Page 144 of Over the Moon

“We sure do. Let’s raise our glasses,” Dad said, holding up a glass as we all did the same. “Cheers to our growing family. To all the exciting things we have to look forward to. To love, to laughter, to making memories.”

“Salut!” we all shouted at once.

I leaned over and tugged Eloise close to me. “Love you, Weeze. Happy Thanksgiving.”

“Cheers to many more, Hotshot.”

“Count on it.” I tipped her chin up and kissed her.

Just like I planned to do every day for the rest of my life.

We were back in the city after a winning game last night. Thankfully, we had the morning off from practice, and Eloise and I were sleeping in later than usual.

“This is my favorite way to wake up,” I said, as we sipped our coffee in bed.

“Which part? Sleeping in or coffee in bed?”

“You skipped over the best part. Waking you up with my head buried between your thighs. Hearing you cry out my name. Tasting you on my lips for the rest of the day.” I chuckled when her cheeks pinked at my words. “I love that you can still be shy with me.”

“You have a filthy mouth,” she said with a laugh. “But yes, that was a nice way to wake up.”

“I say we make it part of our routine,” I teased as we both set our coffees down on the nightstands.

“Yeah? I could get on board with that. But only if you let me return the favor.”

I tucked the hair behind her ears and stroked her jaw. “We’ve got all day to do whatever we want.”

Her phone rang on the nightstand for the third time, and she glanced over at it. “I better see who that is.”

I leaned back against the headboard, as she reached for her phone.

“Hey, Emilia,” she said, before switching it to speakerphone. “Everything okay?”

A small sob came from the other side of the phone, and I sat forward.

“Emilia? Are you okay?” Eloise asked, concern in her voice.

“Yeah, sorry. I just need to vent.”

“I’m here. Tell me what’s happening,” my girlfriend said.

“It’s a busy day at the floral shop, with everyone in holiday mode, you know?”

“Yeah, that’s a good thing, though, right?” Eloise asked, her free hand lacing with mine.

“Usually, yes.” Emilia sucked in a few breaths, clearly trying to calm herself down. “But the flower shop was packed, and Bridger came in and basically told me off in front of everyone. He said I ruined Lulu and Rafe’s engagement, and I should be ashamed of myself.” She hiccupped and sniffed, and it was clear that she was crying as her voice shook with every word. “He basically insinuated that I was an awful person, and everyone in the flower shop was staring at me, and it was awful and embarrassing. I just don’t know why the guy hates me so much.”

I reached for my phone and texted in the group chat.

Seriously, Bridger. Did you just walk into the flower shop and go off on Emilia Taylor?

Rafe

Tell me you didn’t do that, dude. She’s friends with all the girls. This is not going to go over well.

Easton

Let’s give him a chance to speak before we decide he’s guilty.

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