Page 9 of Whatever Lola Wants

Still on Grant’s lap, Anna had twisted around to frown at them. “We have plates, you know.”

Lola swallowed. “Still in a box,” she said reasonably and stabbed her fork into the flaky crust. “Found the forks, though.”

Anna rolled her eyes as Grant reached out to grab a fork. “Do you know how long it took me to get that lattice crust perfect?”

“No,” Lola admitted. “But it’s delicious.”

“Agreed,” Grant said and popped a forkful of pastry and fruit into his mouth.

Anna picked up the last fork. “I expected better of you, Lola.”

“Why?” Lola asked, genuinely perplexed.

“God only knows,” Anna sighed and turned to Grant. “Are we sure it’s a good idea to ask these two?”

Grant chuckled and shifted her on his lap so he could continue to eat. “Well, it won’t be boring.”

Lola paused, her fork poised over the pie, and shot Simon a look. “Do you know what they’re talking about?”

He shook his head and continued to eat. “No clue.”

Lola turned back to Anna and Grant, her eyes narrowing at their goofy grins. “What’re the two of you up to?”

Grant pressed a kiss to Anna’s cheek. “You tell ‘em.”

Anna’s smile went brilliant with joy. “We’re getting married.”

Simon choked on his pie and Lola clapped her hands together. “I knew it!”

Anna blinked. “You did?”

“No, but I could see it wasn’t going to be long.” She dropped her fork and bounced out of her seat, circling the table to drag Anna off Grant’s lap for a hug. “I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks.” Anna’s arms tightened around her. “I’m happy for me, too.”

“You’re a lucky man,” Lola said to Grant over Anna’s shoulder.

Grant leaned back in his chair. “I know.”

Lola narrowed her eyes. He was looking entirely too smug. “Make her happy, or I’ll make you unhappy.”

Simon barked out a laugh and Grant winced, no doubt remembering the swift kick to the balls she’d delivered the last time Anna had been unhappy. “I believe you.”

“Did you just threaten my fiancé?” Anna wondered.

Lola gave her friend a last squeeze, then eased back. “Of course, I did.”

Anna nodded. “Just checking.”

Grant scowled. “Who’s side are you on?”

She resumed her perch in his lap. “Yours, my love. Always yours.”

“That’s more like it,” Grant decided and aimed a smirk at Lola.

Lola just rolled her eyes and resumed her seat, darting a glance at Simon. He was watching Anna and Grant, an odd look on his face. A little thoughtful, a little contemplative, and something that might have been envy. “Congrats, man.”

“Thanks,” Grant said. “Want to be my best man?”

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