“She did,” Coco said, clapping her hands together. Amelie was a writer just like her mama and had been hired by the top New York fashion magazine.
“Oh my. How is Roman taking the news about her moving out to New York?”
Coco sipped her wine before setting her glass down. “You know Big Sexy. He’s a lover. We’re going to fly out to the city this week and look for a second place where we can stay when we visit her.”
We all fell back in a fit of laughter. All of our husbands were softies when it came to the kids. We’d been lucky to find the men that we’d married. Sure, there’d been ups and downs over the years, but all five of us had partners that we loved just as much today as we did thirty years ago. And we’d documented that love in the pages of these books. Ty had built me floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that held close to one hundred memory books.
Our children made fun of us, but we knew someday they’d enjoy going through them.
“I’m so proud of her,” Maura said. “She wanted it and she went after it. She’s fierce like her mama. What about Saylor? Did she hear back yet?”
My baby girl was so driven. She had wanted to be a doctor for as long as I could remember. “Yes. Saylor got accepted to medical school at our alma mater, Maura.”
All the girls jumped to their feet. I’d been waiting to tell them since they walked through the door. “She just heard tonight.”
“Oh my gosh. That is amazing,” Addy said, falling back down on the couch. “Free medical for the rest of our lives.”
“Can we tell her to go into dermatology so that we can have all the Botox and plumpers that we need for the next fifty years?” Coco asked.
More laughter. That had never changed. When we were together, it still felt like I was ten years old. We’d been through heartaches and happy times—and we’d always remained one another’s confidants.
“Ty must be over-the-moon proud,” Gigi said.
“He is. And now she’ll join Miss Grace in her pursuit of being a doctor,” I said. Maura and Crew’s oldest daughter was a resident now and we’d all been there to see her graduate from medical school.
“All of our kiddos are freaking amazing,” Addy said.
“Um, well, don’t even get me started on Jace. Even if he’s playing for the enemy,” Coco said.
Addy’s son Jace was playing professional football for the San Francisco 49ers. We’d all hoped he’d get drafted to our home team, but we were proud as hell that he’d been a first-round draft pick. The boy was a born star just like his parents.
“I know. Jett has us traveling to every single game this year.” Addy shook her head and sipped her wine. “Such a proud papa.”
“And Quinn is still writing music for Dylan’s band?” Yes, one of my boys had followed in his daddy’s footsteps—though he didn’t sing country music, he was an up-and-coming pop star. Quinn, Addy’s daughter, had been writing music for him since he wrote his first song in high school. She was also a published romance author and we were all so proud of her for chasing her dreams.
“She is,” Addy said. “She just finished that small-town series about five best friends too. I can’t wait to read it.”
“I wonder where she got her inspiration?” Maura chuckled.
“I’ve always thought there was a spark between her and Dylan, if I’m being honest.” Coco raised a brow at us and we laughed for a second before all going silent.
“They are always whispering to one another,” I said. “That would be something.”
“It’s a wonder they try to keep everything private from us,” Addy said over her laughter. “What’s happening with Miss Paisley? I just went to see her latest work and the paintings were out of this world.”
Gigi’s little girl was an artist, and her work had been discovered by a gallery a few years ago, and now each piece sold for a small fortune.
“She’s still dating Dax and she just sold a few paintings to some famous actor.” Gigi smiled.
“Ah… Dax is so smoking hot. I’m telling you, those two could be on the cover of a magazine. Damn, I remember being that hot.”
We broke out in a fit of giggles once again.
“You’re still that hot,” Addy said. “What about Hudson and Jaxon? School’s going all right?”
I nodded. Jaxon was in law school and had one year left, and Hudson was studying to be an architect. He’d spent a few years building homes and decided to pursue his dream of architecture. “Yep. They’re doing well. I can’t wait to have everyone home for the holidays.”
“Same. I love doing Thanksgiving at your house,” Coco said, winking at me. “You’re the best cook and you don’t mind cleaning up after this oversized group.”
Everyone came to Thanksgiving, and we’d done it since the kids were little. But now they brought their boyfriend and girlfriends, and we set up long tables out in the backyard. Ty helped me with all the cooking, and it was something we looked forward to every year.
“I love having it all together. It’s my favorite day of the year. Catching up with all the kids and filling our bellies with good food.” I laughed.
Maura held her glass up. “Magic Willows for life.”
“Magic Willows for life,” we all shouted at the same time before clinking our glasses together again.
Just like I imagined we’d be doing for the next fifty years.
Would you like to see a special bonus scene from Ty and Ivy’s wedding?
SPECIAL BONUS SCENE HERE https://dl.bookfunnel.com/r3ct5qft3t
Thank you for reading CLAIMED, book 5 in the Willow Springs Series. I hope you enjoyed your journey with Ivy and Ty! Please consider leaving a review on Amazon/Goodreads!! They help authors SO MUCH!!
Acknowledgements:
Greg, Chase & Hannah, thank you for being my biggest supporters and always believing in me and encouraging me to chase my dreams! YOU are the reason that I work hard every day!! I love you ALWAYS & FOREVER!!
Doo, Abi, Caroline, Pathi, Natalie, Annette, and Lara, thank you for being the BEST beta readers EVER! Your feedback means the world to me. I am so thankful for you and all of your feedback! I would be lost without you!
Thank you, Sarah Hansen (Okay Creations) for working your magic to bring Ivy and Ty’s story to life!!
Sue Grimshaw (Edits by Sue), Thank you for your encouragement, your guidance and your support. Thank you for walking me through the changes this time around and always making time to help me get it right!!! I appreciate you so much!