Page 96 of Sparks Like Ours

“I’ve never been happier to be number four.”

Jordan laughed. “I suppose it’s safe to say that you two are anitem?”

“What is it they say?” Elle asked. “Love conquers all?”

Gia nodded. “That’s exactly what they say.” She looked at Jordan.“And it has.”

Epilogue

“I love your house,” Hadley told Elle, as she carried in her emptyplate from the beach out back. The back patio still smelled like the wonderfulhamburgers they’d grilled two hours ago. A tad chilly for August, whichsignaled that an early fall might be on the way. Elle was grateful for thechance to host Gia’s friends. Well, hers now, too. The afternoon had beenrelaxed and fun, with a little beach volleyball and delicious mudslidecocktails for all.

“Don’t give her too many compliments,” Holly said. “She got allher decorating tips from me.”

Elle laughed and turned to Hadley. “That’s only partially true.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Hadley said. “I want to move in.”

“You can’t,” Autumn said, entering through the back door. “I’dmiss you too much. Who would walk across the courtyard and keep me company?”

“Me,” Isabel said, from the hallway. “Sorry, Elle. I just gavemyself a grand tour of your ridiculously cute house. Seriously, you’re toocute. I don’t know how you survive. I might have to murder you in your sleep.”

“Please don’t,” Gia said, slinging an arm around Elle’s shoulders.

“Fine, but only because you asked.”

“I think Kate and I are gonna take off,” Autumn said, patting herridiculously large stomach. Elle was really amazed at how such a small womancould carry two full babies. Somehow Autumn was handling it like a champ.“Late-afternoon nap is calling.”

Elle opened her arms and pulled Autumn into an embrace. “Thank youso much for coming, and hang in there.”

“Less than a month,” Autumn said. “I got this.”

“We’re right behind you,” Taylor said, corralling Isabel, whostill wandered the expanse of the living room in a curious daze, taking in eachpiece of art.

“And me,” Hadley said. “The lonely fifth wheel! Don’t forget me.”

Isabel grabbed Hadley, put her in a headlock, and gave her hair atousle. “I have a feeling you won’t be lonely for long. Good things are comingfor you, Hadley-Pants.”

“That’s a new nickname,” Gia said, quirking her head.

Isabel grinned. “I’m keeping it. Gonna get all Had’s stuffembroidered with it for Christmas.”

Holly pointed at Isabel. “I like you.”

“I like you back,” Isabel challenged.

Elle smiled as everyone gathered their belongings and headed forthe door. These women were endlessly entertaining, and she enjoyed getting toknow them more and more. Gia, who was wonderful enough on her own, came with alot of perks.

“You were so great to have them all here,” Gia said, once theywere alone. “But halfway through, all I wanted them to do was leave, already.”

“Leave? Really? Why?” Elle asked, clearing a tray. “Everythingokay?”

“More than okay.” Gia came behind Elle at the sink, wrapped herarms around her from behind, and kissed her neck slowly. “I was just dreamingabout doing this…and more. You were so cute in your hostess mode.” She slid herhands up the front of Elle’s shirt to her bare stomach.

“Yeah?” Elle asked. She turned in Gia’s arms and stared into thosechocolate brown eyes. “Is there anything I can get for you, ma’am?”

“Now you’re just trying to torture me with your hostess voice.”

“No, ma’am. I’m just happy to help with anything you need.”

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