Page 70 of The Lake House

Declan relaxes as his hand loosens a bit on mine. I run a thumb over his, letting him know everything is good and as it should be.

“Can I grab anyone another beer?” Dave asks, scanning the crowd.

“I’ll take one,” Roger answers and then looks at his fiancée. “You good, babe, or you want another one?”

Rachel shakes her head, taking a sip of the bottle she had placed on the table right before we had sneaked off inside to check on the girls. “No, I’m good. Thanks,” she says to Dave.

Declan declines the offer, too. “Thanks, but I’m still finishing my Coke. I’m driving everyone back home tonight.”

Dave nods and as he goes to rise to grab two more beers—one for him and one for Roger—Liv places a hand on his shoulder. “Stay, I’ll go. I need to show Giules something, anyway.”

My eyes meet Liv as she nods.

“Yup, come on, girl.”

“I’ll be right back,” I say to Declan and place a kiss on his cheek. He squeezes my hand before letting go.

I follow Liv inside and wonder what it is she wants to show me. Maybe it’s something for the baby. I’m so excited for her, Dave, and Josie. I can’t wait to see if they’re having another little girl or a little boy. Dave would love to have a boy. He’s totally outnumbered with Liv and Josie right now. I know Liv would love to have a boy, too. That would really complete her family. I can’t say the same thing about Josie, though. She’s at the age where boys are gross, and she’d love a little sister. Guess time will tell.

We step inside the kitchen, and then she turns and smiles widely at me. “Giules, I love Declan for you! I’m so happy you guys are dating!” She reaches into the fridges and pulls out two bottles of beer.

I laugh. “Really? This is what you wanted to show me? I thought it was something for the baby?”

Liv shrugs. “It’s way too soon for that.”

“I know. But hey, I feel the same way about Dec.”

She leans against one of the counters. “You know he loves you, right?”

I smirk. “Come on, Liv. It’s too soon for that.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Says who?”

I roll my eyes, still unable to wipe away the smile on my face.

“Yeah, you keep thinking that, Giules, but I can tell. I can see it written all over his face by the way he looks at you and the way he’s around you. That boy,” she says, pointing toward the back patio, “is in love.”

“Maybe,” is the only response I give her.

Now she’s the one who is rolling her eyes. “You keep thinking that, lady, but I’m telling you. He’s in love with you.”

I think for a moment and then say, “He invited me to Roger and Rachel’s wedding. I was thinking I could wear that black dress I got when we went shopping, you know?”

Liv nods, but says nothing and just smiles. There’s something about her look, making it seem like she’s hiding something.

“What?” I ask, pushing her to tell me more.

“I know.”

Oh Lord. “You know what?” I question.

“I know he asked you to be his date.”

I chuckle. Of course she thinks she knew he would ask. “Liv, I know you think Dec is crazy about me and he would ask me to their wedding, but he really did.”

“I told you, I know he asked you already.”

I furrow my brows. “How could you possibly know that? I just told you.” I’m so confused.

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