Page 80 of Forever Enough

“What about your hair?”

“Oh, I’m doing a simple pony. I don’t have anyone to impress.”

She dumped out a bag of makeup, and my eyes nearly popped out of my head. “I don’t think I’ve ever owned that much makeup in my entire life. You and my sister Emily would be the best of friends. She loves makeup. Always has.”

“Bradly said she’s confirmed for New Year’s Eve.”

“Yep,” I said as I popped my P. “Her fiancé Doug is coming as well.”

“Well, I can’t wait to meet her.”

Avery handed me the mirror again and asked, “What do you think?”

My eyes went wide. “Wow. I don’t think my makeup has ever looked this good.”

She grinned. “Okay, let me change, and then I told Bradly we’d meet them up at Mom and Dad’s house.”

I let out a shaky breath, and Avery took my hand in hers. “Everyone is going to love you. Stop worrying. Besides, the most important people, you’ve already met—Grams and Mom—and they love you!”

Laughing, I replied, “That’s true.”

While Avery slipped into the bathroom to change, I paced across the small living room floor and twisted my hands together nervously.

“Ready?”

Glancing over my shoulder, I grinned. “You look cute. And comfy.”

Avery was dressed in jeans, a light blue sweater, and black knee boots.

“Thanks!” she replied, gathering up all her stuff. “Okay, it’s time.”

I grabbed my phone and lipstick and slipped them into my small purse before I followed her toward the door. Before we got there, Avery stopped and turned to face me.

“So…game night.”

Swallowing the sudden lump in my throat, I barely got my word out. “Yes?”

She smiled, and it struck me how much she looked like her mother. “You like games, right?”

I nodded. “I love playing games.”

Avery looked relieved. Then her face turned dead serious. “Good. Now, I’m going to need you to forget about Bradly, the rest of the family, and most importantly—forget that you work for my mother and uncle, because once it’s game time, we will crush all those who oppose us. Capiche?”

My eyes went wide as I tried to figure out if she was being serious or not. When she didn’t falter, I simply nodded.

Her sweet smile was suddenly back. “Great! I knew I could count on you.”

Avery opened the door and bounced down the steps while I followed slowly behind.

Glancing toward the heavens, I whispered, “It’s all in your hands now!”

Chapter Sixteen

MACKENZIE

Bradly parked behind his father’s truck, and we watched as Merit, Dirk, and Avery piled out and walked up the steps of Lincoln and Brock’s home. It was a beautiful home and it was huge. The logs and river rocks made it feel cozy, like a cabin in the woods, even though it was far larger than most homes.

“Have I told you that you look beautiful?”

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