Chapter 3 - Welcome to Colorado ♡︎

The Uber pulled up the long dirt road that wound toward the Walters' farmhouse, dust rising in the late afternoon sun. The wide fields stretched out on either side, golden and green, dotted with horses and the barn that looked as though it had been there forever. The house itself loomed at the end of the driveway, not intimidating in a cold way, but in the sense that it was alive, filled to the brim with laughter, arguments, and more noise than one person could prepare for. Olive pressed her forehead against the car window as they approached, her stomach fluttering nervously. She tightened her grip on the strap of her pastel duffel bag, her oversized lavender sweater pooling around her like a safety blanket.

Before the car even stopped moving, the front door burst open. Jackie came flying down the steps, her dark hair catching in the sunlight, her shoes kicking up little puffs of dust as she ran. Behind her, Katherine, George, and Alex lingered on the porch, watching with fond smiles, their arms crossed as though this moment was a show they didn't want to miss.

The Uber driver put the car in park, and Olive stepped out hesitantly, the toes of her white sneakers sinking slightly into the gravel. She was still adjusting her bag on her shoulder when Jackie barreled into her, arms wrapping around her with so much force Olive let out a surprised squeak before dissolving into soft giggles.

"Olive!" Jackie cried, squeezing her tightly and rocking her from side to side. "You're finally here! Oh my God, it's been forever, I can't believe you're standing in front of me!"

Olive's cheeks flushed pink as she returned the hug, burying her face against Jackie's shoulder for a moment. "I missed you so much," she whispered softly, her voice muffled but full of warmth.

Jackie pulled back just enough to cup Olive's face between her hands, her grin practically splitting her face. "Look at you! Still tiny, still adorable, still my baby sister. Ugh, I can't believe we get to live together, I'm not letting you out of my sight." Her tone was affectionate but firm, the way Jackie always was when she cared about someone—protective, like she was already standing guard.

Olive giggled again, ducking her head shyly. "You haven't changed," she murmured.

"Neither have you," Jackie teased with a bright smile. "Still hiding in those giant sweaters." She tugged playfully at Olive's sleeve before throwing her arm around her shoulders, keeping her close.

At that moment, Olive fumbled for her wallet as the Uber driver began unloading her suitcases. She bent down quickly, intent on paying, but Alex stepped off the porch and crossed the yard in a few easy strides. "Don't worry about it," he said smoothly, already reaching for his card. "I've got this."

Olive froze, clutching her wallet like it might shield her. Her big brown eyes lifted timidly toward him, and she stammered, "Oh... um... th-thank you. That's... really kind."

Alex smiled warmly, his voice even and gentle. "It's the least we can do. You're part of the family now."

The word family made Olive's heart skip in her chest. She lowered her gaze again, her cheeks hot, and gave a tiny nod. Jackie beamed at the exchange, proud and pleased, before taking Olive's hand and squeezing it tightly.

From the porch, Katherine's expression softened, her eyes shining as she watched Jackie's best friend fold so naturally into their orbit. George gave a small nod of approval, and even Alex lingered a moment longer, making sure Olive didn't look too overwhelmed. The house behind them buzzed faintly with the voices of the other boys, restless and curious.

Jackie swung Olive's suitcase out of the trunk with surprising ease and slung her arm around Olive again. "Come on," she said brightly, her voice brimming with excitement. "Wait until you see your room—it's right next to mine. We made it perfect for you. And don't be nervous, okay? Everyone's dying to meet you."

Olive glanced up at the big house, her stomach knotting. The thought of walking through that door and facing all the Walter boys at once was enough to make her palms sweat. She squeezed Jackie's hand like it was the only thing keeping her steady.

Jackie leaned closer, her tone dropping into something more reassuring. "You've got me. Always. And don't let them scare you—they're loud and a little rough around the edges, but you'll get used to it." Then, with a playful grin, she added, "And if Cole so much as looks at you funny, I'll knock him into next week."

The farmhouse smelled faintly of coffee and cinnamon as Jackie pushed the front door open and tugged Olive inside. The moment Olive crossed the threshold, the noise hit her—voices echoing down the halls, footsteps pounding overhead, laughter spilling from one room to another. It wasn't overwhelming exactly, but it was a lot. Her old house had been quiet, sometimes too quiet. Here, it felt like the walls themselves were alive.

