Page 70 of Headed for Home

“Okay,” I laugh. “Off you go.”

Drake swoops them back on solid ground and holds the door open for us. We stride into Roosters as a cohesive unit, whichwarms my heart to romantic mush. My eyes adjust to the dim lighting to reveal a sparse crowd. There are no sordid activities on open display. But I recognize several familiar faces.

“Hey, honored guests.” Harper waves from behind the bar.

“It’s the moment we’ve been anxiously anticipating,” Garrett hoots from beside her.

Drake snorts. “Are we in the right place?”

A little girl swivels on a stool, waving wildly. The twins rush forward to join her. They’re already acquainted thanks to riding lessons.

“Mama is teaching me how to make a Shirley Temple with extra cherries,” Sydney explains.

“See?” My boyfriend hitches a thumb at where she’s proudly sitting. “We’re a kid-friendly establishment. Put that on Google.” He returns her enthusiastic greeting. “Hot date tonight, Syd?”

She frowns. “Daddy wouldn’t like that.”

“Mhmm,” Harper cuts in. “Don’t put ideas in her head. She’s leaving shortly for a sleepover.”

“Such trouble.” I elbow Drake.

“It’s my job to stir the pitcher.” He mimics the motion.

“Or a pot. Whatever.” Harper rolls her eyes but she’s grinning. “The others have already arrived.”

A question for clarification parts my mouth but firm pressure at the base of my spine sets me in motion. I peek at Drake to find a smirk slanted in secrets aimed at me. Kenzie and Charlie begin weaving patterns around the tables, taking the long way. My stride falters when the others in mention are revealed.

“Auntie June! Paisley!” The kids screech and dash toward them.

The older woman stands to wrap them in a hug. “Welcome to the party.”

My cousin gets to her feet as well. “Surprise! The other two are on the road. You know how it is.”

My lips work soundlessly for several seconds. “What…?”

“We’re having family dinner,” Drake fills in the gaps for me.

“It’s a date,” Kenzie corrects. “Buts don’t forget we gotta get home for bed, m’kay?”

Amusement brightens my expression until the room sparkles. “Oh, I see. You were all in on this.”

My boyfriend nods and pulls out a chair for me. “Your parents send their regrets. They already had plans.”

I snort while sitting down. “Some fancy dinner party no doubt. Their social life is fit for New York City.”

Drake folds himself into the neighboring seat. “Sounds like mine.”

“You don’t talk about them much,” I note. “I only met them once when you hosted that homecoming bonfire in eighth grade.”

“They’re great, if you recall. Wonderful folks.” His broad shoulders bounce. “Just busy doing their thing. You’ll see them again eventually. Until then, we’ve got plenty of ties binding us together in town.”

My gaze travels from my aunt and cousin loving on the twins to Drake’s besties tending the bar. “We’re blessed, huh?”

His soulful blue depths sink into mine. “Very much so.”

“This is so thoughtful,” I breathe. “Thanks for organizing this.”

Drake drops a peck to my temple. “Anything for you, beauty.”

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