Page 91 of Where We Bloom

Holy shit.

I’m in love with him.

This isn’t a crush.

It’s not simply incredible sex.

I’m in love with him.

Chaos reigns around us, but I frame his face in my hands and gently lay my lips over his, and suddenly, everyone has gone quiet.

“In case anyone hadn’t heard,” I say, not raising my voice and not tearing my gaze from Connor’s, “we’re a thing. I’m not taking suggestions or concerns about it at this time.”

Connor’s smile spreads, then he laughs as he kisses my forehead.

“We figured,” Mom says with a wink. “Now, really, what’s for dinner? We’re starving.”

“We’re grilling,” Birdie informs her. “I’m going to flipthe burgers.”

“No,” Bridger says, shaking his head. “You’re not. It’s too hot for little girls.”

“I’m not little. I’m going to be a big sister, so I’m a big girl.”

Dead silence.

My gaze whips to Dani, who’s biting her lip and fighting tears.

“Donotplay with my emotions,” I say, pointing at her, but she just smiles at me. Then I run toherand hug her harder than ever. “Really? A baby?”

“Yeah,” she says with a giggle as Skyla crashes into us in a group hug. “Next spring.”

There’s more chaos. More hugs.

I glance over in time to see Holden, with tears in his bright blue eyes, pull his sister in for a tight hug, holding her close. He whispers something in her ear, and it makes her break down, and now I’m a blubbering mess, too.

Goddamn emotions.

“Here, angel.” Connor’s suddenly right next to me, holding out a handkerchief.

“You’re so fancy,” I say through my tears as I dab at my eyes. “Wow, this is the best family dinnerever.I can’t believe you did this. Did you know that Dani and Bridger had this announcement, and that’s why you flew Mom and Dad in?”

“There’s not much in this life that I wouldn’t do for you. But, no.” He kisses my head, wrapping his arms around me as we watch the others hug and laugh. “That’s a happy coincidence.”

“The happiest.” I sigh and wink at Bridger when hefinds my gaze. “He’s such a good daddy. I’m happy for them.”

“Do you want kids?” Connor asks me.

“Maybe. Probably.” I shrug and glance up at him. “You?”

“I didn’t think so.” He frowns, and his eyes scan the room, taking in this big, loud family surrounding us. “Now, maybe. Probably.”

My gaze finds his, and he skims his knuckles down my cheek. “Go love on your family, bumble. I’ll be right here.”

“You’re pretty great. I mean, I don’t want to feed your ego too much, but you’re pretty fucking great, Connor Gallagher.”

He chuckles as he loosens his hold on me and steps back. “Go on then.”

“I’ll show you my appreciation later.”

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