Page 133 of All We Need

“Shit, is it that obvious?”Patrickchuckles and sits onGraham’sright.Thefour of us line the bar like a misfit boy band.

“She said yes?”Ibring my fist to my mouth.

It does nothing to hide the almightyhootIlet out when he nods vigorously, eyes shining. “Shesaidyes.”

Graham hooks an arm aroundPatrick’sneck, tugging him in for a hug whileDexslaps his palm on the bar top and shouts, “Fuckingfinally!”

Balancing on the footrail,Istand tall and wave at our grouchy barman. “Lenny!Ringthe bell!JoandPatare getting married!”

AfterJohannaandPatrick’sengagement announcement, my mom called for a celebratory family dinner.Weall found cover at the restaurant for the evening so we could celebrate the happy couple.Everyonesaw it coming—Patbought the ring months ago and was just waiting for the perfect timing.WithValentine’sDaytwo days away, love is well and truly in the air.

“Stick a fork in me.Thatwas delicious.”Ilean back in my chair, rubbing my belly.

“UncleBoo.”Lottiegiggles next to me. “Youmade the food.Ofcourse it’s delicious.”

“Ah, you’re good for my ego.Neverchange, you little toad.”

Aly rolls her eyes and chuckles. “Itwas okay.Didanyone think it needed more salt?”Sheglances around the table and is met with a chorus ofyeses.

“You’re all a bunch of traitors!Evenmy own mother,”Icall. “Lottie, let’s go.”

My niece giggles asIchuck her over my shoulder and make a break toward the door.Herinfectious laughter triggers everyone else as she bangs her little fists against my back.

“I’m gonna barf!”she squeals.

“Lottie,”Patrickcautions, though there’s no hiding his amusement.

“Sorry,Daddy,”Lottiechirps over my shoulder. “I’mgonna toss my cookies.”

Everyone erupts into more laughter.

At that,Ideposit her on the ground the right way up and shove a finger inAly’sdirection. “You’rea bad influence.”

She shrugs. “Youshould learn how to accept constructive criticism.”

Graham snorts next to her. “Aly, where’ve you been hiding?We’vewaited almost thirty years for someone to put him in his place.”

“Cheers to that,”Patrickadds before raising his glass from the opposite end of the table.

I sidle up next to my mom, pouting.Shesnickers but strokes my hair like she did whenIwas younger. “Mypoor boy.”

She had her cast removed a couple of weeks ago and has been taking advantage of the freedom. “Coffee, anyone?Cake?Quinnmade some lovely cupcakes for the occasion.”

Quinn stands and begins collecting the empty dishes. “Letme help,Claire.”

“Pssht.”Mymom flaps her hands inQuinn’sdirection. “Nonsense.Youkids go and enjoy yourselves in the den.GeorgeandIwill tidy up.”

George, who has no choice in the matter, kissesJohannaon the head and follows my mom into the kitchen.Weall move to the den and demolish the sweet treatsQuinnbrought.

It’s like middle school prom with the way we’re all seated.Thegirls sit on one side and the guys on the other.Dexchats everyone’s head off about something wood related, butI’mtoo busy eavesdropping on the girls.

“So you’ll come?”Florencesqueals, clapping her hands.

Laughing lightly, a small smile appears onAly’sface. “Ifthat’s still okay?Ican bring wine and cheese.I’mnot sure what the norm is forGalentine’sDay.”

A ringing sound fills the room asJoclinks her glass withAly’s. “Youhad me at cheese.Wearsomething comfy and if you want, you can stay the night.”

Quinn’s eyes bulge. “I’venever had a sleepover, but something tells me it’s not going to be like it is in the movies.”

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