And the life we somehow managed to build out of all the things we didn’t think we’d survive.
It’s perfect.
Right up until a car door slams somewhere out front. Then another.
Carina’s head tilts slightly. “Did you hear—”
The side gate creaks, and footsteps crunch across the gravel path that runs alongside the house, followed by the low rumble of voices that definitely don’t belong to either of us.
Carina’s head slowly turns toward me. I keep my expression neutral.
“What did you do?”
“Nothing,” I say.
Another car door slams.
This time she doesn’t even bother looking toward the driveway. Her eyes stay locked on mine, narrowing the way they do when she’s seconds away from diagnosing something she doesn’t like.
“Reid Hutchison.”
I shrug one shoulder.
The first person into the yard is Logan, carrying a six-pack of beer he probably thinks constitutes celebratory drinks. Lulu and Zoe are next, skipping in together as though they’ve already plotted an entire wedding and can’t wait to tell us the details. Chase is right behind him, already grinning like he’s been waiting all day to be loud about something.
Jake follows at a more reasonable pace, Charlie tucked under his arm and holding Theo in the other, Noah and Meadow excitedly discussing who will get to climb the treehouse first.
Carina slowly turns back to me. “You invited everyone?”
I glance past her shoulder toward the growing crowd filtering into the yard.
“Seemed like a good night for burgers.”
Her jaw drops.
“You invited the entire crew before you even knew my answer?”
Behind her, Ivy spots the newcomers and lets out a delighted squeal, waving the sad remains of her burger like a flag.
Chase points at the ring immediately. “Called it!”
Logan squints at Carina’s hand.
“Well shit,” he says approvingly. “You did good.”
Carina’s gaze snaps back to me.
“What if I’d said no?”
I consider that for half a second, then shrug again. “I’ve already baby-trapped you.”
For a moment she just stares at me, then she bursts out laughing.
Behind her, Charlie reaches the table and scoops Ivy straight out of the highchair like she’s been waiting all day for the job.
“There’s my girl!” She smiles softly, and presses a kiss to Ivy’s sticky cheek.
Ivy squeals again, immediately grabbing a handful of Charlie’s red hair.
