It all fits perfectly, almost like it was meant to be here, my sister observed. I’m doing my best not to get caught up inher vibes and visions, but I have to be honest, between her and the dogs, they’re starting to wear me down.
My realtor wishes us all the best before she leaves, and I walk through the arched doorway into my new chapter. The house is ready to be occupied, and I think about what I want here.
I’m pretty sure it includes someone with bright green eyes, silky rose-gold hair, who smells like cherries. I’m less sure how it will happen or if it can be as quickly as I’d like, but it’s the future I see.
“That is a very serious look on your face.” My sister walks down from the second floor. “What are you thinking about?”
I look up to her. “We should have a housewarming party.”
“When is your next open Friday night?”
I pull out my phone, scrolling through the calendar. “Looks like the end of this week. Is that too soon?”
“Never fear.” My sister waves her finger. “I can make it happen.”
“Here.” I take the keyring from my pocket and give her a key to the house. “Invite everybody. I feel like celebrating.”
“Any particular reason?”
“Yeah.” I nod, my eye catching on the she-shed in the backyard. “A very particular reason.”
Heather bounces over to give me a hug. “Leave it all to me, big brother. I’m so ready for this to happen.”
I don’t say it out loud, but I am, too.
“If you love dancing,this is the place for you.” Maverickreads the email invitation my sister sent everyone. “That’s what I’m talking about. Break in the new place right!”
When he puts it that way, with that Maverick Murphy gleam in his eye, I start to question my decision to have a big party. Maybe we should’ve kept it small.
“We’re not going to trash the place,” I quickly tell him. “We’re just going to have dancing.”
“The last time I danced was in Newhope at my wedding.” Gavin stretches his back against the locker beside me. “The day after I got a lap dance from my father-in-law.”
A laugh barks from my throat, and I pat his shoulder as I push to stand. “I’m not going to lie, my family is crazy, but your family gives them a run for their money.”
“If we’re too crazy, you’re too old!” Mav throws up gang signs, and even Gavin breaks.
“So you coming or what?” I look at the two of them.
“Hell, yeah!” Mav clasps my hand, pulling off his sweaty jersey. “I’ll dress up and everything.”
“We’ll be there,” Gav says. “We just might have to leave a little early with the baby and all.”
“Understood.” I’m happy everyone is coming, and they can stay as long as they want.
I’ll be with Gina.
Grabbing my bag, I head out to my old truck, tossing it in the back and making the drive home. The guys and I usually carpool to the arena for games and practice, but I’ve got to pick up Heather’s order of food and supplies for the party.
It isn’t too much, and I’m back in time to get changed and help set up if needed.
“Finally!” Heather dashes from the kitchen to take the box from my hands. “I need you to grab the ladder and hang these on the tree out front while I get dressed.”
She puts a roll of twinkle lights in my hand and rushes into the kitchen.
“Hey, man, need some help?” Ryan walks out of the door my sister just entered.
He’s wearing bell-bottom jeans and a wide-collared shirt unbuttoned to his stomach. An ivory horn hangs from a chain around his neck.
