Page 54 of Love Me

Liam had completely transformed his garage into a magicalMoana-themedparty, complete with large character cut-outs of Moana, Maui, HeiHei, and Pua for the kids to take photos with. Luckily for everyone here, the rain has held back, and we’ve been gifted a rare sunny day. The rays beat down on our little part of the world, melting away what little is left of the snow, and bringing some much-needed warmth and sunshine into my little girl’s life.

There are two types of people who live in Aspen Ridge. Ones who thrive under the near-constant cloud cover, and those who leave the first opportunity they can for warmer, sunnier weather. I hope to mother above that my daughter is like me and is the first. But if her life calls her away, I’ll be cheering her on always.

The majority of Liam’s family is here, along with both of my sisters, our friends Reid and Owen, and what seems like Charlotte’s entire Pre-K classroom and their parents. It’s such a good turnout.

Sawyer, Ivy, and Reid find me at the craft table after helping the kids get set up with their little sensory bottle projects. Ivy’s belly has completely popped out at this point, but she looks so full of life, happy, and glowing. The complete opposite of me when I was pregnant with Charlie.

“Look at you, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful expectant mother.”

“Mother. Jesus. It sounds so surreal,” she replies.

“Better get used to it, butterfly, I plan to have you pregnant for the next few years.”

I give Ivy a sympathetic look, but she waves me off. “I’m ready for it. We want five.”

“At least,” Sawyer adds.

“For fuck’s sake, more power to you. My hands are full with just the one right now. I couldn’t even imagine multiple of them. How are you, Reid? I feel like I haven’t seen you in weeks!”

He shrugs his big shoulders. “Life’s been busy, Han, but I’m decent enough. No complaints.”

“Drogo will never complain,” Ivy adds, rolling her eyes at him.

“Hey, baby cakes. Having fun?” I ask Kinsey as she joins our little circle.

“Yes. Didn’t you know I love working five days a week and then spending my Saturdays with the children who I’m supposed to be getting a break from?” she jokes, and we all laugh.

“I know, I know! I’m sorry. But I’m grateful you’re here. Anything new going on with you?”

“Nothing. Work. Looking for a new place to live, actually, but it is ridiculous in this town. Someone either needs to move out of AR or die. And if someone could please do that, I would love to get out of my parents’ house STAT.”

Sawyer laughs, and Ivy and I both narrow our eyes at him. These boys are so ridiculous with how they treat their poor sister. They think by putting her on a pedestal, that they’re keeping her safe and loved, when all they’re doing is smothering her and keeping her from living her life.

“I’ll keep my ears open in case something comes up, and I’ll let you know,” Reid chimes in.

“Thanks, Reid,” Kinsey says fairly sheepishly before continuing. “Actually, I was hoping to talk to you about something.”

“What’s up?”

“I want to get a tattoo.”

“Ha! Fuck no,” Sawyer snaps.

“Sorry, sweetheart. Not a chance. You tryin’ to get me killed?”

“That’s fine, I expected that. I’ll find someone else.”

“The fuck you will, Kinsey,” Sawyer demands. I link my arm through hers and drag her away from the group of them, sticking my tongue out and leaving them for Ivy to deal with. She can control Sawyer and pull him off the ledge, and the two of them are both best friends with Reid. They’ll sort out their shit.

“So, a tattoo, huh?”

“I want one, I want to experience it. Something small and hidden. My brothers are fucking ridiculous. Who did yours?”

I squirm, my face bunching up as I wince.

“Fuck, really? Reid?”

“Yeah, babe. He’s a master at fine line and his florals are to die for. I wouldn’t go to anyone else.”

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