Page 171 of Billion-Dollar Attitudes

I was ecstatic for Ariel after hearing the news. "I'll bet Martha is pumped, too, without a doubt. I'll be glad to see Nana Martha myself. Have you told Guy about all of this..."

Ariel nodded, her smile widening. "Yep, I just called him before I came out here."

"How does he feel about having his mother-in-law living in the same house?"

"Good thing it's big..." We both had a good laugh. "At least he won't have to hire a nanny," Ariel said, sitting on a hay bale, holding Jonathan in her lap.

As I unsaddled Cookie and began to put away the tack, I listened as Ariel continued chatting about her new book contract. I was pleased for her, and my mind was already buzzing with ways to celebrate. Then, I snapped my fingers as inspiration struck.

"How about I do the entertaining for once? Why don't the three of you join Chase and me at the guest house for dinner? What do you think?" I asked.

Ariel's eyes lit up. "That's a fantastic idea, Meagan. A celebration dinner sounds like just the thing we need to unwind. So, you mentioned the three of us, right?"

"Yes, bring Jonathan's swing, and I'll set some extra pillows on the guest room bed to keep him from rolling off at bedtime."

Ariel nodded eagerly. "That sounds perfect. I'll bring some wine, and we can cook up a storm in the kitchen. It'll be great. I have a fresh loaf of French bread that I can donate to the cause."

Before hopping in the shower, I texted Chase quickly, informing him that Ariel, Guy, and Jonathan were joining us for dinner tonight. Then I asked him to collect my pre-ordered tiramisu from the nearby deli on his drive home.

Standing in the shower shampooing my hair, a wave of joy and pride swelled in my chest. Finally, life was back to its near-normal state once again. I could hardly contain my excitement about showing off my culinary skills to all my friends — what better way to commemorate Ariel's success than by throwing an amazing dinner party?

I donned a pastel-hued printed dress and tied my hair in a high ponytail. I then grabbed my newly washed apron and made my way to the kitchen. After spending some time slicing, dicing, and sautéing ingredients for dinner, I heard the front door open, followed by Chase's resonant greeting. “Something’s going on in here — let's find out what deliciousness is cooking!" Chase handed me the pan of tiramisu, wrapped his arms around my waist, and peppered kisses along my neck. His gentle touch sent shivers down my spine as I melted into his embrace.

"The lasagna is ready to put in the oven," I said, setting the timer. "I'm so excited for Jonathan to try the mac and cheese I whipped up from scratch. I bet he'll love it."

Chase smiled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I have no doubt that the little guy will be eating his weight in finger foods by the end of the night!"

We both laughed as the doorbell rang. I quickly wiped my hands on a kitchen towel and hurried to answer it, with Chase following close behind.

Ariel was standing at the doorstep, clutching a bottle of red wine from their vineyard in one hand and toddler toys in the other. Guy stood beside her, wearing an amused expression, holding his son and the baby swing.

"There's Uncle Chase!" Guy teased, handing Jonathan over to Chase.

"Did I hear you say, Uncle Chase?" I asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"Yes, Megs, you heard right! Guy's been calling me that since the child was born. So where have you been?" Chase snorted.

"You know the answer to that! You hid from me for the longest time after I moved in here!" I replied, rolling my eyes.

I was mesmerized witnessing this moment — Chase embracing Jonathan as he fervently pointed to a bird sitting on the porch railing. "Birdie, see the birdie…." Chase whispered. His baby talk was so adorable I stopped to listen before heading to the kitchen.

Ariel shouted at me, "I'll help you in a sec! Just give me a moment to get the baby settled."

Gazing through the doorway, I couldn't help but feel a slight pang of envy as Guy set up the baby swing while Ariel decorated a blanket with colorful playthings for her little one.

"Let me know if you need help with anything," Chase offered from the porch while handing Jonathan over to his father.

Ariel soon joined me, and I instantly gave her an update on our progress. "I'll start prepping for the salad," she said, nodding.

"Perfect, everything is right there in the fridge." I pointed to the lower shelf. Then as the lasagna was baking, Ariel and I filled the air with laughter as we set the table and prepared the salad. Guy and Chase arrived from the porch sometime later, cheeks rosy from the wine and eyes twinkling.

Guy flashed a playful smirk as he told Ariel, "Let's go get another bottle of wine. I told you one wasn't going to be enough!”

"Listen, husband, I'm busy cooking! You know better than I which wines are ready to drink!" Ariel teased.

"That's right. You've only had the vineyard for a little while," Chase mentioned.

Guy and Ariel's cheerful exchange made us grin from ear to ear as they discussed their passion for winemaking. Then Chase inquired, "Doesn't it take years before a bottle of vino is ready to sip?

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