Page 65 of Stay for Forever

Chapter 22

Animals – unlike humans – know life is to be enjoyed.

“Welcome, West sisters,” Ashlyn screams before running full tilt toward Lilac and me as we enter the park where she’s having her wedding party.

“I think our mother is going to regret using her power of guilt to persuade Ashlyn to have a wedding party,” Lilac murmurs to me.

Saying Mom was unhappy when Rowan let it slip that he and Ashlyn went to Vegas to get married is the understatement of the year. Even Dad got in on the action and guilt-tripped his youngest daughter about wanting to escort her down the aisle. And, thus, today’s wedding party was born.

“Mom knew what she was getting herself into.”

Lilac raises an eyebrow. “You think our other mother knew Ashlyn would set up a bouncy castle and beer pong?”

“Don’t forget the candy land station.” I gesture toward the booth sporting a cotton candy machine as well as rows and rows of candy.

Ashlyn nearly rams into us as she reaches us. Someone’s been in the candy. “Wow. I’m fast in my running shoes.” She lifts her dress to show off her shoes which are indeed running shoes with the word bride written on them in sparkly paint.

“The gossip gals let me borrow their fabric paint.”

“What did they want in return?” Because those women know how to negotiate every situation in their favor.

“A bit of juicy information is all.”

“Does Rowan know you told them about your sex life?”

“Pfft. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

“Is this a wedding party or a carnival?” Aspen asks as she joins our group.

Ashlyn throws her arms in the air. “It’s a wedding carnival!”

“Someone needs to stop feeding her candy,” Aspen mumbles.

“Actually, it’s a myth that sugar causes hyperactivity. Over a dozen studies have been conducted and none of them prove any connection between sugar and super-hyperactivity.”

Ashlyn does a slow clap. “Thank you to our resident nerd for making a carnival sound boring.”

Lilac isn’t offended by being dubbed a nerd. “You know this isn’t what Mom had in mind when she insisted you have a wedding party.”

Ellery joins us while holding little Willow in her arms, and all talk of nerds and wedding parties is forgotten.

Aspen holds out her arms. “Give me my niece.”

“Nope!” Ashlyn elbows Aspen out of the way. “I’m Willow’s favorite aunt. I’ve got her.”

“Gee. It’s lovely to see you, too,” Ellery says as she passes her daughter to Ashlyn.

Ashlyn dashes off with the baby. “I’ve got her, Jeeves. Let’s make a run for it.”

Cole arrives and throws his arm around Ellery. “Is Ashlyn stealing our baby?” He frowns as he watches Ashlyn and Rowan cuddle his baby girl.

Ellery isn’t worried. “She’ll bring her back when her diaper needs changing.”

“Who thought Ashlyn would turn her wedding party into a carnival?” Ellery asks as she surveys the various games set up in the park.

“Who thinks Ashlyn rigged all the games so she can win today?” I ask before raising my hand.

“How do you rig a beanbag toss?” Aspen asks.

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