Page 64 of Don't Look Back

She steps out of the way and lets me lead Zoey into the middle of the living room. There are so many family members surrounding us. People I’ve never met before, but I'm so happy to see.

I can't wait to see her reaction.

Chapter 36

Zoey

I know he’s trying to surprise me and that’s really sweet of him, but I just want to take this stupid blindfold off.

When we finally get out of the car, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing this is almost over. I don’t like not being able to see where I'm going, but I trust Colt to keep me safe. He’d never do anything to hurt me and I know that. He’s the polar opposite of Jimmy in every way and I think that’s why I fell so hard and fast for him.

After we’ve climbed three steps, Colt leads me a little bit further, then stops. He places his hands on my hips and I can feel him practically buzzing with excitement. I hope this is as good of a surprise as he thinks it is, or he’s going to be so upset. Even if it sucks, I need to pretend I'm really excited.

“Ok, I want you to close your eyes while I take the cloth off,” he says softly.

“Colt!Seriously? I’ve been blindfolded for so long and now you want me to close my eyes?”

“Patience, babe. I promise it’s worth it.”

“Fine, but you have thirty seconds and I'm opening my eyes no matter what.” I fold my arms across my chest, more than annoyed.

He carefully unties the piece of fabric, making sure he doesn’t pull my hair in the process. He’s so gentle whenever he touches me, it feels almost foreign to me.

“You can open your eyes, Zoey.” He takes my hands in his and squeezes them.

I open my eyes and at first the light is too much, but then I realize where I am and I let out a loud gasp.

“Mom! Daddy!” I squeal as tears begin streaming down my face. I’ve missed my family so much. I haven’t seen them in so long and now they’re here.

I throw myself in my parents’ arms and let the tears flow freely. I'm sure there isn't going to be a dry cheek by the end of the night. When they release me, I notice just how much of my family is here. Uncle Wes, Aunt Addi, and their kids – minus Sophia who’s watching Snow for us – are standing off to the side. Aunt Kelsey, Uncle Mason, and their kids are next to them and Aunt Michelle, Uncle Steve, and their kids are on the other side.

There are so many other people and kids running around. I'm sure I know all of them, but some of them I don’t recognize. I’ve been gone for a long time and the kids have all grown so much.

I move from one person to the next, getting hugs and words of encouragement and congratulations from each one of them. I get to introduce my amazing fiancé to everyone and they all instantly love him for protecting me and freeing me from my ex for once and for all.

“Uncle Wes!” I fling myself into his arms, not knocking him off balance even a little bit.

“Hey, squirt. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.” I squeeze him even tighter. He’s always been the best at giving hugs.

“Why do I have a feeling your town is stealing my baby girl away from me? You can’t have Sophia, I’ll fight for her.” He arches a brow at me as I take a step back.

“Because she loves it there.” I chuckle. “You know she’ll never stay gone forever. She loves Mulberry Lane too much for that.”

“Let’s hope so because I'm not sure Maple Springs could accommodate all of us moving there and I'm not letting her go. I waited a long time to get Charlie back and I'm not willing to do it again.”

“Don’t worry, Pops, you’ll never lose Cody or me. We’re staying here forever.” Jax flashes us a devilish grin and clasps a hand on Uncle Wes’ shoulder.

“Unless we get traded, then we’re gone,” Cody adds with a tilt of his beer towards us.

“That is true. We can't control that though, so it shouldn’t be held against us.” Jax shrugs.

“Traded?” Colt arches a brow.

“Cody and Jax play professional hockey. They’re on the Philadelphia Pythons.”

“Damn, that’s impressive.” Colt nods his head, looking slightly awestruck.

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