“You deserve to be,” he said. “Knowing that you feel that way makes me happy right along with you.”
Was it that simple?
Could Bronson come back and heal the hurt he’d left behind, while sparking something new inside me?
It sure seemed that way.
Because with him around, everything felt right.
The group kept growing.
I wasn’t the newbie any longer. No, the title went to a beautiful, sweet woman named London. Or the adorable nickname of Goldilocks as the man at her side liked to call her. A man who was no stranger to the group. Over the course of the party, I’d heard about how Lance knew Landon, both lawyers, how he helped with Teal’s case, and even got hurt in the process.
Lance hadn’t spent a lot of time with the group but since reconnecting with his lost love and finding out he had a son recently, it seemed he was embracing the men and women who were such a monumental support system for anyone who needed it by showing up that day with his newfound family in tow.
He and London’s son, Oliver, fit right in with the rowdy, playful group of kids. He was somewhere between Embry’s and Dexter’s age at almost ten. Embry herself still held the title of the oldest for the time being and made sure everyone knew it too. She’d also made a fair share of money for her swear jar in just the few hours the party had been going on.
Alley bumped her shoulder against mine. “I knew you’d get your second chance the moment I saw the way you two made googly eyes at each other that day at the party when you thought the other wasn’t looking. It seems you weren’t the only ones either.” She nodded her head in the direction of Lance and London laughing at something their son said.
An unladylike snort came out. “Googly eyes? I don’t think so.”
The smartass beauty next to me laughed. “Fine, you want me to call it like it was. When you two undressed each other with your gazes. Is that better?”
“Oh, I like where this conversation is going,” Capri said, walking up right then. “Is Lake stripping Bronson again and can’t keep her eyes off him?”
These women were nutjobs. It's no wonder why I liked them. They weren’t stuck up even when they could be because they were all gorgeous and had so much going for them. No, they were kind, quirky and accepting.
Ruby, the stunning redhead, moved in close just as I told the ladies that I wasn’t undressing anyone. It was a lie of course because I found myself doing just that a lot lately.
“Good thing you’re an EMT and not a cop or something, because you are a bad liar,” she said, jumping in on the conversation.
The ladies’ laughs created a buzz and the women that were not there gathered around quickly, like a swarm of bees. They were drawn to sassy banter like a honey bee to nectar and couldn’t resist joining in.
My gaze scanned the group: Jurnee, Summer, Alley, Teal, Brinley, Ruby, Gemma, Capri, and Patience. Even London had moseyed over. Ruby may be the only one who had modeled in the group, but they could all give it a go being so damn beautiful, each in their own way.
I found myself thinking of another woman with silky, black hair and mesmerizing violet-colored eyes who would fit in with the amazing group if only she’d let them in. River needed them, just like I needed them.
Everyone was laughing at Ruby’s comment but I’d gotten lost in my head, not joining in. Things sobered and Jurnee asked me what was wrong. When I’d asked her if I could invite someone else that day, I hadn’t specifically said who, nor did I tell her what I’d found out. But with everyone's concerned eyes on me, I found myself blurting out my secret.
“I have a sister.”
While everyone gasped and eyes widened, Capri launched herself at me. She hugged me tight and then pulled back. “I knew it. I’m so happy for you two.”
“Whoa, what are we missing?” Alley asked.
I launched into how Capri orchestrated a meet and greet with River, our conversation and decision to take the DNA test, then about finding out the results.
“Is that who you were going to bring with you today?” Jurnee asked when I finished up my story.
I nodded. “I’d hoped she would come but I understand she has to do things in her own time.”
Capri made a noise in her throat and I turned to look at her. “Part of her reason is me being here too. I am her client and I know she takes her job very seriously. While I adore her, I think I’m okay now to not go, and if I need to, I can find someone else.”
Shit, I hadn’t thought about that but didn’t want to disrupt what Capri had going on with her therapy. I shook my head. “You shouldn’t—”
“Oh hush, I would rather her be here with us. I will let her know on our next…” She gave me a pointed look leaving no room for argument. “Andlastvisit.”
“You sure?” Brinley asked Capri, looking out for her.
