Page 107 of That First Flight

He raises a brow in question. “Emiline doesn’t have a dog.”

Well that’s… interesting.

It took us an extra half hour to get to Peyton’s house due to traffic. But it didn’t feel like it took us long to get here at all with Oliver beltingToday's Top Hitsover the radio while I laughed uncontrollably in the passenger seat.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, I love being around him for this reason alone.

By the time we arrived, everyone was here already. We walked through the door hand in hand as if we do it all the time. No one batted an eye as if everyone expected this from us.

The weather was perfect for James’ party, despite it being the end of February. It was a cool day with a mild breeze in the air, allowing him to have the bounce house he wanted in the backyard.

I remember when Mackenzie turned five, but her party was nothing like this. I wish I was able to give her something like this, but my parents were dead set on keeping things more elegant.

I’m not even sure that’s the word I’m looking for, but they acted like it was a thirty-year-old’s party filled with a five-course meal and she couldn’t even pick the cake she wanted.

I’m convinced that’s why she acts so much older than her age. She was forced out of her childhood.

That’s why I find myself on the verge of tears as I stand on their back deck, looking out into their massive backyard as Mackenzie laughs like the child she is with James and his friends in the bounce house.

She’s having the best day ever.

“She loves spending time with James,” Peyton says next to me. I didn’t even hear her coming.

I shake off the emotions, not allowing them to bubble to the surface. “She really does. She loves kids so much. I wouldn’t be surprised if she becomes a teacher in the future.”

“I wouldn’t either,” Peyton agrees as she stares at the kids with me. “She’s so good with them at the daycare center. We love having her come hang out with us after school. The kids actually look forward to it and wonder when she’s going to be there each day.”

My head snaps in her direction. “They do?”

Peyton nods. “You raised a really bright and smart young girl, Macey.”

That does it. The emotions bubble and I can’t control it. “Thank you.”

“None of that today.” She wraps an arm around my shoulder. “It’s a day of celebration. For all things.”

I give her a curious eye and she just laughs at me.

“Come inside. We have cake.”

I follow her inside and I’m curious why we aren’t calling James and the kids for cake.

“You ready, babe?” Thomas says from the kitchen.

“Ready,” she squeals as she bounces into his arms.

I watch intently as she wraps her arms around his waist and he wraps his arms around her head. He looks down at her with so much love in his eyes and I get weepy all over again. Their love is something so special. I’m so thankful that this group of people were brought into my life and that I get to witness their love.

My eyes scan the room and I see Marc with his arm draped over Avery's shoulder as she wraps her arms around his waist from the side. It’s crazy to hear the story about how they were actuallyfaking itwhen they were in my bar over the summer. As an outsider looking in, there was nothing fake about the way they interacted with each other.

“Want me to call the kids in?” Logan asks from the couch.

I notice Emiline sitting on the armrest of the couch right next to him. Not quite touching him, but my brain can’t stop thinking about those two. I’ve always been Team Emiline in the group chat. I feel like she would say something is going on with them, but after our conversation this morning, my curiosity peaked and I wonder even more what’s happening there.

“We will call them in soon,” Peyton says. “It’s been damn near impossible to get us all together the last few weeks. So we figured we would steal some thunder from James for a moment.”

Avery gasps as her hand covers her mouth.

Is this what I think it is?

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