He threaded our fingers together and led me around the front of the SUV.
“Mommy!” Eva called.
“Mr. Cash!” Addy beamed at him while Colin jumped where he stood between his sisters. “I been missing you a whole lot, but we got a sleepover at the lake, and it’s like camping, and you know I really like campin’.”
“Can they stay forever?” Nolan asked.
All four of the kids shouted at us, all while Piper smirked from over the top of their heads. “Huh, looks like that fake wedding did the two of you some good.”
More redness, and I gnawed at the inside of my cheek. “It certainly did me good.”
“That’s right, it did.” Cash pressed the words into the side of my head.
Theo laughed from the porch, smirking down at Cash. “Told you, brother.”
“What can I say? Sometimes the light gets through when you try to shroud yourself in the dark.”
“Don’t I know it.” Theo tossed an arm over Piper’s shoulders and squeezed her tight.
A brilliant smile broke out on her face.
“How were they?” I asked.
“Angels,” she said with a little wink.
“See, Mom. I told you we were really good at following all the rules.” Colin climbed up onto the second rung of the railing as he said it.
“Watch yourself there, little man. Don’t want you falling and hitting your head.” A gentle warning filled Cash’s voice.
“I not bonk my head.” Finn peeked his adorable little face through the lower rungs.
Affection rushed and wound.
“It looks like you had a ton of fun,” I whispered as I climbed the steps with Cash ushering me up from behind.
“The best time, Mom.” Addy tipped her face up toward me. “Maci got to stay, too, but her mom and dad already came to pick her up.”
“I’m so glad.” I brushed my hand down her cheek.
Piper reached for me and pulled me into a hug. “I’m so happy for you,” she whispered in my ear.
Emotion crested, brimming to the point of breaking. I clung to her, my voice hushed, “I’m really happy, too.”
“I mean, I knew it earlier yesterday, but after that wedding kiss? There was no faking what was behind that.”
My chest buzzed with the memory. With the memory of the way it’d felt like I’d tipped over an edge into a dream.
Piper took my hand. “Come on, I want you to meet my grandmother.” She dragged me toward the woman behind her. “This is my Nelly.”
“Well, aren’t you the prettiest gift to ever walk into Cash’s life.” Nelly stepped forward with a mischievous smile, reaching out for me and giving my free hand a squeeze.
Some of that timidity tried to rise to the surface, but instead of succumbing to it, I sent Cash a flirty glance. “Cash thinks so.”
Nelly’s chuckle was low. “I bet he does.”
“Oh, I’m betting he does, too. The man looks the most relaxed I’ve seen him in years,” Theo razzed. “Not a grunt in sight.”
Only Cash gave him a warning grunt, though there was no irritation behind it. “You’re lucky I’m feeling extra affable today.”
