“Yep.” Ignoring the question in his eyes, I shove the bowl of slaw at his chest. “Take this. Where’s Hazel?”
“Running around in the kitchen making sure everything’s perfect.”
“Sounds about right.” I’m well acquainted with Noah’s watchful stare, so I ignore him as I move past him through the foyer. “Hope everyone likes pulled pork.”
He grunts and falls into step behind me as I head for the formal dining room. The Spencer-King siblings are milling around, chatting with spouses and plus-ones. Fourteen-year-old Harper looks up and beams when she sees me.
“Hey, Luke. Hazel says you’re saving the day.”
“Don’t know about the day, but I’ve got dinner.” I set my bags down on the big antique buffet as Hazel hurries in, looking frazzled.
“Luke, thank you so much.” She swipes at a wisp of hair that’s escaped from her bun. “You really are a lifesaver.”
“No prob.” My heart ticks up as she leans in to kiss me, but nope—no kiss. She’s just slipping past me to grab the food. “Can I help get everything dished up?”
“Thanks, but I’ve got it handled.” She thrusts a cold can of Big One’s pilsner into my hand. “Just find a seat and dig into the hors d’oeuvres.”
“Hey, you got my favorite beer.” It’s even tucked in a fancy koozie to keep it cold.
“It’s the least I can do to say thanks.”
I can’t help dropping my voice to a low, growly whisper. “Oh, I think you can do more than that.”
“Pig.” She swats my chest with the back of her hand. “Seriously, though—thank you.”
“It’s really no problem, Haze.” I crack open the beer. “Always better to share food with others than greedily keep it to myself.”
“I really will replace it.” She blows the wayward hair off her forehead again, and I fight back the urge to tuck it behind her ear. “Maybe you could even teach me how to make it so I’m not such an abysmal cook.”
“I’m sure that could be arranged.” The thought of spending more time with Hazel gets my heart rate going again.
“I’ll be right back.” She starts for the kitchen, lugging the food I’ve just brought. “Find a chair and make yourself at home. I’m just going to get everything plated and ready.”
“Sounds good.” Sipping my beer, I scan the table for a free spot. There’s an empty seat between Jake’s wife, Cassidy, and Parker’s partner, Calliope, so I stroll to that side of the table. The two women are deep in conversation, but they look up and smile as I approach.
“You missed the big announcement.”
“Oh?” So I guess Hazel told them.
Calliope holds up her hand, flashing a sparkling diamond. “We’re engaged.”
“Hey, congratulations.” So…maybe she didn’t?
“Plus, exciting baby news,” Callie continues. “This family is swimming in great happenings, huh?”
Ah, so Hazel told them. “Awesome.” Relaxing into my seat, I smile. “So you’re cool with it?”
“Thrilled,” Calliope says. “Can’t wait.”
Cassidy leans forward in her seat. “We were just discussing baby names.” She winks. “Plural, of course.”
I wink back, glad we’re all up to speed on the twin thing. “More babies to name is a bonus, huh?”
Cass and Calliope smile. “So many options,” Cass adds.
“I like nature-inspired names,” I say as I sip my beer. “River, Aurora, Eden?—”
“Oooh, I love that.” Calliope swipes a shock of blue hair off her forehead as she cozies closer to Parker. “I also like Sequoia.”
