Page 81 of Lost in You (The Monroes 3)

Macy had loved seeing him pushing Lucy in the baby swings and lifting her in the air to spin around. All the same things he’d done with Macy when she was a child.

The need to take pictures had been great, but Macy feared getting too emotionally attached. Someone would eventually adopt Lucy and Macy would have to let her go. Or CPS would get in touch with the grandmother and she’d come forward.

For now, though, Macy was just going to enjoy the moment, love on a little girl who was emotionally broken, and hope she made it into the hands of the right family.

The closer she got to her house, the more Macy’s anticipation built. All the flyers and personal invitations she’d handed out would bring a nice crowd of people, guaranteeing this party would be a huge success. She wanted her father to have a memorable birthday, and doing the party a week in advance would totally catch him off guard.

When she turned onto her road, she couldn’t help but smile. Cars not only filled her driveway, they were parked along the road. So many familiar faces stood out in the front yard, several holding up a long banner that read HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHIL!

“What?” he muttered as he sat up straighter in the seat.

“Surprise,” Macy squealed.

He glanced to her, to the house, then back to her again. “Macy Jayne, I never . . . This is . . .”

Macy laughed. “I take it you really had no idea.”

He shook his head, a smile spread wide across his face. “A party didn’t even cross my mind. I thought we were just going out to eat for my birthday.”

She pulled the car in behind Zach’s truck. “We can do that, too.”

Her father turned, looking back at Lucy. “How will she be around all of these people?”

Something Macy had definitely already thought of. “I’m going to let you go on ahead and I’ll keep her out here for a bit. I may even end up in your apartment. I don’t want her to be afraid of all these unfamiliar people.”

Phil leaned across the seat and kissed her cheek. “I’ve got the best daughter in the world.”

Macy patted the side of his smooth cheek. “Only because I was raised by the best parents. Now get out there and greet your guests.”

As he stepped out of the car, Macy couldn’t help but look for Liam. She knew he was here somewhere. He’d texted her this morning saying he’d bring the food and set up while they were out. After she’d left him in the kitchen last night, she’d wondered if she’d been too closed off when he’d asked her opinion.

Couldn’t he tell how much she cared for him? That she was falling for him? Being honest and flat-out saying she loved him wasn’t a smart move at this point. She didn’t want to scare him, but she seriously wanted him to face his own emotions.

Macy refused to beg him and she absolutely wouldn’t tell him he should stay. If he was that torn, then he could only help himself at this point.

Lucy started to whimper in the backseat. “It’s okay, sweetheart.”

Macy stepped from the car, warmth instantly hitting her. Spring had come early, blessing them with gorgeous days and warmer weather. Macy saw several park days in their future.... Well, as long as Lucy was in her care, anyway.

Macy was unfastening Lucy’s straps when she felt someone at her side. Turning her head, she saw Sophie.

“Hey, Sophie.” Macy pulled Lucy out, instantly holding her to her shoulder.

Sophie smiled at the baby, then said to Macy, “Liam told us about Lucy. What a tragedy. He filled us in while we were setting up.”

Macy reached in for the diaper bag. “I didn’t get a chance to text any of you yet. It all happened so fast.”

“Let me,” Sophie offered, taking the bag. “Are you going inside?”

“I don’t think she needs to be surrounded by chaos right now.” Macy closed the car door with her hip. “I thought about going for a walk.”

“I’ll go with you. We need to talk.”

The tone in her voice had Macy freezing. “What is it?”

“Don’t be alarmed—”

“When you start like that how else am I supposed to feel?” Clutching Lucy, Macy tried to remain calm. “Just say it.”

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