“Sounds like the pack's already assembled,” Ben said.
As if on cue, Alex appeared from around the side of the house with Camo at his heels. The black-and-gold Lab went straight to Flo, the two dogs greeting each other like old friends.
“I've got them,” Alex called, waving. “Everyone's out back. Chickens are secure, alpacas are curious, barn cats are judging us all.”
“Thanks, Alex!” Charlie called back.
Flo took off with Camo around the back of the house where the chaos of happy dogs echoed across the property. Charlie and Ben went up the porch steps and into the house.
The great room was already full. Charlie spotted Kyle by the fireplace. Elias and Wren sat side by side on the couch. Rochelle was curled up in the window seat—her favorite, naturally—listening to Wren’s latest crazy story, then scooted over for Gabe when he brought her a drink. Bear stood toward the back of the room with baby Star in a sling on his chest, slowly rocking back and forth.
Frankie sat in the best armchair in the room. She looked exhausted and luminous in equal measure, dark circles under her eyes, but her skin glowing otherwise. Waylon perched on the arm of her chair, hovering over her. Every few minutes he leaned down and said something that made Frankie laugh.
And in her arms, a small bundle in a pale yellow blanket.
“The man of the hour,” Ben murmured.
“He's so tiny,” Charlie said.
Ben nodded. “He’s a little miracle.”
He steered Charlie toward the kitchen first, where Arden had staged enough food to feed the entire Watchdog roster. Arden, April, and Gina were in there talking, Fleur standing right beside Gina and looking up adoringly, hoping for scraps, which she got a moment later. Shane had a plateful of food and a biscuit in his mouth as he scootched past the women. He mumbled something to Ben and Charlie that Charlie took as a greeting.
Arden spotted Charlie the moment they walked in. Her silver-grey eyes warmed and she pulled Charlie into a hug that was surprisingly easy to return.
“I'm so glad you're here,” Arden said. She looked between Charlie and Ben with a smile that said she knew exactly what she was looking at. “Both of you.”
“Ben!” Kyle called out. “I have a question for you. I’m replacing some of the old scallop shingles and I have no idea what I’m doing.”
Arden smiled up at Ben. “Please, save me and go talk to my husband before he destroys my home.”
Ben grinned at Arden and squeezed Charlie’s shoulder. “Will do.” He grabbed a cookie and made his way out of the kitchen. Arden was a step behind.
“Excuse me, ladies, but it’s my turn to hold the baby,” Arden said.
Gina smoothly stepped beside Charlie as if it had been planned.
“Come on,” Gina said. “I want to introduce you to someone.” She pointed toward a woman in a spectacular deep red dress, holding a flute of champagne. Her gleaming white hair was swept up in an elegant twist. She was sitting in a wing back chair, holding court among four people.
Charlie frowned. “What do you mean? I've met Stephanie….wait. Is that…?” Charlie discreetly pointed at the handsome man sitting beside her, laughing at something she'd just said.
“Dr. Boyfriend, in the flesh.” Gina's smile turned fond. “He showed up at Thanksgiving and we still barely know anything about him. He's very quiet.” She glanced at Charlie. “You'd think someone like Stephanie would wear him down, but somehow he holds his own.”
Charlie had been invited to Thanksgiving, but she’d politely turned down the invitation, thinking that Arden had only invited her to be nice.
So many good times I’ve denied myself. So many friendships.
No more.
“Oh, I’ve got to meet him.”
They crossed the room, Fleur leading the way. Stephanie clocked Charlie from ten feet away and opened her free arm.
“Charles! You gorgeous creature.” Charlie grinned at the nickname. She was officially part of the Guy Name Club along with Stephanie and Frankie who called each other Steve and Frank.
Stephanie stood and pulled Charlie into a hug that smelled like Chanel. “I heard you finally made an honest man out of that handsome blacksmith.”
“I'm not sure who made an honest person out of who,” Charlie said.
