Page 82 of Falling for You
“Like she did to me,” I scoff.
“Don’t end this on a sour note. Once we leave here, she’s ours. And no one can ever take her again.” She pecks my cheek, and soothes out my frown with the pad of her thumb.
“You’re right. Let’s get our girl and get out of here.” Looping my arm around her waist we walk over to the Ryans to get Olivia.
“I don’t understand why we have to stop by. Clark has everything handled.” I whine as Emma pushes us inside Rebels. I just want to go home with my girls and enjoy a quiet night.
“Just shut up and go in. Clark made my favorite dessert. I want some to go.” Emma rolls her eyes at my complaining.
“Fine.” I turn the corner and see why she wanted to come.
“Surprise!” Practically the whole town is here, jumping up from behind booths and tables.
I look back at Emma, a broad smile taking over her face. “Did you do this?”
“Mimi K, mostly.” She chuckles and steps aside as the woman in question comes running over to us.
“I’m just so happy for you!” She kisses my cheek and I don’t miss the sly way she slips Olivia’s car seat onto her arm before running away.
“She just stole Olivia.” I hold my empty arm out to Emma.
“Yeah, sorry about that. She’s a baby hog.”
She laces her fingers with mine, pulling me into that party and toward the family that I’ve built here in Balsam Cliffs. But I don’t miss the one face that doesn’t seem to be here.
Hunter. He’s still not talking to me. Or Emma.
“Hey, Daddy.” Cooper calls out.
All the men bust out in laughter.
“I think that line is reserved for me, Coop.” Emma slaps his shoulder and his face scrunches in disgust.
“No. Gross. I don’t want to know what you yell out—you know what? Never mind.” He walks away to grab another beer.
Looking around for Hunter again, I do find him this time. In the corner, nursing a beer.
“Don’t worry. He’ll come around. Just give him a minute. There’s some shit he’s got to work through.” Gunnar says, turning to me.
“What shit?” He might be an asshole to me right now, but he’s still my best friend and brother.
“That’s his story to tell, not mine.”
“Hopefully he can get it together soon. I miss him.”
“He’s been ignoring us too. It’s not just you. He’s got some demons and regrets he needs to work through, but he’ll get there.”
He leaves me standing there, looking out at everyone that cared enough about me to show up.
And Emma, stands in the center of it all holding our baby girl. My life would be nothing without her and Olivia.
I’m one lucky bastard.
I’ve been engaged for three months, but today I get to become Mrs. Emma Thomas.
Mom insisted on throwing a real wedding and I couldn’t argue with her. We chose a date in September when the leaves would be changed to reflect all the colors of fall off the water.
We’re getting married at the spot that Roman proposed the first time. On the beach, by the large granite slab.
