Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 101758 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101758 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
“Hey! No fair, you’re hugging without me,” I hear Harper say, and then I’m being squeezed tighter, and wow.
This is a really physically affectionate family.
Now I see why Xander never stops touching me.
“We didn’t have your number,” Darby says. “And we rectify that today. Are you okay? Do you need anything?”
The chatter around the house has intensified since more people have shown up, and it kind of reminds me of working at the bar, and with this warm welcome, my nervous system levels out.
“I’m okay. Xander’s been, well. He’s great.”
All three girls pull back and stare at me, exchange looks, and then grin. All of them.
“Turns out, we should have just asked Xander for your number,” Harper says with a wink.
“Oh, we—”
“It’s written all over your face,” Ava says. “And we’re happy for you. And him, because you’re the cutest and it’s about time he pulled his head out of his ass.”
“I heard that,” Xander calls out.
“Wasn’t whispering!” Ava tosses back.
Xander has opened up accordion-style glass doors to the outside—I didn’t even know they did that—so there’s a fantastic indoor-outdoor flow and more space for everyone to spread out.
I even set up a little bar off the kitchen.
“Does anyone want a drink? I have a lot to work with here, and I also made fresh espresso for martinis.”
“Oh God, you’re speaking my language,” Ava says. “Espresso martini for me.”
We drift over to where I can mix the drinks, chatting away. Tucker and Xander are at the grill with their dad. Easton is holding Belle and chatting with Blake.
Harper glances at Ava and says, “Where’s Chad today?”
“He’s working on a case in Helena,” Ava replies as she eagerly accepts the glass I pass to her. “He’ll be gone for a couple of weeks.”
I notice that Darby and Harper share a look. I’ve gotten good at reading people, and it seems to me that Chad isn’t their favorite.
I’ll have to ask Xander about it later.
“You got engaged,” I say with excitement when I see the ring on Darby’s finger. “Aw, congratulations, friend.”
She grins and holds her hand up. “Thanks. It still doesn’t feel real, but the ring’s on my finger, so I guess that means it’s true.”
“It’s beautiful, and I’m so happy for you.” I pass her a martini. “How about you, Harper?”
“I definitely want a drink,” she says with a nod. “I’m not breastfeeding anymore, so hook me up.”
I grin and make her martini, and just as I’ve finished, I glance around and see that Xander is now holding Belle.
Oh my God.
“It’s hot, right?” Darby asks, as she follows my gaze. “These huge, muscled men holding that sweet little girl. It makes my ovaries ache.”
“It should be illegal,” I admit and have to pour myself a shot of vodka. I don’t drink much, but damn.
The girls laugh, and Xander looks our way, his eyes narrowing. He excuses himself from Tucker and walks over to me.
“Hey there, Red.”
“He calls her Red,” Harper whisper-shouts, making me press my lips together.
“Hi. That baby is gorgeous.”
He nods and kisses her sweet head. “I know. I’m obsessed with her. I’m also her favorite. Aren’t I, Bellie Boo?”
I chuckle and reach out to brush my fingers through her soft, wispy hair.
“Just like I’m your favorite,” Xander says to me, that charming smile firmly in place and his green eyes full of mischief. “Right?”
“I mean, you’re fine.”
Darby snorts.
“Come on, wildcat, you’re killing me here.”
“Wildcat,” Harper says to Ava, and now I can’t help but laugh.
“Ew,” Ava says. “I don’t want to know that Ivy’s a wildcat in the sheets.”
“And on her desk, and in the kitchen, and—” Xander says, but they all start to yell and shake their heads.
“Stop! No!” Darby cries.
“My ears! They’re bleeding,” Harper adds.
“I think I’m dying,” Ava says, and now I’m laughing so hard, and Belle joins me because we’re all being so goofy.
“You’re the sweetest thing,” I say to the baby, and Xander passes her over to me, and for a second, I freeze. “Uh, I’ve never held a baby.”
“Never?” Harper asks. “It’s time to start. You won’t break her.”
“Oh geez, I didn’t even think of that,” I mutter as I settle the tiny girl against my chest. “How old is she?”
“Almost four months old,” Ava says with a soft smile.
Belle’s watching me with wide blue eyes, and then she smiles up at me, completely toothless, and my heart melts into goo.
“She’s mine now,” I say and rock her back and forth. “You can stay with me. We’ll be besties. Deal?”
Belle just keeps smiling, so I assume it’s good with her.
“It’s too bad no one around here likes her,” Harper says between sips of her drink. “Poor thing.”
I laugh and look up at Xander, who’s watching me with the funniest look on his face.
“You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
I narrow my eyes on him. “Are you sure?”