did the right thing changing your choice." He smiled and patted my shoulder again. "I'll bet you just forgot."
    "I did," I said.
    His mom interrupted us. She was wearing a bright smile and carrying a few bags of supplies along with her oversized purse. "Are you two ready?" she asked.
    "Can I help you with any of that?" I asked.
    "I think I got it," she said. She extended the arm that was holding the purse. "Thomas, dig in there for my keys, please baby. I'll need you to lock up."
    He did as she asked and we made our way to the huge SUV that was parked in the garage. Thomas offered me the front seat, but I told him I was content to ride in the back. The ride to the construction site only took us a few minutes, and Thomas talked the whole time about how cool the house would be and how many great things he and his friends would be able to do there. I assumed by his descriptions that there would be quite a few people helping out today, and I dreaded being the only one there who didn’t know anybody.
    Mrs. Bennett agreed to let me carry one of the bags inside when we arrived. I was greatly relieved to help since it gave me something to do with my hands. It was heavy and I couldn't believe she had carried that and the others by herself. I looked inside to find two 6-packs of Powerade.
    "That's for my baby brother," Thomas said, seeing me glance inside. "He likes the white ones. And Mom likes the white ones because they don’t make a mess if you spill."
    "I guess everybody likes the white ones," I said. At least I started to say it.
    Thomas, catching a glimpse of someone he recognized, cut me off in midsentence. He threw his arms up in the same way he had done for me when we first met. "Valerieeee!" he said.
    The girl, who was beautiful and seemed to be in her twenties, made the same gesture with her arms. "Thomasssss!" she yelled. She greeted Mrs. Bennett with a kiss on the cheek. "We're already getting a lot done in there," she said.
    "Oh, good," Mrs. Bennett replied, "Thank you for being here."
    "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
    "Plus, you get that cool t-shirt," Thomas said, proudly. He looked at me with a wide-eyed, serious expression. "You need a shirt too."
    "Oh, I'm okay," I said. I was tempted for a split second to add that my dad's company was the one who printed them, but I opted to stay quiet.
    Valerie and Mrs. Bennett were talking about all the work that was going on, and I followed them into the house, content with holding my bag of sports drinks and blending into the background.
    There were several volunteers visible when we walked in. Two men were laying tile around the fireplace, two were in the kitchen doing something with power tools that required them to wear goggles, and a few more were spread around looking busy. I followed Mrs. Bennett into the kitchen where she commented on how nice the new refrigerator looked and began putting the bottles into it. Thomas and Valerie disappeared down the hall to go inspect the rest of the house.
    "How can I help?" I asked.
    "How do you feel about painting?" a man's voice said from behind me. I turned to find a man about my dad's age staring at me with a big smile. He had mostly black hair with some gray on the sides and his eyes were the type that squinted when he smiled.
    "Honey, this is Carly," Mrs. Bennett said.
    "Mike's daughter!" he said, smiling.
    I was his stepdaughter but I didn't correct him. I assumed he must be Mr. Bennett. He stuck out his hand, and kept right on with that squinty-eyed smile. Something about it seemed warm and welcoming. I was glad for it at a time when I felt nervous and out of place. I shook his hand and smiled back.
    "I don't know much about painting, "I said, getting back to this question, "but I'd be happy to give it a try."
    "It's just a matter of rolling paint on the walls," he said. "We'll come behind you and do