“Howare you doing, man?”Diegoextended his hand and introduced himself toValen.
“Sorry.Iforgot you two haven’t met yet.”Ipointed to my temple. “Pregnancybrain.”
DiegowasNova’sdark-haired and sometimes broody, vampire husband.
Valenshook his hand. “Niceto meet you.”
“Iheard about how you got toThorne.”Diegonodded with approval. “Nicework.”
Weall squeezed into the booth and chatted while the music played familiar rock songs from the 80s and 90s.Nolonger wasIthe third wheel, or fifth, or even seventh, surrounded by couples who made googly eyes with their mates.Iwas one of them and understood now.Ithad been a long time sinceI’dbeen in love and never like this.Ireached under the table and squeezedValen’sleg.
Heglanced at me, smiled, and squeezed mine in return.
Sebastianasked, “Doyou think you’ll miss the mountains?”
“We’rekeeping my cabin there,”Valenreplied. “Ican work shifts whenever we visit, and it will be good for the kids to have the best of both worlds.”
“Greatidea,”Sebastiannoted.Heturned toGianna. “Weshould think about getting a place up there.Itwould be good if we start a family.”
“Ifit’s even possible with our genetic mix of wolf shifter, siren, and human genes.”Giannachuckled. “Regardless,I’mstill enjoying our extended honeymoon and don’t want to think about changing anything for a long, long time.”Shetook a sip of her champagne.
Diegoturned toSebastian. “Inever thoughtI’dever hear you say you’d want to return to the mountains, man.”
Heshrugged. “Thingshave changed sinceIleft.Forthe better.”
Giannaturned to me and said, “Howdid you convinceLucasandZoeto babysit instead of coming out?”
“Theyvolunteered,”Ireplied, grateful they had done so.Itwas fun having a night out with adults before the baby came.
Novasaid, “Maybethey’re thinking about starting a family and getting practice.”
“Already?”Gianna’seyes widened. “Theyshould enjoy their honeymoon phase first.”Hereyes widened and then she gave me a flustered glance, something that was rare on this confident siren. “Imean,Iguess every couple is different.”
“Guessso,”Iagreed with a smile.Sure,Iwouldn’t have planned getting pregnant on my first night withValen, but maybe it was the universe’s way of telling us we were meant to be together.Iplaced my hand on my stomach.Oneday soonI’dfeel a kick. “Lucassuggested having a potluck at their house one night.”
Sebastianraised both hands palm-forward as if we’d stunned him with that suggestion. “Apotluck?”Heblinked and then shook his head. “Wecan’t have a hodge podge of dishes that don’t belong in the same room together cluttering a table.”Helowered his hands. “Ican take care of the menu.”
Valenturned to me, and we exchanged an amused look, already sharing in on the quirks of my friends inSalem.Zoehad called that one earlier.
“FoodisSebastian’slove language.”Giannaraised her champagne glass. “Embraceit.Ido.”Thenshe chuckled and took another sip.
Iraised myShirleyTemplein cheers and then took a sip.PandoraandAustinarrived soon after, and we spread into a second booth.Duringthe evening,ValenandIstole glances at each other and secret touches under the table.
“Anyoneinterested in seeing theTheCure?”Diegoasked. “Ticketsare going on sale tomorrow for an upcoming concert inBoston.Nova,Lucas, andZoeare all in.”
“Therego my new babysitters,”Isaid with a chuckle. “Soprobably not me.”Iexhaled.
“Youcan find someone else,”Novasuggested. “Weshould all go.”
“Yes, that would be so much fun,”Giannadeclared.
Sebastian,Pandora, andAustinagreed.
Ishook my head. “Withhow tiredIget after eight,I’dprobably want to crawl in bed way too early, anyway.”
“We’llfind another time to hang out,”Pandorasaid.Sheturned toAustinand thenValen. “Showour new shifter around the area.”
“Goodidea,”Austinsaid. “I’mstill discovering new things asIexplore.”Heturned toValen. “Happyto show you around,Valen.Asone newbie shifter to another.”
