Page 7 of Momcom Vacation

“I was going to wait until later,” Man Bun says, “but this is as good a time as any, so…”

My ears perk up. It’s rare that my brilliance is so quickly recognized. Especially by Man Bun.

Makes me feel all tingly.

“I’d like for you to be my best man.”

Heart leaping, I blink. “I-I figured you’d ask Liam.”

“You don’t want the job?”

I shake my head to clear away the cobwebs. “Oh, no, I’m perfect for this job. But I figured you’d have him.” I point to the kid whose headphones are in place once more. He’s tuning us out, as usual. Clearly I’m the better choice. I’ll look way better in a tux. Although I may need to tone down my perfection so I don’t overshadow the groom. I shift in my seat and take him in. Maybe I could convince him to get a haircut. That would certainly help keep him from looking like a hobo on the big day.

“The wedding will be chaos. I’ll need help dealing with my mother, and I don’t want to put that on Liam. You’re pretty good at wrangling this family and dealing with the madness.” Cortney keeps his focus locked on me the entire time he’s speaking. “And, well, you’re my best friend.”

I’m nodding along, doing what I can to keep from breaking into a smug grin, but when he gets to that last admission, my throat gets tight. I glance away quickly and cough to clear it.

“See?” I say, going for cocky, since that’s what he expects. “I knew you liked me.”

He cuffs my shoulder with one rough hand and squeezes. “So you’ll do it?”

We’ve been through a lot these last few years, and with babies on the way, I’m more grateful than ever for the man beside me. “You’re my best friend too. Of course I’ll be your best man.”

Cortney’s smile is blinding. Fuck, he’s so happy, and now I feel a bit guilty about not telling him the whole truth about this vacation. “But full disclosure, if we stay at the villa with the girls, I’m pretty sure Liv will kill me, so we’re staying in the caretaker’s house instead.”

Cortney frowns. “Okay. I’m good with that, but I’m surprised it’s got enough bedrooms for us each to have our own along with all the perks you just mentioned.”

Shrugging, I turn and look out the window. “Who needs separate rooms when you’re with your best friend, right?”

“Beckett…”

Chapter 5

Dylan

Cort: Hey, Firefly. Small change of plans…

Me: Did Becks convince Enzo to stay at his place too? Guys’ party?

Cort: Not exactly.

Cort: The short version is we’re on our way to you girls, but you’re not supposed to know that. We’re going to cram into the caretaker’s house, and there may or may not be a crib for Willow. Beckett’s being very vague about the details.

Me: I will take care of everything. Don’t worry. Just relax. See you when you get here.

Keeping my expression even, I glance up from my smartwatch. God only knows where my phone is. I set it down somewhere and haven’t stumbled across it again yet. On the other side of the island, Delia’s making mimosas for us and a mocktail for Liv. Pretty sure Shay suggested a terrible-tasting all-natural alternative, but Delia’s good at tuning her out. Liv isholding a paperback, ready to chat about the hot hockey guys we’ve been reading about, but it will need to wait.

Giving them all a serene smile, I skip around the island and head back to my room.

“Don’t forget your copy ofLearn Your Lesson,” Liv calls after me.

She’s reminded me half a dozen times already, but I didn’t actually bring the book. It might be on my nightstand back in Boston, I’m not sure. I borrowed Liv’s on the plane, claiming it was in my bag.

I dig through my suitcase and peek into a cabinet and snag exactly what I need, then head for the door that leads to the beach, passing the girls as I go.

“Where are you going?” Shay cocks her head.

Delia puts down the bottle of bubbly and glares at me.

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