FIFTY

Lexie

I was hoping to wake up to the aroma of apple turnovers or pumpkin bread when I got up, but I didn't smell either of those things. Instead, it was the sweet and nutty aroma of freshly brewed coffee that hit me first. I shifted in my position in the bed and took a deep breath, savoring the aroma while simultaneously pondering its source. My mother always had a pot of coffee on hand for her best friend and next-door neighbor Lorraine, but my sister and I would much rather drink soda or tea. It seemed like an odd time to start brewing it for us at this point in time.

As I padded out of the room, I put on an old, tattered robe that I had worn in high school and was half expecting to see Lorraine seated at the table. Instead, I was confronted by Ryder.

Even though he had his back turned to me, I recognized him right away.

As my jaw dropped open, my eyes travelled from his broad shoulders to the expression on my mother's face. She gave me a gentle smile. "How are you doing today?"

I w