Laken—being a person of class and dignity, has donated a simple sterling silver bracelet stretched over cardboard, each with a little sterling silver star pendant. And above that, her sisters wrote out the wordsmake a wishover each one. Laken’s little sister, Lacey, and Coop’s little sister, Marney, are best of friends. I set my finger over the tiny star and feel the cool burn. In a lot of ways, Laken and Coop are inextricable.
“Make a wish,” Chloe mocks. “I bet that’s what she does each time Wes mounts her. She closes her eyes and wishes he would morph into Coop.”
I roll my eyes at the thought, but sadly I’m hoping she’s right.
Em bumps out a grunt of a laugh. “I bet that’s what Gage does. Closes his eyes and wishes you’d morph into Skyla.”
A stunned silence crops up at the table and I cautiously look up.
What’s this? Dissention in the ranks? I’m loving every spoonful.
Bree smirks to Chloe. “Maybe that’s why you’re not getting any.”
My heart thumps like a steel drum. That’s not the first time I’ve heard of this sexual drought. I look to Chloe and our eyes lock for a minute.
Is it true, Chloe? Is Gage finally repulsed by your presence? Did your vagina fail to spin its magic? And instead spewed him with enough venom so he would never want to go back? Ha! I hope so.
We wrap it up and Mia and Melissa load everything they can into the minivan. Logan picks the boys and me up. I don’t know how Chloe is getting there. Hitching a ride with Em or Bree, or maybe flying over on her broomstick.
Logan leans over and gives me a kiss after we’re all settled in the Mustang. “You ready to do this?”
“Only because you and the boys will be there.”
And that is the God’s honest truth.
My old home, the home that is still legally mine, is festooned in pink and blue crepe paper inside and out. Large pastel paper beach balls are strewn everywhere, along with balloons and banners, giving the place a festive appeal. It seems this entire summer has been one long celebration and it will continue to be so. Eli and Charlie will both be turning one in a few weeks, and I know Laken is already planning on hosting the doubleheader at her place. Chloe will have her baby, and then I’ll have mine. Of course, I’m not celebrating Chloe’s blessed, or cursed event.
My sweet little angel moves and kicks in my tummy and I land a protective hand over her.
“What do you think?” Mia hops in front of me. Her features have refined and we’re more or less twins at this point. Candace Messenger is a celestial being who can really appreciate a body double or two.
“I think you and Melissa outdid yourselves.” I wrinkle my nose. “Did you make sure the balloons were loaded with glitter and confetti like I asked?”
“You bet. Chloe won’t ever be able to clean up this crap.”
“Good. That’s what I like to hear.”
Mia makes a face at Melissa as she darts to the backyard with the boys. It’s partially cloudy out, but for the most part the weather is complying. Logan and Gage rented a huge white tent that’s more than large enough to provide cover for the party. And Ezrina and Nev were kind enough to cater the event. Em baked the cake but has kept it a secret that she plans to unveil. I’m betting it’s a three-tiered mint green wonder made of vanilla and sawdust. But I’m sure whatever it is, it’ll taste delicious. Em never strikes out in the kitchen.
Mia nods Melissa’s way. “She’s finally dating Gabe.”
“What?” Mia and Gabe’s divorce finally went through. They’re both freshly single, and already they’re wading right back in sloppy seconds waters. “Not this crap again.”
“I’m fine with it.” She shrugs. “I mean, I’ll always love Gabe, but not in the same way I love Rev. I thought Gabe was the one, but if I had only followed my heart and not my vindictive need to piss off Melissa, I would have gotten it right the first time.”
“So, you and Rev are a thing now? I hate to say it, but I’m glad.”
“Yes, and thank you. Since this is a guys’ and girls’ event, both Gabe and Rev are stopping by. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Nope. They feel like family. I have a feeling they are.” I pull my sister into a nice long hug. “You went and grew up on me, didn’t you?” My hormones get the better of me, and soon I’m dabbing away tears with the back of my hand.
“It was destined to happen.” She pulls back with tears of her own sparkling in her eyes. “Just like Logan and you.” Her hand caresses my bulging stomach before she heads outside.
Soon enough, the backyard is teaming with every person I’ve ever met on this island—female wise. It’s a bizarre reunion of the girls from West and East High. Carly and Carson are here. And, of course, Carly is chatting up Logan, wiggling her tiny ass—which is the size of a thimble in his face. Even Melody Winters has shown her face, cavorting with Chloe as if they were besties, and I have no doubt they are.
The boys—men as it were—have all taken to playing basketball at the far end of the yard where Gage recently had a couple of hoops installed and a concrete slab poured. Everyone is there, Brody, Ellis, Coop, Wes, Marshall, Nev, Drake, Ethan, Rev, Gabe, even Barron is playing with the young studs.
Tad couldn’t be bothered to come. He’s probably at home counting all his shekels. He won a smaller payout from a scratch-off ticket just after my sisters graduated from high school. And don’t think for a minute I’m not apprised to the wicked winds that are blowing that misfortune his way.