"Okay," Jackie said brightly, her dark hair swinging over her shoulders as she led Olive into the heart of the house. "Time for the grand tour—and the Walters."

Olive clutched the strap of her duffel tighter, her eyes wide as she followed close behind.

The first person they came across was Isaac, who was sprawled on the couch in the living room, tossing a baseball into the air and catching it with one hand. He barely looked up until Jackie cleared her throat. "Isaac, this is Olive."

Isaac glanced over, raised an eyebrow, and gave a lazy salute with the baseball still in hand. "Hey."

Olive gave a tiny wave, murmuring so softly it was almost lost under the sound of the TV, "Hi."

Jackie shot Isaac a warning look before steering Olive along. In the kitchen, Danny was perched at the counter with a book about acting in hand. He glanced up immediately when Jackie called his name. "Danny, meet Olive."

Danny smiled warmly, his tone easy. "Nice to meet you."

Olive's lips curved shyly, her voice timid but genuine. "You too."

From there it was a whirlwind. Nathan popped his head in from the back porch, and Parker was playing with a soccer ball out on the grass, she waved at Olive and smiled. Jordan barely looked up from his phone when Jackie introduced them, though he gave a quick nod that counted as acknowledgment. Alex was already known to Olive thanks to the driveway, but Jackie still looped back to him, proudly saying, "You remember Alex, obviously. The best boyfriend ever." Alex rolled his eyes at Jackie's dramatics, though he offered Olive a reassuring smile.

One by one, Olive was introduced to the Walters scattered around the house. Every face was new, every name a little overwhelming, but they were friendly in their own loud, chaotic ways. Still, Olive found herself tugging at the hem of her oversized pastel sweater, the familiar fabric grounding her as she murmured shy hellos. Jackie kept a steadying hand on her back, guiding her from one boy to the next, her energy warm and protective.

When they finally circled back to the living room, Jackie glanced around and frowned. "Wait—where's Cole?"

The boys exchanged shrugs. Isaac didn't even look up from the baseball, muttering, "Out."

Jackie sighed, pressing her lips together in irritation. She turned back to Olive with a little shrug, her tone softer now. "Guess you'll have to meet Cole later. Don't worry about him—he's... a lot. But you'll be fine."

Olive nodded quickly, her gaze dropping to her sneakers. The name Cole alone was enough to send a nervous flutter through her stomach, though she wasn't sure why.

Before the moment could stretch too long, Katherine entered the room, brushing her hands on a dish towel. She smiled warmly at Olive. "Why don't we show you your room, dear? You've had a long day, and I think you'll want to settle in before dinner."

Olive gave a shy nod. "Yes, thank you."

Jackie immediately grabbed her hand again and tugged her toward the stairs. "Come on, you're going to love it."

The staircase creaked beneath their steps as Katherine and Jackie led Olive upstairs. Jackie's voice bubbled with excitement as she chattered about how they had put everything together. "We worked so hard on it—you have no idea. We wanted it to feel like you, not just another room in the house. I even picked out the paint color."

They reached the end of the hallway, and Jackie stopped in front of a freshly painted door. With a flourish, she pushed it open, revealing the room inside.

Olive stepped forward, her breath catching softly. It was perfect. The walls were painted a soft blush pink, with pale cream trim that made the whole space glow. A cozy bed sat by the window, layered in pastel blankets and throw pillows. A shelf had already been lined with stuffed animals—some hers, some clearly new. And by the bedside table, glowing faintly in the afternoon light, was a bunny-shaped night light waiting for her.

Her hands flew to her mouth, her wide eyes glistening. "Oh... oh, it's beautiful," Olive whispered.

Jackie's smile softened as she wrapped an arm around Olive's shoulders. "Told you we made it perfect. You're home now."

Katherine nodded, her eyes gentle. "We wanted you to feel safe here. This is your space, Olive."

