Page 49 of Rush

They reached the front door and Emerson pulled it open, ushering Nora in first.

“Surprise!”

The multi-voice shout startled her so much, Nora took a step back, hand flying to her chest. It took her a few seconds to process what was happening, but then she burst out laughing. “Oh, my god. I wasn’t expecting this at all.”

Her eyes landed on Linc as he stepped out of the group wearing a huge grin. “Were you surprised?”

She wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest, a little embarrassed by all the attention now that the initial adrenaline had faded. His arms came around her, squeezing tight as people crowded her all wishing her a happy birthday.

“No one’s ever thrown me a surprise party before.”

Oz stepped forward drawing her in for a hug. “Happy birthday, baby sis.”

Though it wasn’t officially her birthday until the next day, she soaked up the festivities just the same.

“My turn now.” Jay stepped forward.

Her eyes flew to Linc. Though his lips were pressed flat, she saw his barely discernible nod just before Jay pulled her in for a hug.

“Happy birthday, Nora.”

“Thanks, Jay.” She ended the hug quickly then scanned the rest of the faces that surrounded her.

She was surprised by the turn out. Her brother and Colt and of course Emerson and Ivy were there, but also several members of Linc’s team with their girlfriends and/or spouses whom she’d met at the ring ceremony. No other patrons filled seats and it was then Nora realized Emerson had closed the place down for her party.

A lump filled her throat as tears welled in her eyes.

As if he’d been watching her closely, an arm materialized around her shoulders and Linc led her away from the cluster of people.

“Why the tears, baby?” He asked softly so only she would hear.

She swallowed, trying to find her voice. “It’s a little overwhelming.” His brow drew into a frown and she quickly added, “In a good way. These are happy tears.” The line between his eyes vanished and he brought her against his chest. “All these people who barely know me, and Emerson closed the restaurant just for me.”

“Everyone’s here because they like you and Emerson closed because she loves you.”

A sense of belonging filled her and for the first time since coming to Portland, it didn’t feel like she was just a visitor. Here with her new friends and family, it felt like home.

She did notice one little person was missing though. “Where’s Sophie?”

“I knew it would be a late night, so I asked Jill and Mike to watch her. We’ll celebrate with her tomorrow on your true birthday.”

She gave him a squeeze around the waist. “I’d like that.”

Perfectstarted playing on the jukebox.

“Oh, I love this song,” Nora gushed.

“Dance with me.” It wasn’t a question. Not that it had to be, as she would never say no to Linc.

He led her to an empty space where the tables and chairs had been pushed aside, creating a makeshift dance floor, and took her into his arms. Soon she was dizzy and she wasn’t sure if it was from the spinning or the man.

But she had a feeling it was most likely the man.

After everyone had their fill of dancing, Emerson slid into the booth beside Nora where she sat watching the guys playing pool. “So, I couldn’t help but notice there’ve been no reporters around to report on thehappy couple,yet it still seems Linc can’t keep his hands off you. What’s that about?” Emerson raised her brows with a knowing grin.

Nora felt her cheeks heat and looked around to make sure no one was close enough to overhear their conversation before divulging, “Our relationship status may have changed from fake to real.”

“I knew it!” Emerson exclaimed in a loud whisper, scooting closer to Nora in the u-shaped booth and lowered her voice conspiratorially. “When did it happen?”

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