Page 97 of Maybe Yours (Love & Wine)

“Oh well, it’s about time you two showed up,” comes Jack’s voice as we wander into the now finished cider house. “I hope you showered after your little afternoon sexfest?”

I roll my eyes even though I’m grinning like an idiot. “Fuck off,” I tease. “What do you need us to do?”

Jack laughs, slipping his arm around Lauren’s shoulder as he pulls her close. “Nothing, just enjoy the night.”

“It looks amazing in here,” Penny says, her eyes wide as she looks around the huge room.

The lights on the oversized chandelier are on but all turned down low, with lit candles burning on the tables and shelves around the room, creating a warm, welcoming glow. Soft music plays as the staff gets glasses ready and plates of food set up. Outside, the fire pit burns, the outdoor seating area lit up by the fairy lights and more candles.

“Yeah, it really does,” I say.

“We couldn’t have done any of this without you guys, so thank you, seriously,” Jack says to both of us.

“I agree,” Lauren seconds. “You guys have done so much for us and we want you to know that whatever happens, we are both so grateful.”

“Well,” Penny says, wrapping both arms around my waist as she leans her head on my shoulder. “We love it here and we just want to let you know that we’re both staying because I’m not taking the job.”

“Wait, seriously?” Lauren asks, her eyes wide.

“Seriously,” Pen says with a smile.

“I mean it’s, but…you…it’s…”

Penny laughs. “This is our home, Lauren. I know it’s your family vineyard and Jack’s cider house, but it’s still home to Tommy and me.”

Lauren smiles, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Actually, it is part yours, remember?” she says, glancing at me.

“Part ours,” I reply, squeezing Penny’s shoulder. “You should put that ten percent in both our names.”

Lauren nods at me, her smile widening in approval as Pen turns to look up at me. “Seriously?” she whispers.

“Seriously,” I repeat. “I love you, Pen and I meant it when I said what’s mine is yours. I was never hiding this from you.”

She pushes up on her toes to press a hard kiss to my mouth. “I love you.”

I smile against her lips. “I love you too.”

“Okay, enough with the sappy shit,” Jack says, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “Let’s go get a drink and get this party started.”

We all wander over to the bar and grab some drinks just as Ellen and Will walk in with Tessa, the architect we all met this afternoon, tagging along behind them.

“Tessa, hi!” Lauren shouts, throwing her arms around her in a hug as though they are lifelong friends.

“You really think she and Dylan hooked up?” I whisper, leaning down to put my mouth to Pen’s ear.

She giggles, pinching my side as she presses herself against me. “You boys are so clueless, look at him,” she adds, subtly pointing to the other end of the bar area.

I look up and see Dylan, standing alone, his eyes glued to Tessa who seems unaware of the fact that he’s staring at her. His mouth is hanging open a little, as though he’s dumbstruck by the sight of her.

“See what I mean?” Pen whispers.

“Yeah,” I say, glancing at Tessa. “I think you might be right. But I mean…how?”

Pen leans closer, her mouth at my ear. “I think they were fuck buddies but she wanted more. After she bailed, he realized he wanted more too.”

“Dumbass,” I mutter.

“Um,” Penny says, biting my ear lobe. “Do I need to remind you of how you weren’t so sure about us?”

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