Page 126 of She Wolf

Her eyes go wide. “You wouldn’t mind?”.

“Of course not. Not at all. I know those kids from school, and they seem nice.” They never really got into any trouble either.

“It would just be Hadley, Emmett, and Blair,” she hedges.

“That’s fine. We’ll both speak to Casey and Gunner today,” I assure her.

“You are so awesome, Coralie. Thank you.” She spins in her chair and hugs my waist.

“Anything you need or want, just ask,” I say to her head. “Have you heard from your mom?”

“No, and honestly, I didn’t expect to, even though I was hoping I would. I just don’t know what to do for the best. I feel free now, like I can actually breathe, you know?”

“Better than you think. And before you start at NYU, I’ll tell you all about it.”

She stands and gives me another embrace.

“I’m going to miss you so much. All of you, these past few weeks have been amazing.”

“We are only ever just a phone call away. I promise when I’m in the city I’ll come visit and maybe we can meet up at Gunner’s games—when you haven’t got an assignment due,” I add, unable to quell the mom in me.

“I would love that.”

When we get back downstairs, Gunner and Jack are waiting by the front door and my heart swells. They are just the cutest in their matching swim shorts, t-shirts and shades. Jack’s hair is also styled to perfection.

“Mom and June are following us over.”

“That’s great. You two look so handsome,” I say kissing both their cheeks.

“Here’s your purse and phone Mom, we’re ready, Kate’s ready.” Jack stops. “Do you have your swimsuit on Kate?”

“I do Jack.”

“Okay, group hug,” he says to the three of us and we all huddle in. “Annnd break.” He claps his hands once. “Let’s go.”

“Mom, about Summer…” Jack starts again as we begin the two-minute walk across to Casey’s.

“I know Jack, she’s your VIP. I got it.”

“But don’t be embarrassing.”

“And how would I do that?”

“Don’t say stuff like ‘Aww you’re so cute’, ‘Aww look at your sweet face’ or ‘You’re as pretty as a peach’. Just be cool about it,” he throws over his shoulder and Kate giggles.

“When did I turn into the Mamas?” I ask Gunner out the corner of my mouth.

He kisses my temple. “About five thousand homemade cookies ago. But that’s okay, I think your dad hit the jackpot with your mama just like I have with you.”

“You’re getting extra lip gloss just for that Gunner Grey.” He growls quiet and low in my ear and then nips at my neck.

When we get to Casey’s kitchen the rest of the family erupt in cheers and break out into song again. Jack basks in the fanfare and then explores the kitchen and garden with wide eyes and whoops of “cool” and “awesome”. I make my way over to my parents and Aunt May, smiling as they dole out the squishy hugs I’ve been waiting for since leaving them on vacation.

***

“Aww, Summer, it’s so nice to properly meet you.” Jack sighs and Gunner grins. My mom is on front door duty until the last person arrives. She’s giving out the after-party-pick-up information even though it’s on the invitation. This house is packed full of NHL players, so it’s kind of on lockdown.

We’re just outside on the thoroughly decorated deck, greeting Jack’s guests. The foam assault course and laser field look very impressive from here.

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