“We don’t. We really don’t.”
He chuckles, and with Lia’s hand in mine, I walk her to the back of the house, where I spot JP, Huxley, Ryot, Lottie, Kelsey, and Myla all standing around talking.
When we appear at the wide-open sliding door, everyone’s eyes fall on us and then on our connected hands.
“I fucking told you,” JP says to Huxley, who rolls his eyes.
Lottie and Kelsey clap their hands while Ryot places a kiss on Myla’s head.
“Tell us, tell us it’s true. You’re officially a couple,” Lottie says.
I glance down at Lia and then back at our family and friends. I raise our hands and say, “It’s official.”
The girls screech while the guys dish out their “I told you so’s.”
After some hugs and handshakes, the girls usher Lia away while the guys are left to make plates for them.
“So . . .” JP says. “I’m assuming you’re a very happy man at the moment.”
I put an egg taco together for Lia and nod. “Don’t think I’ve ever been happier.”
“Funny how that is, you know, you could have been happy years ago, but—”
“Dude, I don’t need to hear it, trust me. I’ve been punishing myself enough.”
“He’s right, though,” Huxley says while making a plate for Lottie.
“Well aware. I didn’t come here to listen to you drone on about how you were right all these years. I came here to celebrate the fact that I finally feel . . . complete.”
“Jesus, dude,” JP says. “I didn’t think you would get all emotional on us.”
“I’m not crying, but hell, I’m really happy. I feel like everything is in place.” I glance back at the girls, who are huddled, and then I pause before scooping up fruit and say, “We kissed for the first time last night and then had the most intimate sex of my life. After that, I was a goner. I’m done. I know I need nothing else in my life but her.”
“Did you tell her that?” Huxley says.
“Fuck no. Not sure she’s ready to hear all of that just yet, but it’s been hard to keep it to myself, that’s for sure. I just want to tell her how much I love her. I mean . . . fuck, I’d propose today if I knew she’d be open to it.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re practicing self-control,” JP says. “That’s progress.”
We finish filling the plates for our girls, and then, with a mimosa in hand, we take them their food.
“Thank you,” Lia says. I slip the mimosa glass into her hand and then lean down and grip her chin. I place a soft kiss across her lips only for Kelsey, Myla, and Lottie to all make cooing noises next to us. Lia smiles against my lips and then pulls away.
“You ladies have fun talking,” I say.
“Oh, we will,” Lottie says while wiggling her eyebrows. Yup, the conversation is probably going to revolve around Lia and me.
I walk back over to the buffet, pick up a pink plate and blue napkin, and then fill up on tacos and a mimosa, skipping JP’s Bloody Marys altogether. I will not be subjecting myself to that today.
Just as I take a seat, Banner and Penn walk onto the back patio.
Penn is a former pitcher for the Chicago Bobbies. He’s been through hell and back to better his life. Being out here in California and working with Ryot and Banner, he’s truly been able to find solace and peace.
“Banner Bisley,” Lottie shouts from where the girls are sitting. “Where is my cousin?”
And yeah, he’s been supposedly trying to date Lottie and Kelsey’s cousin, Kenzie, but all I know about that situation is that things aren’t going the way he wants them to.
Banner pauses and sighs heavily. “I knew I shouldn’t have come.”
“Looks like you need a Bloody Mary,” JP says, standing from his chair. “I’ll get you one.”
“Thanks,” Banner says, walking over with JP. I feel like I should warn him, but I also don’t want to hear it from JP either.
“Grab some food, man,” Huxley says to Penn. “Help yourself.”
“Thanks,” Penn says, looking almost shy as he picks up a plate.
Huxley glances at me, and while we’re to ourselves, he says, “I’m really happy for you, Breaker. All teasing aside, I think she’s perfect for you.”
“Thank you.” I glance over at her again. “I’m getting sort of itchy about making the next move, you know?”
“Why?” Huxley asks. “Just enjoy the moment.”