“Damn straight.”
—:—
“His office was locked,” Ava said, padding back up the stairs. “But Monk said there might be one in the garage.”
When she got to the top, Ava looked up and screamed.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re here!” She ran over to Quinn and hugged her as hard as she could. “Have you seen the rest of the tribe?” she asked.
“No. Razor asked us to stop here first.” Quinn smiled and grabbed Ava’s hand. “Let me see it.”
“Isn’t it beautiful?” said Saylor. “It belonged to my father’s mother.”
“Wow,” gushed Quinn, studying the oval-shaped diamond surrounded by tiny rubies. “It’s gorgeous.”
“I know,” said Ava, gazing at it “He almost forgot to give it to me.”
“What?”
Quinn laughed when Ava told her about Tabon’s proposal.
“I can’t believe you waited that long to mention it. Actually, I do. It’s so like you.”
“We’re talking a minute or two, but the look on his face…oh my God, I laughed so hard.”
“It’s so great to see you happy,” said Quinn, hugging her again.
“Who would’ve thought we’d be first?” Ava laughed.
“Not me. I mean, I never thought I’d be first.”
“You’re back so soon. I hope it isn’t because of me.”
“Nope, not because of you. I wasn’t doing very well traveling.”
“Why not? You love to travel.”
Quinn patted her belly. “Morning sickness is kicking my butt.”
Ava squealed and jumped up and down. “Oh my God! I’m going to be an auntie!”
“What?” shouted Aine, coming through the front door with Penelope and Tara on her heels.
Ava embraced her four best friends at the same time, just like they always had when one or more of them had been gone for a while. This was the way it had been since they were all seven years old. Thank God they’d always had each other because, for the most part, their parents weren’t worth a damn.
Ava heard the front door open again, turned, and gave Tabon her biggest smile. “Thank you,” she said, walking into his arms for a kiss.
“We wanted to surprise you.”
“I’m so happy right now.”
“I hope what I’m about to tell you is going to make you happier…”
“Let me tell her,” said Aine, bouncing over to them. “Peggy’s on her way.”
Ava’s eyes opened wide, and she looked between Tabon and her sister. “Why?”
“Because she wants to,” answered Aine.