After dinner, I find myself standing with the other old ladies in the living room, wine glasses in hand—exceptfor our two expectant mothers—while the men congregate in the kitchen with their beers.
“I still can’t believe we’re both pregnant,” Teysha gushes, squeezing Sydney’s arm. “Our babies are going to grow up together! They’ll be best friends!”
Sydney beams. “We have our appointment to find out the sex soon. I’m so nervous.”
“Does Mace want a boy or a girl?” Zoe asks.
Sydney’s smile softens. “Surprisingly, he let it slip that he wants a baby girl. He tried to play it cool afterward, but I saw his face when he said it.”
“Logan’s hoping for a boy. He wants to give Chloe a little brother,” Teysha explains. She turns to Kori with raised brows. “This is going to be you and Cash soon, you know. Just you wait.”
Kori laughs, shaking her head firmly. “Oh no. Planning a wedding and actually getting married—for a second time, by the way—is more than enough on my plate right now. Kids aren’t even on the radar yet. Though my mom is already begging for grandbabies. She’s relentless.”
“That’s her job,” Teysha says. “Grandmas are legally required to be relentless about grandbabies. Mine is obsessed with Chloe. Sends her dresses and baby dolls every other week.”
I can’t stop smiling.
Standing here with these women, it’s as if I’ve finally found a group of friends. Other women who I can spend time with and feel like I fit in with. There’s no weird social dynamics like with Shay and Yvette, where I had to prove I was cool enough or could match their vibe when we went out.
These women accept me as I am with no judgment or mockery in sight.
I’m truly one of them. Officially an old lady now. Part of this strange and chaotic but beautiful family.
Which is why it’s so exciting to think about celebrating these moments with them—Kori’s wedding, Sydney and Teysha’s pregnancies, supporting Zoe as we help plan and coordinate everything.
For so long, I felt alone. Overlooked and invisible.
But not anymore.
My gaze drifts from the group of women, wandering across the room ’til it finds Silver. He’s standing with the men in the kitchen, beer in hand, laughing at something Ozzie just said. He seems to sense my stare, looking over in my direction.
Our eyes meet, and he winks at me. My heart flutters the same way it did the very first time, and like it will every day we’re together.
39
SOLANA
We stumblethrough the front door of Silver’s house, both of us a little tipsy and giddy from the evening.
The dinner at Cash and Kori’s was perfect, full of celebration and togetherness. The wine is still buzzing pleasantly through my veins, making the air feel warmer than it probably really is.
But it’s not the alcohol that has my heart racing right now.
It’s him.
The moment the door clicks shut behind us, I turn and launch myself into Silver’s arms. He catches me easily, his large hands gripping my thighs as I wrap my legs around his waist. Our mouths crash together—hot, hungry, desperate—as if we’ve been starving for each other all night.
We basically have been.
Silver groans against my lips as he walks us through the ground floor, navigating by memory alone since neither of us is willing to break the kiss. The wall briefly brushes against my back, then the railing of the stairs, then nothing but his solid grip as he carries me up to his bedroom.
We collapse tangled together onto the bed.
His hands explore everywhere, sliding up my thighs, gripping my hips, tugging at the hem of my dress. I’m just as frantic, yanking at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin against mine.
The passion flowing between us is intense and electric, like a lightning bolt about to strike. We’ve been holding it in all night, stealing glances and brushing fingers under the table.
Now that we’re finally alone, it’s spilling over.
