Page 63 of Against All Odds

“I love it.”

Hazel takes my hand in hers, leading me up the stairs. “Ainsley, Penny, you guys have all met Violet.”

They both come over and give me hugs. “It’s great to see you outside of the coffee shop,” Penny says.

“I know we’ve met a few times, but it’ll be so nice to get to know you for real.” Ainsley’s warmth is laced in each word.

“Thank you for letting me crash your girls’ night.”

Ainsley scoffs and waves her hand. “You’re not crashing! You’re a welcomed member to our little squad.”

“Well, I’m grateful to be welcomed into the fold then.” I’ve been in Ember Falls for a little over a month, and this place has started to feel more like home.

“You may have regrets about that,” Penny says with a grin. “These two are relentless, and while both are amazing, you’ll find it hard to say no to them.”

“I’m a delight,” Ainsley says while batting her lashes.

I laugh, instantly loving her. She reminds me of Analeigh. “You sound like my best friend. I swear that’s her catchphrase.”

“It’s a good one.”

“It is and also completely untrue about her,” I tell Ainsley.

She grins, wrapping her arm around my shoulder. “My fiancé would agree that it also does not apply to me, but ... I don’t give a shit.”

“Neither would Analeigh.”

“Then when she comes to visit, you have to bring her.”

The idea of Analeigh in Ember Falls is almost funnier than anything. She would absolutely lose her mind here. “If that ever happens, I definitely will.”

Hazel’s eyes narrow slightly as though she’s figured something out. “Analeigh? Like as in Analeigh Walsh?”

I nod. “That’s the same one, only now she’s married.”

“Oh my God! I loved her dad!”

I laugh because everyone does. Her dad was a famous boy band member whom my grandmother loved before he became an actor. There are generations of women who adore Eli Walsh. “He’s really a sweet guy.”

“That makes me so happy to hear,” Hazel says with a dreamy sigh. “So many times you find out a person you idolize is a dick, and that ruins the fantasy.”

“Don’t I know it.” I married one.

“Yes, well, don’t worry. We all hate Dylan now,” Ainsley says.

I love that they have my back without even knowing me. Besides Analeigh, I never really had someone watch out for me like that. “I appreciate the solidarity.”

We spend the next hour laughing and talking about life and some fun gossip about Ember Falls. I laugh way too hard when Ainsley talks about the fire at the cabin she was staying in when she first got here.

“That cabin should’ve been condemned when I used to visit,” I say between giggles.

“The listing online didn’t mention any of the issues it had,” Ainsley says with a sigh.

“And then it caught fire?”

“Well, it caught smoke. It didn’t get to a fire, but without that event, I wouldn’t have been forced to stay with Lachlan.”

Aww, that’s sweet. “When is the wedding?” I ask.

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