She pauses for a beat. “Puppies and kittens.”
“Aww. An island of puppies and kittens?” But then I wince. “So I’m going to starve, is what you’re saying. Not even a chicken?”
“No chickens.” Her face lights up. “But there are coconut trees.”
“Ugh. I hate coconut, but fine, I can work with this.” The elevator doors open into the penthouse lobby. “What’s the book?”
“Does it matter?”
I unceremoniously drop my bags to free my hands, and punch in the code. “Well, yeah. If it’s Lord of the Rings, that’s over a thousand pages I could first read for entertainment and then burn for—”
“Surprise!”
I shriek as I take in the small crowd of familiar faces and the enormous “Happy Birthday” balloon archway that stretches across the living room.
Henry steps forward wearing a satisfied grin.
I burst into tears as I dive into his arms.
“You seriously had no idea?” Connor towers over me, his cornflower-blue eyes sparkling, his Miami-tanned skin making mine look especially pasty. “Because I totally fucked up last week and said ‘See you on Saturday’ in my text.”
“I didn’t even notice,” I admit sheepishly.
“Huh. So, Abbi doesn’t read our messages anymore.” Connor smacks Ronan in the chest, nearly knocking his beer out of his grip. “Good to know.”
“No, that’s not it. I’ve just been so busy with work.”
“How’s all that going, anyway?” Ronan asks.
“Amazing. We keep doubling our special-order inventory and selling out. I’ve had to hire full-time staff for production, and we’re already looking at a larger location to lease out. We’re going to rent land from my parents to grow the herbs.” Mama and Daddy will make money while the Mitchell farm supports their daughter’s business. They’re onboard.
“See?” He clanks his glass against mine. “Told you that magazine didn’t matter.”
I don’t want to talk about work, though. “I can’t believe Henry pulled this off from the other side of the world.” He said he made reservations for a birthday dinner tomorrow night.
“He has reliable minions to do his bidding.” Ronan juts his chin toward Raj, Miles, and Violet, who are laughing about something at a dessert table loaded with candies and cakes—apparently, Violet’s contribution to the party planning with Sasha.
“Either way, I’m so glad you guys could come.” I haven’t seen any of them, save for Ronan, since I left Alaska. My face hurts from all the smiling and laughing, catching up with Connor, as well as Katie and Rachel, and seeing Autumn in person. Even Jed and Laura made it here. Shocking, that Henry would extend the invitation but it’s also rather big of him. For Jed’s part, he’s been friendly.
Henry reappears, a fresh champagne glass in hand. “For the birthday girl.” He leans in to give me a deep kiss that’s far too intimate for the current audience. But I think that might be the whole point—a reminder for the two men I’m talking to that Henry won and I’m taken.
“Thank you for the drink.” I sink into his side.
“Oh, look, all my favorite people in one place again,” Margo purrs, her lanky arm coiling around Connor’s waist as she smiles up at him.
The last time the five of us were together was complete debauchery. In fact, every time I’m with Margo—save for the night after the Halloween party when Henry and I left early—depraved things happen.
“There are people under the age of eighteen here,” I remind her.
“Ah yes, you mean Violet? I just spoke to her. She is precious, Henry.”
Connor peers over my head with interest. “Yeah, who is that girl you came in here with? ’Cause damn.”
Beside me, Henry’s entire body stiffens.
Oh no. “Connor, that is Henry’s—”
“Daughter,” Henry cuts me off before I can say cousin. “And she’s sixteen,” he adds through gritted teeth.
My stomach leaps. It’s the first time Henry has ever openly admitted to their real connection outside his inner circle. I wonder if he’ll regret it later.
Connor lifts his free hand in the air, genuine shock filling his face. “Got it. Say no more.”
Henry’s phone rings. “Excuse me for a minute?” He presses a kiss against my temple, throws another daggered look at Connor, and then leaves to answer.