Olive turned, cheeks rosy and eyes watery, and gave them both a shy but heartfelt smile. "Thank you... really... thank you so much."____

The farmhouse kitchen was buzzing with the kind of energy only dinner at the Walters could bring. The smell of roasted chicken and potatoes filled the air, mingling with the scent of fresh bread and vegetables Katherine had spent most of the afternoon preparing. The long wooden table was already set, glasses clinking as the boys jostled each other for spots, voices overlapping as though none of them had ever learned how to wait their turn to speak.

Olive lingered at the edge of the kitchen, her hands tucked into the sleeves of her oversized sweater, her eyes wide as she took everything in. She had never seen so many people squeeze around one table before. Back home, dinner had been a quiet affair—just her parents and her, polite conversation drifting softly between bites. Here, it was a storm of voices, laughter, and teasing remarks thrown across the table before anyone had even sat down.

"All right, all right," Katherine called over the chatter, her voice firm but kind as she stepped in front of the table with a wooden spoon in hand. "No one touches a plate until I say so."

Immediately, a collective groan rose from the boys, Isaac the loudest among them. "Come on, Mom, we're starving!"

Katherine gave him a sharp look. "You'll live. Ladies first." She gestured toward Olive with a smile. "Olive, sweetheart, why don't you start us off?"

Olive froze for a moment, her stomach tightening. Every eye in the room seemed to turn to her at once, and she felt her cheeks heat as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, um... okay," she murmured softly, her voice barely audible over the clatter of the table.

Jackie, seated close enough to sense her hesitation, leaned forward with an encouraging smile. "Go on, Ollie. Don't worry, they'll behave. Right, guys?"

Several of the boys grumbled halfhearted agreements, though Isaac chuckled lightly leaned back in his chair. "I mean, if she takes too long, I might pass out from hunger."

"Isaac," Katherine warned, her eyes narrowing.

"Just kidding," he said quickly, though his grin didn't fade.

Olive's lips quirked shyly into the smallest of smiles before she finally stepped forward. She carefully scooped some roasted chicken and vegetables onto her plate, her hands trembling just enough that she worried someone might notice. Once she had her food, she slipped into a chair at the end of the table, grateful for the chance to retreat from the center of attention. Jackie slid into the seat beside her a moment later, nudging her playfully with her shoulder as if to remind her she wasn't alone.

Parker, true to her word, practically lunged for the serving dishes the second Olive and Jackie were settled, piling her plate high. The rest of the boys followed suit, hands reaching and forks clattering as though they hadn't eaten in days. Katherine rolled her eyes but didn't stop them this time, muttering under her breath about how she would never understand how one kitchen managed to keep up with so many teenage appetites.

As everyone began eating, the room erupted into conversation. Nathan started talking about a prank someone pulled in their math class, Danny chimed in about the new acting book he was reading, and Jordan recounted a story about something at school he saw earlier that day. Isaac argued over who had the better shot at winning the next football game, and Parker just ate her food and smiled.

Olive listened quietly, her fork moving slowly as she tried to keep up with the whirlwind of voices. It was chaotic, loud, and messy—but there was a warmth to it, too. She found herself smiling softly as she watched the brothers banter, the corners of her eyes crinkling just slightly as Jackie whispered little side comments to her about who was always starting the arguments and who never finished their food. Every now and then, someone would include Olive in the conversation—Danny asking if she liked to draw, Nathan wondering if she was planning to join any activities at school—and though her answers were shy and short, they were genuine, and no one seemed to mind.

Still, there was one empty chair at the far end of the table, and it didn't go unnoticed. Every time Olive's gaze flicked to it, she felt a small knot of curiosity twist in her chest.

Finally, between bites of her food, Katherine sighed, her eyes moving toward the vacant seat. "Cole will show up soon," she said with a kind of resigned certainty. "He always does, eventually."

Jackie shook her head, leaning toward Olive as if to explain. "Don't worry. That's just Cole. He has his own... timing." Her tone was affectionate but edged with the kind of warning only a sister figure could give.

Olive nodded quickly, dropping her gaze back to her plate. Still, the name lingered in her mind, heavier now than before. She hadn't met him yet, but already he felt like a shadow at the edge of this new world she was stepping into—someone she couldn't quite avoid, no matter how much she might want to.