When we got home, the men unloaded our bags while I showed Ryanne around. During my tour and a few unstable turns, Evin decided the furniture needed to be rearranged for safety. I argued we’d figure it out because I’d learn to navigate. Everyone, including Darby, sided with Evin. He grinned triumphantly, swept me up, and brought me to the patio.
“Brace yourself,” Darby interrupts my thoughts.
The back door opens, Maya and Cole flying out and barreling straight to me. Both surround my chair, arms wrapping tight.
“Hey, Aunt Poppy,” Cole says, and I notice the slight change in his voice.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
They pull back and Maya scans me over. “I love your hair.”
“Thank you.”
Cole’s eyes grow wide when he sees Ryanne, and I swallow down my giggle before introducing them.
“Hey.” He gives a half-wave.
“Hey, Cole, nice to meet you.”
“You too.” He looks back at me. “Where are your flowers?”
“We haven’t had time to buy any.”
He grins, glancing at his sister. “Good call, Maya.”
“I knew you probably didn’t have any, so I asked Dad to stop and buy some on the way here.”
A lump forms in my throat. “That was very sweet.”
“AHHHHGGGGGEEEKKKKKK!”
My first instinct is to jump to my feet at the sound, forgetting about my condition. But when I stand, my heel protests, and a searing pain travels up my leg.
“Poppy! Cole, get her before she falls,” Evin demands, and Cole’s hands go to my waist.
I ignore the discomfort and suck in a deep breath at the sight of Evin walking to me with Devin in his arms. He’s beautiful always, but holding the baby, my heart dissolves into mush.
I lean into Cole for support, my pain forgotten. “I’m good, buddy.”
Devin sees me and his little body vibrates, his mouth splitting open as he squirms.
“Baby, sit down so this little boy doesn’t have a conniption.”
I sink back into the chair, angle my knee protectively, and reach up. Devon dives at me, latching onto my hair first. Evin crouches as I pepper kisses all over the baby’s face.
“You okay?”
“Yes,” I answer between kisses.
“Jesus, he’s drooling all over you.”
“He drools all over Darby, too. It drives Dad crazy,” Cole informs us.
“Oh, sweet Jesus.” Ryanne’s tone has me turning again, this time to find the crowd piling out. Pierce, Annie, Edward, Linda, Ray, Miller, Ashlyn, and Andrew join us on the patio. My eyes dart between Ryanne and Andrew and know the attraction is mutual.
“Fuck, I’m regretting this already,” Evin mutters.
“I’m not. This is exactly where I want to be.” His face softens as he bends in to kiss me. Devin reacts by screeching and Runner plows through, nudging until I rub his head. Evin curls me to him, Devin snuggling closer and babbling.
Our little huddle is interrupted almost immediately. Ashlyn’s shape has changed, but her stomach is not as visibly protruding as Darby’s. She squats, bringing her face eye-level, and I hold my breath. She’s glowing so bright she’s radiant.
“We’re happy you’re finally here. I would have visited, but things seemed hectic.”
“I’m glad to be here.”
“Princess, get up before you topple over.” Miller hauls her up, flashing his beautiful smile. “Welcome back, Flower Child.”
“Hey, Miller.”
At his voice, Devin wriggles frantically, screaming so loud my eardrums ring. He doesn’t reach for his other uncle but punches his fist with excitement.
Lynda and Ray give me quick cheek kisses, Warren does the same with a gentle hug. Annie comes to stand in front of me, her hands on her hips, gaze on my leg.
“This looks much better.” The last time she saw my leg was in the hospital post-surgery when the swelling and bruising were at their peak.
“Getting better,” I repeat what I tell her every time we talk.
“A lot’s coming up, including Ashlyn’s shower next month. Are you ready to get better, or have you gone soft?”
Everyone is quiet, and I’m pretty sure there are a few ready to burst out laughing. I lean to Evin, keeping my eyes on Annie. “Evin, sweetheart, your mother,” I sneer the term, “is the second person in the last thirty minutes to insinuate I’ve been milking my injury. Have you been telling people I’m a slack ass?”
“Not a chance.”
“Well, maybe you’re right about her meddling in my care. We should head back to Vegas before Rexwell fills my spot on his schedule.”
“That’s why I didn’t unpack. Tried to warn you she’s a problem. Flights are available every day. Tell me when.”
Annie’s lips twist, her eyes flipping back to me and him, and her face turns pink. “The hell you’re leaving! Meddling my ass! I’ve got work to do. Swear my kids have no damn respect.”
At this, there’s a roar of enjoyment and my head falls to his shoulder. He kisses the tip of my nose before moving his lips to my ear. “Keep it up, baby. Love that spark.”
A thrill rolls through me, and I smile up at him. “I love you.”
“Who wants cocktails?” Dante sings, bringing all attention his way. He’s rolling out a tray loaded with options. “Oh, God, are they getting gushy already?”
“No, they have turned her against me. My children are demons.” Annie huffs, winking at me.
“I’ll help,” Darby offers, leaving Pierce’s side.
“Should she be on her feet?” Ryanne whispers.
“I’m fine,” Darby insists, overhearing.
“She’s good at that,” Maya adds, “plus she’s stubborn.”
“I’m only good at it because my family likes to talk behind my back. And stop listening to your dad. I’m not stubborn.”
“Well, we just met but it has to be said; you look like you’re about to pop.”
“Oh my God, will everyone stop!”
“Nope, get your ass off your feet,” Pierce demands, “or I’ll get you off them.”
Darby snaps her eyes to him and tosses her hair over her shoulder, going to the door. “You act like a caveman, you’re sleeping with Cole tonight.”
“We’ll see.” Pierce grins in a sexy way that shows he’s not concerned.
“Here we go,” Cole utters, looking amused.
“Evin, I have a truck full of equipment. You and Poppy want to tell me where it goes?” Warren breaks in.
My joyful mood dulls. “Take it back to your house. I don’t want any of it.”
Evin stands, his eyes dancing as he brushes his fingers through my hair, speaking to his dad. “Let’s get it inside.”
“Seriously, Evin, I don’t want a wheelchair. We weren’t even using the one in Vegas. I’ll compromise he can leave the shower seat.”
I don’t add that the shower seat is only for when Evin doesn’t shower with me and support my weight.
“Rexwell gave me orders to have one here. You don’t use it, fine, but it’s staying.”