Page 34 of The Way We Score

When the song changes to another old one by One Direction about stealing my girl, I can’t hold back a laugh. “Really, Cray? Did you make this playlist?”

“With Dylan’s help!” Craig struts onto the floor holding the hand of a tall guy in a tan suit, who I assume is formerly closeted Clint.

When Dylan sees them, she squeals and slow-struts in time to the music over to where they’re dancing—if you can dance to this.

The three of them hold hands rocking their hips side toside, until Logan leaves his dad on the sidelines and walks straight across the floor to pull her into his arms.

Leaning down, he kisses her nose. “Nobody’s stealing my girl.”

I glance back at his dad, and for the first time since I’ve known him, Kellan Murphy breaks into a smile. He’s proud of his son, and Logan is so wrapped up in his wife and his new life, it doesn’t even matter anymore.

“What’s that look about?” Liv’s hands are on my shoulders, and she’s studying my face.

“Good things are going to happen tonight.” My eyes return to her pretty ones before sliding over her shiny hair down her cute nose to her bright eyes.

“I’d say they already have.”

“And we’re just getting started.”

The song changes to something by Justin Bieber, and the DJ comes on to announce the bride and groom’s first dance as a married couple. It’s something about a lifetime, and I catch Liv’s hand, leading her off the floor. We go to where Allie and Rachel are standing side by side, arms around each others’ waists as they wipe away tears.

“Stop!” Liv waves her hand at them. “You’re going to make me cry, too!”

My brow furrows, and I feel like I’m missing something. “Why is everybody crying?”

“Uncle Grizzlaaaaay!” That little voice shifts the mood.

The slapping of small patent-leather shoes on flagstone announces my niece running at top speed in my direction. I drop to a squat, and little arms go around my neck as I lift her off the ground.

“You did a great job tonight, Peanut!” She’s crawling out of my arms, and she nearly pulls my coat off trying to get onto my back. “Hang on.”

“Let me help you.” Liv steps over, adjusting my littlemonkey-niece into her preferred spot. “You’re just a natural at piggyback rides.”

Liv stands in front of me with her arms crossed and laughter dancing in her eyes. I’m not sure anything could feel more right in this moment.

“Aunt Thelma brought me a Chucky doll!” Kimmie’s pouty voice is in my ear. “I started crying and Daddy fussed at me. He said I was too big to cry over a silly doll, but Uncle Hendrix said those dolls come alive at night and I don’t want that ugly doll chasing me when I sleep!”

She buries her little face in the side of my neck. My eyes meet Liv’s wide ones, and I take a turn away from the sounds of music playing. I have a lot of plans for tonight, but they’re going to have to wait.

Following the path, I walk around to where a raised platform sits under a flower-covered arch. The bay is visible through the posts, and with the sun setting on the water, it’s peaceful and lovely.

“Come here.” I sit on the platform, and she stands up behind me, walking around to sit on my lap. I take her little hand in mine. “You know when Aunt Dee was a little girl like you, Aunt Thelma gave her one of those dolls every year at Christmas.”

Her little head nods, and her lips poke out. It’s funny how much she looks like Dylan at this age.

“I hid them all in the closet, and when Aunt DeeDee found them, she screamed, too. Lightning McQueen said he would protect me, but he’s too busy getting married.”

I swallow my laugh, both at her variation on Logan’s nickname and imagining my sister opening a closet full of American Girl dolls.

“I don’t think those dolls mean to scare little girls. I think they want to play with you and be your friend.”

“But Uncle Hendrix said?—”

“He was making a joke when he said that.”Her round eyes lift to mine, and I can tell that isn’t going to cut it. “Still, I bet that new doll would feel a lot better with the other dolls, don’t you?”

Kimmie nods so fast and hard, I’m worried she’ll give herself a whiplash. “She needs to be with all those other bad dolls!”

“I’m not saying she’s a bad doll. I’m just saying we’d all probably be happier if she stayed in Aunt Dee’s closet with her friends instead of going home with you. Yeah?” Again she nods hard, and I chuckle, giving her side a poke. “I’ll talk to your dad and take that doll home with me, but you can’t tell Aunt Thelma, okay?”

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