Surrendering Series Box Set

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Sloane and Ryder tagged along with us the next day when we went to visit Tate, April and the girls. A part of me couldn’t wait to see how Sloane reacted to Gracie and Fiona. It was one of those situations that was going to either go well, or be a total disaster. Vegas odds were 1:1 on which way it would go.

“So I don’t have to do anything, right? Like change diapers? Because I have a really sensitive gag reflex,” Sloane said, causing Ryder to make a choking noise that was probably suppressed laughter. “Oh grow the fuck up.”

“No, you won’t have to change diapers because both girls can use this awesome thing called a toilet. Honestly, you’re worse than I was, and that’s saying something. At least you had brothers and sisters when you were growing up to practice on,” I said.

“I avoided young children at all costs. Especially the ones I was related to.” That I knew to be true. It wasn’t that Sloane didn’t like children. I think they just freaked her out. They were messy and unpredictable and, most of all, they ruined clothing. That was their greatest drawback.

“They’re kids, not Velociraptors. What do you think they’re going to do? Destroy your perfect outfit?” Ryder said, tugging on the sleeve of her wrap blouse. She’d paired it with cropped pants and a killer pair of boots. I’d advised her not to wear large sparkly jewelry, because little hands had a tendency to go for them.

“Hey, I work hard to look this good and I don’t want it getting messed up,” she said, adjusting her top.

“I think you’d make anything look good,” Ryder said, and Sloane rolled her eyes at him, but I saw her biting back a smile.

“Should we bring anything?” Sloane asked.

“No,” Lucah and I said at the same time.

“Whoa, okay. Sorry I asked.”

Lucah turned off the highway and headed for the ‘burbs. I was actually relieved to be visiting Tate and April and the girls. Their kids didn’t ask much. All they wanted were cookies, to put glitter on my face and to wear my heels. Simple. No underhanded motives, no lying or fishing for information.

Plus, they were so happy to see me they were practically screaming. Then they saw Ryder and got even more excited. He picked both of them up and they started chattering away, pulling on his hair and begging for his attention. Lucah grabbed Fiona and started swinging her around as Tate went and got coffee for everyone.

“It’s so good to see you again, Sloane,” April said, giving her a hug. They’d bonded in the hospital and I knew they’d been keeping in touch. After they hugged, Sloane stepped back and looked her up and down. “You’re showing already.”

“What?” April’s hands went to her belly, pressing against something I couldn’t see.

“She’s not serious, if you can’t tell,” I said, giving Sloane a look. She looked again and nodded.

“You’re right. It was just the drape of your shirt. Good. That means I won’t have to alter this!” She went to the car and brought back a garment bag and presented it with a flourish.

“What is that?” April said, pointing to the bag.

“Oh, this? This would be your dress for the charity event. Tada!” There was much squealing and rejoicing over the dress and Sloane hadn’t even showed it to her yet. The girls came over and wanted to see it, so Sloane unzipped the bag and pulled it out. Short and white, it had a vintage feel with a skirt that flared out. Sloane turned it around and showed the back, where the straps crossed with a bow in the middle.

“Pretty!” Gracie yelled, reaching for it as Sloane carefully yanked it out of her reach.

“Yes, it is. Thank you so much, Sloane. I can never repay you for this,” April said.

“Don’t worry about it. I get off on this.” Sloane beamed and the girls finally noticed her and decided to be curious.

“What are they doing?” Sloane said as the girls started to inch closer and we all watched.

“Hey, Gracie Grace, why don’t you come meet Sloane?” Ryder said.

“Alone?” Gracie said, inching closer and leaning on Ryder’s knee. Fiona toddled over and stared at Sloane as if she was a being from another planet.

“No, sweetie. Sloane,” I said. “She’s my friend.”

“Fwend?” Fiona said, looking up at me.

“That’s right. My friend.” Fiona inched forward and touched Sloane.

“What is she doing?” Sloane was just as unsure of them as they were of her. I wished someone would video this encounter.

“My God, Sloane, you’re ridiculous.” I put my hands out to Fiona, picked her up and put her in Sloane’s lap.