Page 237 of Falling Out of Hate with You

“Thank you guys so much,” Viola tells everyone. I turn and see how emotional she looks. Being surrounded by our family and best friends has made it a perfect day.

Soon, the champagne is flowing, and music is playing softly in the background as we chat with the people who mean the most to us.

“I can’t believe you were able to pull this off,” Viola says after she’s had a glass.

“Trust me, you’re still hard as hell to surprise,” I admit. “Thankfully, Courtney and Kayla were on board and helped round up the kids.”

“I’m glad they’re here even if they look bored as hell.”

“Wait, so we’re moving here?” TJ asks, interrupting our conversation. “That’s what Ginny said!”

Everyone stares at us. Ginny mumbles, then goes back to her book.

“No, your mom and I are when you move out. It’s our new romantic getaway cabin.”

“Oh yeah right, but this place is ours?”

“Yep, it is,” Viola says. “We should spend Christmas here this year. Get it all decorated and make a big feast!”

“Oh, I love that idea,” Kayla gushes. She’s been obsessed with Christmas for as long as I’ve known her. “The mountains and snow in the winter are going to make this place look like a winter wonderland. It’ll be so magical!”

“Here?” James asks, unamused. “I wanted to hang out with my friends over break.”

Viola shrugs with an apologetic smile. “And I want to spend time with my kids.”

James looks at me, and I nod in agreement. “Your mom’s the boss. You know that.”

Courtney directs everyone to the kitchen for dinner. It’s an Italian number with breadsticks, salad, and lasagna.

After we’re done eating, Kayla speaks up. “Who’s ready for cake?”

Kayla grabs it from the fridge and places it in front of Viola.

“Wow, this is an identical miniature of our wedding cake.” Viola glances at me in shock.

I smile and nod. “I was wondering if you’d notice. I had the same lady make it. Same flavor and everything.”

Kayla hands me the knife. I cut it into thin pieces and place them on dessert plates. As soon as Viola takes a bite, her eyes light up, and she moans. “Wow. She nailed it.”

I lean forward and kiss her, tasting the sweetness on her lips. “Yep. It’s exactly like I remember.”

The kids go outside on the deck to hang out, and the adults stay inside to drink and chat.

“We’re going to have to give you guys the grand tour,” Viola says, eating a spoonful of hazelnut cream icing.

“That would be amazing,” Courtney says. “Though Travis already sent us pictures.”

“Seriously?”

Kayla and Courtney nod.

Viola gasps. “And you two kept it from me? How? You’ve got the biggest mouths on the planet.”

Kayla snickers. “Travis told us he wouldn’t ever let us visit if we ruined the surprise.”

“Yep, it was enough for us to keep that shit to ourselves,” Courtney says.

Viola’s in disbelief. “But you slip with secrets all the time! Both of you!”

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