Page 53 of Heart Set on You

“Of course! Is there anything better than chocolate cake?”

I smile and drop my head, hoping she doesn’t notice the blush I can feel spreading across my cheeks. “Nope, you’re right. Only really weird people don’t appreciate chocolate cake.”

After Grace introduces me to a few of her friends in the kitchen, Ellie pulls me away, into the backyard. It is dreamy, with elaborate floral centerpieces decorating the round tables that are scattered around the pool. There is a giant mound of beautifully wrapped baby gifts by the outdoor fireplace.

“Grace throws the most amazing parties. She does almost everything herself. Parker and Olivia’s engagement party and wedding were both held in this backyard and she’s trying to convince Liam and I to get married here too.”

I’m surprised Ellie wouldn’t jump at the chance to marry Liam in the most spectacular home I have ever seen. “Why wouldn’t you? This looks like a dream.”

She shrugs. “I’ve never wanted a big wedding and neither has Liam. We would both rather just run off and get married in Vegas. Some days I think the courthouse sounds good too. We’ll see once the baby is born. This baby shower is a lot for me, but I know how much Grace wanted to do it.”

“Rylee!” my head turns when I hear my name and I spot Olivia and Jules sitting in one of the outdoor patio areas with three other girls. Olivia stands, champagne glass in hand, and comes over to pull me in for a hug. “I’m so excited you made it. You look beautiful. I love your dress. Let me introduce you to everyone.”

And just like that, I feel like I’m a part of something. Like I belong in Miles’ world. Like I could be happy here with him for a very long time.

After the party ends, it’s just Olivia, Ellie, Grace and I who are left. We are sitting around the island in the kitchen listening to Ellie tell us about their plans for the baby’s room. Even though they haven’t found out the gender, Liam is convinced it’s a boy and wants to paint the nursery blue. Grace laughs like it’s the cutest thing she’s ever heard while Ellie just shakes her head.

Today has been as close to perfect as it gets. Being with the Bennett women is better than I could have imagined. It all feels so wonderful. They’re so close, and they all genuinely love each other, and the conversation is always fun and easy. Still, I can’t help but feel a little heartsick knowing that this may be the last time I see them. Leaving L.A. and moving back home means leaving Miles too.

My phone rings and when I look at the screen, I smile. I apologize to the girls and slip off the stool, walking towards the foyer.

“Hi, you.”

“Hey babe,” Miles says. “How’s everything going over there?”

“It’s great. Everything was so beautiful, and Ellie’s friends and your family are all so nice.”

“I knew you’d have a good time. Is everything wrapped up?”

“Yes. It’s just me and your family left. We’re chatting in the kitchen, but I feel like I should be helping your mom clean up.”

“I’m sure she’ll argue with you over that. She’ll have the rental and catering company come pick everything up. Then her cleaners will be there in the morning to do the rest. Trust me. It’s a well-oiled machine over there.”

“Okay. I won’t argue. I just feel bad.”

“I miss you,” he says. I can hear his brothers in the background.

“I just saw you five hours ago.”

Miles laughs. “Too long. We’re on our way. There’s somewhere I want to take you tonight so don’t make any plans before I get there.”

“Okay. I’ll see you soon.” We end the call and I return to the kitchen.

“Let me guess who that was,” Grace teases, and I feel my cheeks heat.

I sit down and reach for my glass of water. “The boys are on their way,” I tell them.

“I’m sure Miles was counting the hours,” Grace says through a smile. “Michael and I are really happy you came, Rylee. It has been so lovely to meet the girl our boy talks so much about.”

“Thank you for having me. I’ve really had the best time getting to know y’all.”

We chat some more about the shower and all of the incredible baby gifts. And then Miles is back. I know he’s in the room before I see him. I can feel his eyes on me. I can feel the tingle that zips down my spine and the current of electricity that courses through the air.

“Hey, you,” he says quietly, taking the stool beside me, pressing a kiss to my shoulder.

I’m thrilled to see him but am also hyper-aware that his parents are right there with us. “Hey,” I say softly with a smile. He grabs my hand underneath the counter and rests our joined hands on his thigh.

Ellie takes Liam into the living room to show him all of the gifts while Parker joins Olivia at the island with us. Mr. Bennett passes the island and walks straight to where his wife is standing. He bends to kiss her on her cheek, and she glows. There’s little doubt they are just in love as they were when they got married and it makes me think of my own parents. They were always the happiest when they were together. When my father loved, he did it with everything he had. He loved my brothers and I the same way. I’m sure their marriage today would be just as joyful and strong as the Bennetts’.

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