Page 37 of With You Forever

He laughs the laugh she loves. Bright and booming and causing her heart to flip over in her chest.

“Tonight,” she says, shaking off her worries and jamming a manicured nail in his chest, “we have fun.”

With a whoop, Seth catches her up in his arms, kisses her again.

This. She can do this.

A night of normalcy. That’s all she wants.

Lacey smiles as she surveys the brightly lit townhouse. After an hour of directing the florist and bartender, Alabama and Griff’s small housewarming party is in full swing. Warm and alive and electric with friends and family. Music pumps from the speakers. A bartender slings custom-created cocktails and plain old whiskey for Griff. A small stage in a corner of the room, instruments laid out, waits for a picking party.

Though she’s in her element, her nerves are also lit. It’s the first time seeing all her friends in one place since her diagnosis. No one has said anything directly, but she can tell they all know. The way Griff gave her a good strong hug earlier, his gruff voice softer than normal whenever he calls her California. She can feel Seth’s gaze on her. Watching, waiting, making sure she isn’t working too hard.

She hates it. Hates everything about it.

“Presents by the bar,” Lacey says to a guest, nodding toward a small stack of housewarming gifts.

“Oh Lord, Lacey,” Alabama drawls, sneaking up behind her. “Stop workin’.”

“You’re off the clock,” Griff says, slinging an arm around his wife.

“C’mon,” Alabama says, handing her a glass of wine. “There. You took the wine. Now you’re our guest. Let’s party.”

Griff runs a broad hand through his hair. “You need to sit down or somethin’?”

Lacey stifles a laugh. “I’m fine, Griff, thank you,” she says, warmed by his concern.

“You heard the man.” A bright drawl sounds to her left. “Take a load off.”

Lacey turns, smiling at Emmy Lou. The southern blond is beatific, her hands on the high swell of her belly. Then she’s throwing her arms around Lacey’s neck. “I haven’t seen you in forever, sugar!”

Lacey returns the hug, then pulls back to eye Emmy Lou’s belly. “I still can’t believe you’re having twins.”

Jace’s smile is proud. “I can’t either.”

Emmy Lou wiggles her brows. “Runs in the family.”

“Don’t know if Jace is ready to handle three girls in the house,” Luke drawls, appearing behind them, Sal’s hand in his.

Sal laughs. Then she looks at Lacey. “The party’s gorgeous, Lace. You did a great job.”

“She did,” a deep voice rumbles.

Lacey turns to see Seth, wrapping a steady arm around her waist. “Hi,” she says, instantly feeling safer at his comforting touch.

“Hey.” Seth gives her a crooked grin and her stomach tilts.

They all gather around the large island. Alabama lifts a brow, makes a face of consternation. “Lord, I think I invited half of Nashville.”

Lacey appraises the room. “I should be out there slinging business cards.”

“Not tonight you ain’t,” Seth says with a serious look on his face. He pulls her closer, burying his mouth against her ear. “Fun, remember?”

She turns her face, meeting his lips. “In that case,” she murmurs against his mouth, “I need more wine.”

Luke brushes past her. “I got it, Lace.”

Lacey smiles. “It’s okay, Luke.”

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