Page 160 of The Forever Play

I can’t help laughing as I shake my head and share aquick look with Grady. These hockey guys are entertaining if nothing else. As are the two little squirts jumping over outstretched legs and giggling up a storm.

“You know, if you ever want to hang out, we could do a playdate for Kai and Zoey. I’m sure he’d love that.”

Sienna spins to look at Tara. No. Tyler?

“Tammy, that would be amazing.”

Tammy! Got it.

Stop forgetting, you douche. Especially if your daughter is going to be hanging with her son.

“Yay.” Tammy grins, her dimples popping into place. “We live out at the Ponderosa Villa now. I can give you directions. It only takes like twenty minutes to get there, and there’s a big backyard, and Baxter’s building a playground castle thing for Kai. Plus, Rachel bakes the best muffins. You should totally come hang with us. We’d love it.”

“Oh my gosh.” Sienna wraps her arm around Tammy’s shoulders. “You just made my day. Seriously. Thank you. I’ve been trying to find some little buddies for Zoey, and I’ve gone to one playgroup, but it’s kind of awkward, and I know it’ll probably get easier and I should keeping trying, but…” She winces. “I’m like the youngest mom there by so much, and it just feels?—”

“Weird. I totally get it. I had Kai when I was eighteen, and people don’t always understand what it’s like being a teenage mom. They look at you like the babysitter, and then when they find out you’re the mom, they treat you like you don’t know what you’re doing or you’re a complete screwup for getting pregnant in the first place.”

“I know, right?” Sienna’s blue eyes glisten with relief. “Oh my gosh, it’s so good to talk to someone who gets it.I’m so glad you made it today. It’s seriously so nice to meet you.”

“You too.” Tammy’s smile is golden, and I’m so fucking grateful for her right now.

“Hey, Zan-Man?” Wily calls across the room. “Got any more drinks, or should I make a quick run to the store?”

“Let me check the fridge first.” I head toward the kitchen, checking our stock and getting out a few more beers and sodas to pass around.

The grill is fired up outside, and I poke my head through the window, grinning at Liam, Baxter, and Tyrell, who are manning the barbecue.

“Smells good, guys.”

“Brats will be ready in about five.”

“Sounds good.” I’m about to walk back through the kitchen and play best host when I’m stopped by a sexy-ass smile on the most gorgeous blonde I’ve ever seen. “Hey, you.” I put the drinks down on the table so I can wrap my arms around her waist.

Pulling her close, I nuzzle her neck.

She lets out a sweet little moan, so I do it some more until she’s giggling against my shoulder.

Damn, I love this woman so fucking much.

Considering the shit we went through a week ago and then the pending visit from my parents, she still manages to find a way to laugh and smile through it all.

Russell was immediately fired from Nolan U and is dealing with kidnapping charges. I haven’t heard the latest, but I think his lawyer is trying to plea some kind of insanity-type deal. He lost his mind for a minute. I don’t know if that’s just a rumor. All I care about is that he stays away from my family.

Sienna never wants to see him again, and it’s been hella awkward considering her dad is best friends with Russell’s father. I have no idea how things will unfold, but I’ll be protecting my girls at every turn.

A squeal bounces off the walls as Zoey darts into the dining room. I can’t see her from this angle, but her laughter is my favorite song, and I smile down at Sienna, who is obviously enjoying the sound just as much as I am.

“It’s so cute watching her play.” Sienna looks toward the doorway. “It makes me want another one.”

“I want another three.”

“What?” She whips her head back to gape at me, and I can’t help grinning at her shocked expression.

“I want a big family with you, Sparks.” I squeeze her hip. “But I know you had a really shitty pregnancy, so I’d never ask that of you. Unless, of course, you wanted to.”

She keeps gaping at me, like she’s still trying to process my first comment.

I lightly pinch her earlobe, brushing my fingers down her face. “When I picture our future together, we’re surrounded by kids. Our house is buzzing with laughter and Taylor Swift.”

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