Saving that conversation for later, I pause behind the couch where the patient is lounging with her leg up. She looks up at me and waves her fingers in a hello. I take her raised hand in mine without thinking. “How are you feeling? It’s time for your pain meds if you’re ready for them.”
She blushes but she doesn’t let go of my hand. “I’m fine, thanks. My head hurts a little, but I think it’s from all the laughing.”
Releasing her hand, I walk away, not making eye contact with our friends, who I know are watching our every move. “I’ll be right back with your ibuprofen and some water.”
I smile to myself as I leave the room to the sound of giddy whispers. I’ve known these women my entire life, so it’s nice to know I can still surprise them.
Maui follows me up the stairs to the bedroom where I grab what I need.
“So, what did Mama tell the girls? Has she finally come to her senses?”
The chocolate fur ball tilts her head in confusion.
“She swore you to secrecy, didn't she? I should have known you would stick together. I’m outnumbered, and I love it. But don’t tell her I said that.”
I scratch her behind the ears so she knows I understand she can’t break her mama’s confidence.
The smiles that fill the family room when I reappear are enough to make my damn heart stutter as I pass through the room on my way to the kitchen just behind them. “What has gotten into the four of you? You look like you’ve been sitting around gossiping like a bunch of teenagers in heat.”
Yes, I’m fishing. Hoping one of them will spill.
“Sorry, Owen. No boys allowed in this conversation,” Mia states as I grab a fresh glass and fill it with water.
It’s a struggle not to smile like an idiot on my way to the couch to deliver the water and pain relief to Daisy.
“Thank you.” She swallows her medicine and hands me back the glass.
Then she looks up at me with those big, beautiful eyes of hers, and I can tell something is on her mind. “Do you mind if the girls stay for dinner?”
This is good, I tell myself. She isn’t shying away from me with our friends around.
“Mi casa es su casa,” I reply, with open arms.
“Okay, good. The guys are coming over too.”
I guess we’re entertaining.
Chapter Thirty
Owen
“Those steaks were killer. Well done, Chef,” Gus says, patting his stomach.
“The real thanks goes to Knox for hitting the butcher, and to the rest of you for bringing the sides. I’m always happy to spark up the grill.”
“You just like wearing yourSlap My Assapron. You’re hoping one of us will take you up on it.”
“What can I say, Knox? I like what I like.”
“Glad to see age and wisdom haven’t changed you. You're just as ridiculous as you’ve always been.” Ryan chuckles, lifting her glass in my direction.
Ryan hasn’t been around much since she left for college, and it’s good to have her home. Her presence makes Daisy happy, so it makes me happy.
“I know. Right? No need to change perfection,” I say with a wink to everyone’s favorite ginger.
Charlie lifts her glass in front of her, examining it like it’s a piece of art. “Is it me, or is this wine freaking fantastic?”
“It’s good, but it’s also your first glass in close to a year, so I’m sure it’s going down nice and smooth for you,” Mia says amused. “You’re gonna sleep real good tonight.” She points at Cal. “Daddy, I sure hope you’ve got some bottles in the fridge cause you’re gonna be on night watch.”
