Page 104 of My Silver Lining

“Listen, we got a two-for-one. There is definitely something in the water,” Hayes said, and I couldn’t help but smile at thisbig, burly man cradling his little baby girl like she was made of porcelain.

The way that man looked at the little bundle of joy in his arms, followed by Rafe rubbing his finger along her little forehead when he moved beside me, had my ovaries sparking to life.

And that had never happened.

Me and kids were not one.

Well, aside from Melody and Beefcake. If I were guaranteed to have clones of either one of those kids, I’d probably be open to the idea.

“Lulus, will you take a picture with me and Uncle Rafe?” Melody came up and took my hand, and my chest nearly exploded.

“Oh, my sweet little bug, these photos are for family members, but we could take one on my phone if you want,” I said.

“You are absolutely going to be in these photos, Lulu Sonnet,” Emerson called out like she had some sort of superpower hearing, catching me off guard. “We’re doing couples next, but let’s get one of Rafe, Lulu, and Melody first.”

Rafe winked at me and scooped Melody into his arms, settling her on his hip before reaching for my hand. He leaned down near my ear and whispered, “I was in Gramps’ eightieth birthday pictures when you barely even knew me. You are not getting out of here without taking a whole lot more.”

I nodded before looking at the photographer as Melody’s little hand moved to my shoulder and Rafe’s free hand found my waist.

The Chadwicks were such a warm family, and they had a way of making you feel like you belonged.

Hell, I’d spent most of my adult life feeling like an outcast in my own family, so this was definitely not what I was used to.

But I wasn’t complaining. I was soaking it in.

I had a few more weeks before my life changed drastically, so I’d just enjoy it while it lasted.

After a ton of photos, which I argued about partaking in, we were off to the reception. The Chadwicks knew how to throw a party.

Most everyone in Rosewood River had come out to celebrate Emerson and Nash, not to mention the out-of-towners from Magnolia Falls who’d shown up.

The DJ rallied everyone to the dance floor more times than I could count, and we had too much food and too many drinks and endless laughs.

“Damn, I’ve never been a fan of weddings, but I have to say, this one is next level,” I said, as I took another bite of cake.

“Same, girl. I mean, I tied the knot wearing a T-shirt and jeans, so I’m clearly not the most traditional about this stuff. But the last few weddings I’ve been to have been fabulous.” Ruby took a sip of her champagne as she sat on one side of me.

“I think you’re becoming a little sappy, Rubes,” Saylor said, her voice teasing.

“I’m so glad to finally meet you all. I’ve heard so much about you from Emerson, and of course, Beefcake has told me all about his girls back in Magnolia Falls,” Henley said as she forked another bite of my cake since we agreed to share a piece.

And now we’ve devoured three pieces between the two of us.

“Hey, I thought I was Beefcake’s girl,” I said with a laugh.

“He’s been collecting us like baseball cards,” Demi chuckled.

“But look who his most special girl is,” Savannah said, tilting her head toward the dance floor, eyes wet with emotion, as everyone cleared the space, and Emerson and Cutler made their way out there together.

“All right, we’re going to take a moment for this special mother-son dance. Let’s give it up for Cutler “Beefcake” Heartand his mama, Emerson Heart. Our beautiful bride chose this song especially for her son.”

“Beautiful Boy” by John Lennon started playing, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

My God, what was it with these people? They were like an overflowing emotional tidal wave. I’ve never experienced so many feelings at one event.

“Oh my gosh, this is too much,” Ruby said. Saylor handed her a tissue, and she dabbed at her eyes.

“It’s okay to be in your feelings, Rubes,” Demi said.

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