Page 120 of Rockstars, Babies & Happily Ever Afters: Vol. 1

Because she had. Ally had been in my baby’s life since she was an infant, and now she was ours.

She was really, truly ours, just like the little boy on the way.

“Yes.” Laurie clapped her hands, then lightly poked Ally’s belly. “Sleeping?”

“Right now, yes. Don’t wake him up.” Ally laughed and glanced at me over Laurie’s head. Seeing them together warmed me in ways I didn’t have words to explain.

“I bet he wants camel corn too. Just like I do.”

“Silly girl, you’re about to get a bunch of candy. You can’t want caramel corn too?”

“I’ll only eat two pieces of candy.” Laurie sneaked a glance at me then held up three fingers. “Maybe three.”

“Three max if you want caramel corn too. Gotta get to sleep tonight because you have school tomorrow.”

The doorbell rang and I inwardly sighed, moving back to do my duty. I’d hoped we’d make it out for trick or treating without having to hand out more goodies to ungrateful little kids. No such luck.

Laurie babbled on about some story they were going to read while I pulled open the door. And reeled back at the sight of Ally’s best friend Sage—her other best friend, because hello, I was there first—and my twin standing about a foot apart on the porch. Oliver was not dressed up. This was unsurprising information, since forgoing a tie was his idea of casual attire. I couldn’t begin to guess what he’d think of donning a costume.

But Sage made up for Oliver’s lack of one. And how.

She was wearing something short, sparkly, and yellow. With feathers. And a headdress that flared up from her crown of blond curls with plumage that would make even a peacock jealous. Her heels were precariously high, and her legs were bare despite the late October chill.

Did I mention the feathers?

“Tricks or treats!” Sage laughed and swung her head around, nearly taking out my brother with her feathers and curls. He reeled back as if she’d sucker-punched him.

“Sage. You’re here.” Ally nudged me out of the way and rushed into the doorway, still holding an excitedly clapping Laurie. She loved her aunt Sage.

“Hi, Sage. Hi, Unca Ollie,” Laurie said excitedly.

“Hiya, pipsqueak. Miss me?”

Laurie giggled, then both Ally and Laurie fell silent as they viewed Sage’s attire.

“Bird?” Laurie wondered, glancing at Ally for confirmation.

“Um, I’m not sure, honey.” Ally cleared her throat. “I didn’t realize bird costumes were made from so little fabric.”

“That’s what this one said.” Sage jabbed a thumb in the direction of Oliver, who stepped another foot away as if her feathered condition was contagious. If he moved back any more, he’d land ass up in the bushes.

Which I would pay good money to see.

“What about you?” Sage jerked her chin at me. “What do you think I am?”

Being the parent of a precocious four-year-old daughter had taught me well. “Lovely,” I proclaimed.

Ally snorted out a laugh. “His standard safe answer. He doesn’t know any more than the rest of us.”

“Big Bird.” Laurie cocked her head. “Sesame Street!”

“No birds here, squirt, real or fictional.” As Sage reached out to ruffle Laurie’s hair, I spotted a cluster of kids and parents coming up the walk and smothered a sigh.

We’d officially dilly-dallied too long.

“What are you even doing here?” Ally raised her brows at Oliver. “Sage was supposed to come over and hand out candy while we took out Laurie, but you’re a surprise.”

“Handing out candy is normally my job while Seth takes Wonder Woman around the neighborhood. So I’d sayshe’sthe surprise.” Oliver’s haughty tone had me sliding a sidelong glance at my wife, who was trying not to laugh.

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