“The adoption paperwork for both of you is almost finalized,” Roan said. “Logan says we should have the court date scheduled by the end of the month.”
“For real?” Marcus asked, eyes shining with tears.
“Yes,” Reese said. “You’re ours. Officially. Legally. Forever.”
Cody looked down at his plate, but not before Reese saw his eyes go glassy.
“I didn’t think anyone would ever want to keep me,” Marcus said.
“Me either,” Cody said. “Sometimes it all seems like a dream.”
“We want to keep you,” Reese said, her own tears falling now. “Both of you. Always.”
Grace and Mauve were dabbing at their eyes with their napkins. Walter was suspiciously focused on his plate.
“Okay,” Emma said, her voice watery. “Someone say something funny before we all fall apart.”
“I’m excited for my trip out to L.A.,” Mauve said. “Reese and I went shopping last week so I’ll have the right clothes for all the fancy people. Jason’s taking me to some big party at a producer’s house or someone like that.”
“Oh, I’m jealous,” Emma said.
“I’ll be sure to take notes and tell you everything when I get back,” Mauve said. “I’ve been looking forward to it for so long, I’m a little afraid I’ll be disappointed.”
“Jason’s there. That’s enough,” Reese said. “Whether you admit it or not.”
Mauve’s cheeks flamed. “Jason and I are just friends. As you all know, so stop teasing me.”
“He asked me about you three times this week,” Roan said. “Just casually. ‘How’s Mauve? Does she seem happy? Is she nervous about coming out for a visit? Is she dating anyone?”
“He did not say that last part,” Mauve said.
“He absolutely did,” Roan said.
“How does he not know the answer to those questions when they’re constantly texting?” Cody asked.
“And how exactly do you know that?” Mauve asked, still pink.
Everyone laughed.
“It’s pretty obvious when you’re looking at your phone and typing, smiling away,” Julia said. “We know who’s on the other end.”
Mauve buried her face in her hands. “We’re friends. That’s all. We agreed that long distance and our lives being so totally different wouldn’t work. We’re both happy with that arrangement. He’s a wonderful friend.”
“You already have a best friend,” Reese said. “That’s not what you need.”
“It’s totally going to happen,” Emma said knowingly.
“I give it two days in L.A. before you two admit you’re in love with each other,” Cody said.
“Cody, you know no such thing.” But Mauve was smiling despite her embarrassment.
“I think it’s romantic,” Julia said. “Long distance is hard, but, if it’s meant to be, you’ll figure it out.”
Reese watched Mauve’s face—the way she tried to downplay—but couldn’t quite hide—her feelings. She suspected Cody was right. Two days in L.A., maximum, before everything changed. She really hoped she didn’t lose Mauve to Hollywood. On theother hand, Reese wanted her friend to be as happy as she was with Roan. Even if it meant losing her to the west coast.
“Well, whatever happens,” Grace said diplomatically, “we’ll be here to support you, dear.”
“Thank you,” Mauve said, with a pointed look around the table. “Grace is supportive instead of teasing me, unlike you jackals.”
