JJ scoffs. “I’m not raising my kid to say duck. Use proper words like a man.”
The girls laugh, and I can’t help but join them, the ache in my chest loosening. I really needed this night.
I’m letting you go.
As the words hit me, I squeeze my eyes shut.Stop thinking about him. Just make it through one freaking night without being sad.
“Okay, everyone be quiet,” Lennox says, standing beside the light switch.
The room falls silent, and then we’re shrouded in darkness.
“Don’t be scared,” Theo whispers in my ear as he rests a hand on my low back again. “It’s just me.”
“Thanks for the warning,” I mutter.
He hums against my ear, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. He smells good, like a cologne ad. With a sigh, I lean back against his chest. “What happened to my drink?”
He chuckles, low and smooth. “Left it on the bar so I wouldn’t spill it.”
“Smart move.”
“I’m a smart guy.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Shh,” Sutton hisses. “Stop flirting. I’m trying to record the surprise.”
I snap my mouth shut, stifling a laugh. Theo, on the other hand, leans in and chuckles against my neck and presses a kiss to my skin.
Immediately I tense. It feels wrong being kissed by someone else. And yet I know Theo will probably be the first of many. The first is going to hurt regardless. I really never thought there would be another. Not after Camden told me he loved me. I thought he was it.
I’m letting you go.
The door opens, and shadows appear in the hallway. “Why are the lights off?” Addie mutters.
The room brightens, and we all shout “Surprise!”
Eyes widening, Addie brings a hand to her mouth and spins to face her sister. “I can’t—you—Guys!” She covers her face and shakes her head.
“Congrats, Addie!” Avery screams from atop her father’s shoulders.
JJ sets her down, and the little girl takes off.
Addie doesn’t hesitate to open her arms and catch Avery as she barrels for her. She’s always been a natural with kids. Probably because the Langfields have so many of them.
Addie stumbles back, though she catches herself quickly. “It’s officially official,” Avery cheers. “You’re my daddy’s coach. Now he has to listen to you.”
Addie giggles, eyeing JJ, who is already walking their way. “Hear that, Hanson? Now I’m in charge.”
With a smirk, he slips his hands into his pockets. “Yeah, Coach,” he murmurs. “I’m aware.”
Addie’s mouth drops open, her eyes once again wide.
Maybe it’s the way he called her Coach, or maybe it’s the way he’s looking at her, but I could swear the air between them crackles with tension.
The moment is broken, though, when Winnie’s twins launch themselves at her, knocking her over, and the room erupts in laughter.
Warmth bubbles up inside me as her family members take turns pulling her into hugs and congratulating her. This family really is special.
