Page 95 of The Way We Win

Hendrix swoops up his toddler, and they head out the screen door in the middle of the back wall facing the bay. I continue on to the kitchen where Garrett and Logan have joined the Thursday night crew.

Female voices laugh, and the conversations are lively and animated.

“Back away from the workstation, Dylan.” Raven points the sharp knife at her. “We arenotputting orange marmalade in the chile de arbol.”

“I thought it would be interesting,” Dylan argues. “Chefs combine sweet and spicy all the time, and it works really well!”

“Your taste buds are wack right now, Pepper Spice.” Allie moves her hands in a sweeping gesture. “Go hang out with Logan and enjoy your pregnancy. Let Raven do this.”

Dylan crosses her arms as she walks over to stand with her husband.

“It’s okay, babe.” Logan leans down to wrap his arms around her shoulders. “I love all your pepper-free dishes.”

“It’s so wrong.” My sister leans her back against his chest, and he holds her.

My lips twist with a half smile, and I think about the day I’ll be able to do the same with Allie.

She’s standing beside Raven, chopping onions and mincing garlic. Her hair is swept up in that messy bun, and the laughter in her eyes, the easy smile on her lips helps my shoulders relax.

Her glasses have been swapped out for protective goggles, and they’re both wearing plastic gloves to keep the hot pepper oil off their skin.

Garrett and Craig are putting together a playlist, both wearing their blond wigs, and Kimmie is right in the middle, dancing around with Apricot in her arms.

Affection unfurls in my chest. This is my family.

“Hey, bro, you guarding the door?” Garrett motions for me to join them, and I walk over to stand beside Zane, who’s hanging around the edges quietly like he always does.

“Just making sure nothing’s on fire back here.” My eyes meet Allie’s, and her lips press into a smile.

A cute flush of pink tints her cheeks, and she’s fucking adorable. I wonder if she’s thinking the same thing as I am.You belong here. This is your home. I love you…

“The only thing on fire is this dish!” Raven calls, and I grin at how she also fits right in with this wild crowd. “You ready with the warning, Al?”

Allie pulls off her plastic gloves and goes to the sink to wash her hands. “Ready!”

“Let’s do this.”

We head out to the waiting crowd, and Dylan introduces Raven as her sister-in-law and partner in pepper-loving crime. Allie reads off her script about how to eat tonight’s dish, and with that, the party begins.

“Ring of Fire” is Craig’s first spicy song of the night, and as always I hang back, arms crossed as I watch the celebration. From there, the music devolves to Halloween-themed tunes. Purple and orange twinkle lights are strung throughout the dining hall and wrap around the columns in the center of the room.

I spot Kimmie near the booth where Miss Gina always sits, holding hands with her little cousins and jumping up and down to “Ghostbusters.” Haddy is more interested in Apricot, but Gigi is ready to dance.

“Who ya gonna call?” The female voice behind me puts my body on alert.

Turning, I look down at Allie standing in front of me with her arms folded behind her back. She lifts her chin and her breasts rise higher, and I’m ready to ditch this party.

“I can handle a ghost.”

“Would you say, you ain’t afraid-a no ghost?” She tilts her sassy head to the side, batting her blue eyes.

“I’d probably use better English, but yes.” Reaching for her hand, I pull her closer. “How are you feeling about old ghosts?”

Her lips tighten, and her gaze slides to the side. “I kind of miss having my handsome protector sleeping at my house.”

“I’m not too far.” The music changes to the “Monster Mash,” and the kids squeal. Leaning down, I speak in Allie’s ear. “Will you go with me to the fundraiser tomorrow?”

She nods, stretching higher to reply in my ear. “Liv said we’re all meeting here to walk over as a group. But I’ll walk with you.”