Page 66 of Sparks Still Fly

“What was that screechy sound up there? Was that one of the bats, or was that you?” Adam chuckles as Raf scowls at him, and I can’t help the smile on my own face.

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” Raf turns and shoves the ladder back into place. “But Maevey can’t stay here, man. She will flip the fuck out if she knows how many of them there are.” He looks at me, hands on hips as protector Raf is firmly in place now. I smile and clap him on the shoulder.

“I got it man. I can take care of my wife.” That gets a chuckle out of him, and he fakes a punch to my stomach with a big smile on his face.

“Your wife, huh?” He smiles at Adam then back at me, and it loosens the strain in my chest that my friends are happy for me. That they support me. I guess that also loosens my tongue.

“She hasn’t said it yet, but I think she’s in love with me, too. I don’t have all the answers, but I think we’ll figure them out. I think we—” I don’t get to finish my sentence because Raf has his big meaty arms around me in a hug I didn’t ask for.

He pulls away and steps back. “I know you hate hugs. Sorry. But you’re two of my best friends. I’m just happy for you. I smothered Adam when he told me he was in love with Lainey. And you remember me at the engagement party. I didn’t stop hugging them all night. I just like seeing my friends happy, man.”

I give Raf a shoulder squeeze, thankful for this big teddy bear with a heart of pure gold. “Thanks, Raf. I appreciate it.”

Adam steps closer. “And are you, Owen? Happy?”

I feel the corners of my lips quirk up immediately. “Yeah. I’m happy. I’m… relieved. I’ve spent a long time loving her on my own, and now she’s here, so yeah. I’m happy.”

“And what’s going on with Julia? When will she be able to live here with you?” Adam’s voice remains even as he tucks his hands into his pockets.

I let out a loud breath. “Soon, I think. The courts are super backed up and there was a request in the will to make sure I was financially and emotionally stable enough to be Julia’s guardian.” I rub at my chest, thinking about Clay and Monica having to make this decision, never knowing just how soon this would all happen. “My lawyer keeps me posted every day, even if there’s no change, but it’s a matter of days now. She’ll be home soon.”

I look up to find both of my friends smiling at me, and for once, Rafael doesn’t say anything.

Adam nods, then asks, “You’ll let us know if we can help with anything, yeah?” I nod, meaning it. “All right, then. You wanna pack Maeve a few things so she doesn’t have to come back here?” Ever the considerate one, Adam makes a great suggestion, so I head into the other room before he can finish his sentence.

I’m not prepared for the sheer amount of stuff Maeve brought with her. You’d think she was moving in, and the thought of that happening makes me want to toss all of these things in the back of my truck and haul them into my house. Our house.

After I’ve thrown a few things into an empty suitcase, I roll it back into the house and find the girls setting some plates around the table, each with a glass of wine in their hands.

“We’re back!” Raf’s voice booms through the space.

“Did you find it and gently place it back into its natural habitat?” I laugh at Maeve’s question. She didn’t sound like she cared about anything’s natural habitat when she came running in here last night.

Last night. How was that just last night?

Walking up to her, I place a hand on her lower back and practically beam when she relaxes into the touch.

“No. There wasn’t only one, unfortunately, so it might be best if you stay here until we get this taken care of.” She stiffens, turning to face me and I expect the worst. She’s going to want to leave. She’s going back to LA because being here with me is too much too soon. She’s changed her mind.

“There was more than one?” Her eyes go wide and her jaw drops. “You can bet your ass I’m staying over here, then!”

She’s gonna stay? Holy shit, she’s gonna stay!

I smile, putting my other hand in my pocket to keep from touching her because I can feel all eyes on us right now. “I packed a few things for you, so you don’t need to go back there if you don’t want to.”

She pats my chest and smiles brightly up at me. “That was nice of you. Thank you, darling.” She walks away, stopping to top up her wine glass, and I look up to see Adam’s knowing smile. “I’m just going to get changed quickly then.” I stand there staring at her retreating form, heart pounding in my chest as the way she called me darling and the fact that she’s going to stay here take root in my brain. The little specks of hope inside me are like seeds being planted into the ground and blooming.

“Owen?” Lainey’s voice is loud next to me, and I turn to find her grinning from ear to ear. “I called your name three times. You want a beer with lunch?”

“Oh. Yeah. Sure. Thanks, Lainey.” I run my fingers through my hair and go to find something to do that isn’t obsessing over Maeve. I walk to the pantry fridge and grab some cans of sparkling water for the table. I have a feeling these girls started on wine early and haven’t had anything else since.

We all settle onto our chairs, and Lainey smiles, taking in everyone gathered around the table. I know what she’s thinking. It’s been a while since we’ve done this, and it’s never been here.

“Okay, so wherever you sit, that’s what you get. We ordered six different mystery sandwiches then you can grab whatever sides you want. The bread and the chips are made on site, and the salad is fucking incredible—I’ve been trying to get the recipe for the dressing from the owner since the first time I came here.” She sets her napkin on her lap, then looks up again. “And I’m really happy we’re all here together. For the last time without a little baby! Eeeek! Now let’s dig in. I’m starving!”

We all laugh and start unwrapping our sandwiches. As I’m about to bite into mine, opposite me, Charlie is scowling at hers and mumbling something I can’t hear. Raf looks up and hands her his plate with his sandwich on it, which gets a small smile from Charlie. These two are such a mystery. Raf leaves his new sandwich untouched and fills his plate up with chips and salad.

“Rafael, what’s the deal with your super-hot brother?” Charlie’s eyes twinkle with mischief, and it’s a look I only see on her when Raf is around. This is gonna be good.

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