“I love it. Evin mentioned buying us a house, but it will be hard to leave this.”
“Depends on what he finds.” Ryanne’s eyes light, popping in a way that says she’s got an idea. “That may be the perfect job to keep you busy. Looking at houses.”
“I’ve got plenty to keep me busy by retraining my leg.”
“Pffttt, you aren’t fooling me. You’re babying that leg to get the attention. I mean, come on, a private jet across the country? A welcome home party? Not to mention Chris Hemsworth catering to your every need.” She rolls her eyes dramatically, waving her hand in the air dismissively. “I’ve got your number. Pips, at some point, he’ll clue in you’re milking this.”
“Her days of leisure are ending. Big mistake to move to the same city as Annie Graham.” Darby joins in the mocking, then scrunches her nose at Ryanne. “It creeps me out you compare my brother to Chris.”
“Trade out the eye color and they could be twins.”
They continue to talk, but I tune them out, smiling to myself and enjoying the view. Darby picked us up from the airport, and the moment I saw her waiting in baggage claim, I stumbled on my crutches. Evin had to balance me to hug her since my arms barely fit with her baby stomach between us. She is still slender, and even more stunning with the pregnancy glow, but the rounded form from the wedding now resembles a fully inflated volleyball. Even though they’d never actually met, Ryanne’s greeting was more of a smart-ass comment and that’s all it took. They were fast cohorts.
When we got home, the men unloaded our bags while I showed Ryanne around. During my tour and a few unstable turns, Evin decided the furniture needed to be rearranged for safety. I argued we’d figure it out because I’d learn to navigate. Everyone, including Darby, sided with Evin. He grinned triumphantly, swept me up, and brought me to the patio.
“Brace yourself,” Darby interrupts my thoughts.
The back door opens, Maya and Cole flying out and barreling straight to me. Both surround my chair, arms wrapping tight.
“Hey, Aunt Poppy,” Cole says, and I notice the slight change in his voice.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
They pull back and Maya scans me over. “I love your hair.”
“Thank you.”
Cole’s eyes grow wide when he sees Ryanne, and I swallow down my giggle before introducing them.
“Hey.” He gives a half-wave.
“Hey, Cole, nice to meet you.”
“You too.” He looks back at me. “Where are your flowers?”
“We haven’t had time to buy any.”
He grins, glancing at his sister. “Good call, Maya.”
“I knew you probably didn’t have any, so I asked Dad to stop and buy some on the way here.”
A lump forms in my throat. “That was very sweet.”
“AHHHHGGGGGEEEKKKKKK!”
My first instinct is to jump to my feet at the sound, forgetting about my condition. But when I stand, my heel protests, and a searing pain travels up my leg.
“Poppy! Cole, get her before she falls,” Evin demands, and Cole’s hands go to my waist.
I ignore the discomfort and suck in a deep breath at the sight of Evin walking to me with Devin in his arms. He’s beautiful always, but holding the baby, my heart dissolves into mush.
I lean into Cole for support, my pain forgotten. “I’m good, buddy.”
Devin sees me and his little body vibrates, his mouth splitting open as he squirms.
“Baby, sit down so this little boy doesn’t have a conniption.”
I sink back into the chair, angle my knee protectively, and reach up. Devon dives at me, latching onto my hair first. Evin crouches as I pepper kisses all over the baby’s face.
“You okay?”
“Yes,” I answer between kisses.
“Jesus, he’s drooling all over you.”
“He drools all over Darby, too. It drives Dad crazy,” Cole informs us.
“Oh, sweet Jesus.” Ryanne’s tone has me turning again, this time to find the crowd piling out. Pierce, Annie, Edward, Linda, Ray, Miller, Ashlyn, and Andrew join us on the patio. My eyes dart between Ryanne and Andrew and know the attraction is mutual.
“Fuck, I’m regretting this already,” Evin mutters.
“I’m not. This is exactly where I want to be.” His face softens as he bends in to kiss me. Devin reacts by screeching and Runner plows through, nudging until I rub his head. Evin curls me to him, Devin snuggling closer and babbling.
Our little huddle is interrupted almost immediately. Ashlyn’s shape has changed, but her stomach is not as visibly protruding as Darby’s. She squats, bringing her face eye-level, and I hold my breath. She’s glowing so bright she’s radiant.
“We’re happy you’re finally here. I would have visited, but things seemed hectic.”
“I’m glad to be here.”
“Princess, get up before you topple over.” Miller hauls her up, flashing his beautiful smile. “Welcome back, Flower Child.”
“Hey, Miller.”
At his voice, Devin wriggles frantically, screaming so loud my eardrums ring. He doesn’t reach for his other uncle but punches his fist with excitement.