Page 88 of Piece Of Me

Taz held her close and kissed the top of her head. “Being vulnerable and open to our kind of love is.”

The two of them moved into the shadows and swayed in the dark as Cal sang another song. Scarlett’s eyes moved over the crowd, until she spied someone standing near the entrance of the barn. She couldn’t make out who it was, and she frowned. She moved out of Taz’s embrace.

“You leaving me already?” he murmured, his handsome face smiling.

“I’ll be back in a second.”

She was halfway across the room when she realized who it was. “Viv?”

The tall, slender brunette smiled as Scarlett approached. “I’m sorry I’m late. The plane was delayed twice and then there was a problem with my rental and I?—”

Scarlett enveloped her sister in the kind of hug they hadn’t shared in years. Decades maybe. Was it because of the big love she was feeling? Maybe. Or was it because she was finally at peace with a past that had made her into the woman she was?

Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter. She stood back. Her sister had always been a beauty, with her long dark hair, sky-blue eyes and the kind of bone structure that inspired artists. She was tall and slender, and wild and mysterious and…sad? There was something in her eyes that tugged at Scarlett’s heartstrings.

“You’re home, Viv,” she said softly. “That’s all that matters.”

Benton walked over, then Ryland, and she wasn’t sure when the band stopped, but Cal appeared at her side and the five of them stared at each other in silence. She couldn’t remember the last time the five of them had been together.

“You look beautiful, Scar.” Vivian’s voice was husky and her eyes shone with tears.

“You here for long?” Benton asked.

Vivian glanced his way. “I don’t know what my plans are. I haven’t booked a return flight.”

“Good. Maybe we can convince you to stay this time.” Benton cracked a smile.

“I don’t know about that,” Vivian said slowly, eyes moving beyond them as she took in the crowd.

Scarlett got the feeling she was looking for someone in particular, but she didn’t have time to dwell on the notion, because it was time to cut the cake.

The rest of the night was about as perfect as Scarlett could ask for. Cal’s band played until the sun began to peek through the night sky and by the time she took off her dancing shoes it was nearly five a.m. She and Taz had exactly one hour to get ready before they left for their honeymoon. The destination was a surprise, and Rosie had gotten her bags packed so she had no clue what clothes she was taking.

The twins were fast asleep in Scarlett’s bed, and Benton, Manley, and Martha would navigate parenting duties for the next five days.

“They’ll be fine,” Taz said, appearing in the doorway of the kitchen.

God, he knew her so well. “I’ve never left Hank for that long before.”

“They’re surrounded by family.”

She nodded. “You’re right.”

“Come here, Mrs. Pullman,” he commanded with a wicked grin.

Damn, but she liked the sound of that. Ten minutes ago, she’d been tired. But one look from this man had her blood burning, her insides shaking, and her heart racing.

“Ask me nicely and I might think about it.”

“Please?”

She walked into his arms and the kind of kiss that made heat coil deep in her belly. His hands were everywhere, and she broke the kiss, laughing as she gazed up into the face of the only man she would ever love.

“We’re in the kitchen,” she whispered.

“I’m aware.” He winked. “It’s as good a place as any to make a baby.”

She stilled at his words and leaned into him, the thought of creating new life with this man made her ovaries explode. “How many?”

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