Page 23 of Alice & Meg, Girls Trip

Nikki groaned playfully. “Oh no, that means trouble.”

“Trouble? Us?” I feigned innocence, earning a laugh from everyone.

“Okay, I’ve learned from past experience that when you two say ‘winging it,’ it means we’re about to embark on some kind of crazy adventure,” Nikki teased, shaking her head.

“Crazy is in our DNA,” Meg shot back, grinning.

“You got that right,” Greta agreed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’m ready for whatever comes our way.”

Lennox, now finished with her plate, leaned back and rested a hand on her belly. “As long as it involves food, I’m in.”

“You and that baby of yours,” I teased, nudging her gently.

“I swear, you’ve been eating for two since day one,” Meg laughed.

Lennox smiled softly, rubbing her belly. “I’m just making sure this little one comes out happy and healthy.”

Meg chuckled. “With all the love and food around here, that baby is going to be one spoiled little grandkid.”

I nodded, feeling a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the fire. “And that’s exactly how it should be.”

Karmen tilted her head, her gaze softening. “You know, it’s moments like these that make me realize how lucky we are. I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”

The group grew quiet for a moment, each of us lost in our own thoughts. The night was cool, but the fire kept us warm, and the company did the rest. This trip, this gathering of friends and family—it was more than just a getaway. It was a reminder of how important it was to hold onto these connections, to cherish the laughter and the love that we shared.

Finally, Nikki broke the silence, her voice light and teasing. “Alright, enough of this sappy stuff. Who wants to drive me to the bar to get a Campfire Hot Chocolate with Peanut Butter Whiskey?”

Greta shot up from her chair. “Now you’re talking! I call shotgun because my ass is still drunk!”

Lennox rolled her eyes and stood. “I believe that is my cue.” She followed Nikki and Greta over to the golf cart. “Make sure you keep all hands and feet in the cart at all times,” she droned.

Nikki, Greta, and Lennox rode off down the road, their laughter echoing back as they went, with strict orders to bring back spiked hot chocolate for everyone.

I watched them disappear around the bend, then leaned back in my chair, feeling the warmth of the fire on my face. The crackling of the flames and the distant hum of the campground created a comforting background noise. I let out a contented sigh, allowing myself to fully relax.

Meg settled into the chair two down from me, her eyes following where the girls had gone. “Think they’ll bring back more than just hot chocolate?”

I chuckled. “Knowing them, they’ll probably return with enough snacks to feed an army.”

She nodded, a smile playing on her lips. “Wouldn’t surprise me one bit.”

The fire crackled again, sending a few sparks into the cool night air. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the peace of the evening settle over me. The stress of daily life seemed miles away, replaced by the simple joy of being surrounded by friends and the anticipation of sweet, warm drinks.

Life was good.

I opened my eyes and looked over at Meg. “This is what it’s all about, isn’t it?”

She nodded, her gaze softening as she stared into the flames. “Yeah, it really is.”

I took a deep breath, the scent of burning wood and fresh air filling my lungs. Life had its ups and downs, but right now, in this moment, everything felt perfect. “I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”

Meg grinned. “Neither would I.”

Chapter Seven

Wet Wide Bottoms

Meg

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