Then the corners of Edward’s mouth curled upwards, seconds before he burst into laughter, cleaving the tension in two. He walked over and clapped Asher on the back. “Well, that’s one thing we agree on. Never did think that asshole was good enough for my baby girl.”
The relief was enough that Asher almost wilted, and he was conscious of the strain leaking out of the others, too.
Evie’s father walked back to his armchair and relaxed into it. “All I want is for my daughter to be happy. If that’s in an unconventional relationship with the three of you, then so be it.”
He looked at his wife, and the two of them seemed to have a silent conversation, the kind that alluded to the deepest kind of connection. The type of connection Asher yearned for in his life. For the first time, he felt close to fulfilling that dream.
“Well, now that’s decided, I think I’ll make some coffee,” Sally announced.
Shepherd, always the most uncomfortable in social settings, shuffled his feet and checked his watch. “Umm… I’m going to go to the bakery and see if Evie’s finished.”
Edwards nodded, and Sally smiled. “Bring our girl home. I think it’s time for birthday cake, and to celebrate the beginning of a new era.”
Chapter
Twenty-Three
EVIE
It was Christmas Eve. The festival was over. Her parents had returned home last night. And the bakery was open for a half-day, solely for customers to come in and pick up their orders.
Best of all, Evie got to play Santa’s helper in real life tonight when she prepared Ollie’s stocking, something she didn’t think she’d get to have this year.
The bell above the door jangled, and Evie looked up to see Victoria breezing in like she owned the place. “Sorry, we’re only open for collections,” Evie said politely, wondering if the woman was going to cause a scene. She doubted very much that Gabe’s ex had come in to wish her a happy birthday.
Victoria waved her hand. “Oh, I know that.” Her eyes shone with spite, and Evie sighed, already knowing this wasn’t going to be pleasant. “I just wanted to give you a word of advice.”
The look on her face said otherwise.
“Don’t, for one moment, think this thing with Gabe is going anywhere. That man doesn’t do anything unless it benefits him. I’m not sure what he sees in someone like you…” She tossedback her glossy blonde hair. “Especially when he could have me. But I can guarantee he has an ulterior motive, so don’t get comfortable. As soon as he’s gotten what he wants, he’ll come back to me, just like he always does.”
Evie so wanted to retort with some witty comeback, but the truth was, Victoria was hitting hard at Evie’s insecurities, and before she could say anything, Victoria had flounced out again.
She turned back to what she was doing and tried hard not to cringe when the bell sounded just seconds later, certain Victoria had more to say, but when she turned, it was Shepherd sucking up all the oxygen in the room, looking sexy and rakish with his brooding eyes and tousled hair.
“What did Miss Bitch want?” he demanded in his usual prickly fashion as he cast an accusatory look over his shoulder where the woman in question still loitered on the sidewalk.
“Shepherd, you can’t say things like that,” Evie rebuked mildly, though she was secretly thrilled at his territorial possessiveness.
“I can when it’s true. Now tell me what she said, because I know she didn’t come in here for gingerbread men.”
Evie sighed. “She was exercising her own territorial possessiveness and warning me off Gabe, so I’m in no way uncertain that he’ll eventually go back to her.”
“In her dreams. You know that’s bullshit, don’t you?” The way he growled the words made Evie’s panties damp, despite her rationalization that the night they’d spent together wouldn’t bleed into anything more. Something all three men seemed to have overruled her about.
Okay, so she really hadn’t argued that hard. How could she, when she felt so affected, so drawn, so connected to each of them?
As if to prove the point, Shepherd pulled her to him, threaded his fingers through her hair, and kissed herthoroughly, until all the thoughts pinging around in her mind were quieted. Did he know that?
He only let her up for air when the doorbell jangled again.
Evie pulled away, her face coloring at being caught in such a compromising position, only to be confronted with the beaming faces of Marigold, Iris and Bee.
“Umm… hello ladies,” she stuttered, trying in vain to push Shepherd out of the way. The big lug just stood there, looking smug.
“Hello dear. Happy Birthday!” Marigold greeted.
“Averyhappy birthday, by the looks of it!” Iris remarked, waggling her eyebrows.
