Facing West (Forever Wilde 1)

“Yep. It’s a shame you missed Halloween. That’s the best one they do.” I shifted Pippa’s backpack on my shoulder before reaching for Nico’s free hand.

“I’ve heard. Next year, huh?”

I looked over at him and grinned. “Yeah, next year. We’ll have to come up with a costume. This year I just took her as a sleeping baby because I was too sleep-deprived to think of anything else.”

After arriving at Doc and Grandpa’s, we made our way into the house amid shouts of greeting from friends and family. Predictably, Doc stole the baby right out from Nico’s arms and took off with her. I was sure he was planning on showing her off to anyone and everyone, as if they hadn’t seen her a million times. She seemed to love the attention though, smiling and giggling whenever someone made silly faces at her.

“You sure we didn’t need the Pack ’n Play?” Nico asked in a whisper.

“They have one of their own, remember? It lives in the guest room although I’m surprised they haven’t turned it into a nursery yet for how often she’s over here.”

“We have,” a voice chuckled behind us. I turned to see Grandpa and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “The nursery is finally done. Check it out. You’d better be leaving her with us tonight, boys. Doc’ll flip if you don’t.”

“Oh, please, twist our arm,” Nico responded deadpan.

Grandpa laughed and led us back to the room beside theirs. The walls were a sunny yellow, and there was a brand-new crib set up against one wall. An old rocking chair I recognized sat in the corner with new cushions that matched the curtains and crib sheets. A small bookcase sat next to the rocker and held stacks of picture books, some ancient-looking and some obviously brand-new.

Before we had a chance to gush to Grandpa, someone asked for his help down the hall.

Nico turned to me with wet eyes. He’d been doing that a lot lately. I wondered if, now that the floodgates were open, he was having trouble getting back into the habit of shoving his emotions aside. Whatever the reason was, I was glad to see him letting his feelings out.

I pulled him in for a hug and cupped his cheeks. “You okay, tough guy?” I teased quietly.

“Why would they go to all this trouble?” he asked.

“Because they love her. They’re her family, our family. That’s what families do,” I said without thinking. The word “family” seemed to hit him like a barb. “Shit, Nico. I’m sor—”

He closed my lips with his fingers and smiled up at me. “Nope, don’t be sorry. You’re right. I’m just not used to it.”

“Are you okay with it all? I know going from little to no family to this insanity is a bit much.”

“It’s amazing, West. Truly. I always envied Griff his huge crazy adopted family, and now I have my own. And so does Pippa.”

I leaned down to brush my lips against his. He tasted like the peppermint candy cane he’d eaten in the car on the way over here.

“Always. I love you, Nico.”

“I love you too. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” His face bloomed dark pink, and I thought about what a difference it was, seeing him now compared to when he’d first arrived after Adriana’s funeral. He’d gone from being a defensive prickly pear to an expressive, loving partner. Granted, he was still a work in progress—we both were—but he didn’t seem to second-guess my commitment and love for him anymore.

When we made our way out to the family room area, the room was full of people talking and laughing. Holiday music played in the background, and bowls of eggnog and punch covered the kitchen island counter. All kinds of cookies and cakes from the bakery were displayed on the big kitchen table along with big pots of chili and soup Grandpa had made. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an award-winning chili in the bunch, but everyone seemed okay settling for second best.

As the night wore on, many of us bundled up and made our way out to the bonfire. Everyone seemed to have gotten a buzz on, and Nico was happily chatting with my sister Hallie until Mrs. Parnell walked up with a big grin.

“Hi, Nico! I’m so glad to see you. George is desperate for me to book you for a cake like the one you did for Clyde. Please tell me you can squeeze us in the first week in January.”

Nico smiled. “You’ll have to call Rox and ask her. She keeps the schedule. I know we’re booked through New Year’s for painted cakes though, so call her soon.”

“Will do, will do. Say…” She looked around as if to make sure no one could hear her even though everyone could. “How are you feeling now that ole Curt is gone, huh? You know, after the thing with Daniel Warner came to light? Can you even believe it?”