Page 146 of Need You Now

Lacey cozies into the couch in the living room in front of the crackling fire, flipping through her notebook to the right page.

“Cakes or cupcakes?” Alabama asks, pressing a pen down into her own notebook.

“Definitely cupcakes. Easier cleanup.” She leans back, taking in the view of the snow-covered mountains through the grand windows. “They should be cute. Petite.” She grins, excitement curling her stomach. “Just like Sal’s baby.”

“There’s a great little bakery in Nashville. Bluegrass Bakery,” Alabama drawls. “I can call them tomorrow.”

“Make sure they’re pink and blue. It’s a strict theme.”

Alabama laughs lightly, sending a smile her way. “I really appreciate you lettin’ me help plan Sal’s shower, Lacey.”

Lacey waves her pencil in the air. “You’re helping me. It’s a quick turnaround. Besides, I don’t know Nashville.”

“You will soon, though.”

Lacey smiles, even as a flutter of nervousness passes through her at the thought of going back to Nashville tomorrow.

The remaining two days of vacation at the cabin have passed slow. No drama. No sightings of Beau. Now, even though Lacey started the vacation anxious and out of sorts, she feels at home with these friends she’s made. The memories, the time with Sal, with Seth, she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Well, minus the whole near-drowning experience.

She shivers, unable to help it. Even two days after her accident, she still feels cold. Like she can’t get enough warmth.

As if in answer to her thoughts, a soft blanket is dropped around her shoulders.

Lacey blinks up at Seth. “Thank you,” she says with a smile.

He stares down at her, his face creased with worry. His eyes asking if she’s okay. She gives a nod, the conversation passing unspoken between them.

“Look at you,” Alabama drawls, “bein’ the charmin’ man of the century.”

Seth grins and raises his fiddle case. “Gotta do country music proud.”

A soft shuffle of footsteps. Sal and Luke entering the living room along with Emmy Lou, Jace and Griff.

“Oh no,” Lacey says, making the sign of a cross with her pencils. “You can’t be here.”

“We’re plannin’ your shower, Sal,” Alabama adds a little less dramatically.

Sal looks delighted.

Lacey narrows her gaze at her sister. “Let me ask you this, are you opposed to a crown and a throne?”

Sal lifts a brow.

Emmy Lou laughs. “That might be a bit much, Lacey.”

Lacey meets Luke’s eyes. “Not for Sal.”

Sal chuckles. “Fine. If I’m not wanted, I’ll go groupie it up with the boys.”

Luke hoots and wraps an arm around Sal’s shoulders.

Jace’s eyes sweep to Seth. “You gonna sing us that love song you wrote, Seth?”

Seth shakes his head, glowering. “I fuckin’ hate you, man.”

Lacey tilts her head, wondering. Seth drops a kiss on the top of her head. “I’ll tell you later,” he says against her ear.

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