Page 98 of Forever To Me

Maggie and Mack both exchange looks. And I want to throw myself out the nearest window.

Violet pauses, raising a brow at the three of us. “Okay,” she says slowly. “What’s going on?”

I open my mouth?—

And Mack ruins everything.

“Dad was just saying how much he likes having you around.”

I choke on my coffee.

Violet’s eyes widen slightly, a smirk creeping onto her lips.

“Oh really?” she asks, way too amused.

I shoot Mack a glare that could set fire to a forest.

Mack grins, completely unrepentant. “Yup. Big softie, this one.”

I swear to God, I’m going to send this child to a nursing home with Maggie. Maybe they have a two for one deal.

Violet grins, shaking her head. She walks past me, giving Pickles a scratch behind the ears before stealing a piece of toast from my plate like it’s the most normal thing in the world.

And the worst part?

I don’t stop her. I simply watch as she heads back out to the porch, Pickles and Rip trotting behind her.

Maggie leans back in her chair, looking smug as hell.

“Well, well,” she hums, sipping her coffee. “Would you look at that?”

I narrow my eyes. “Don’t say it.”

She grins. “Looks like we’re keeping her after all.”

Mack cheers.

And me? I sit there, watching her, watching this, and I know?—

I’m so screwed.

The bar is halfway through the afternoon rush, and Violet and I are behind the counter, moving like we’ve been doing this together forever.

She’s pouring drinks, throwing in that easy charm that makes her a new favorite among the customers, while I handle inventory and keep an eye on everything.

I barely notice the door swing open until a familiar voice cuts through the noise.

"Well, damn. You replace me already, boss?"

I turn, and there he is—Cash, grinning like he never left.

"You look too well rested for someone who has a newborn at home," I say, crossing to give him a hug and clapping him on the back. "How’re Codi and the baby?"

Cash laughs, clapping me on the back as he settles onto a barstool. "Yeah, yeah. I needed a break, but I’m ready to come back if you’ll have me. Everyone is good.”

Violet walks over, setting a beer in front of a customer next to him. "Hi, Cash," she muses.

Cash smirks. "Hey, Violet, how's my job?"

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