“He really is,” I muse, thinking about the way his hand engulfs my bump, and how small my own feels when he’s holding it.
“A gentle giant, though, I hope. How’s he been doing?” she asks with genuine concern in her eyes.
“He’s incredible. So kind and thoughtful. He’s clearly had good role models,” I praise, making Alison blush.
“We did our best. Most days, I think he listened to some of the things we tried instilling in him and Parker, and then there are the other days where I can’t help but wonder where his head is at.”
“He’s a good person,” I tell her.
She smiles. “I’m glad you think so. And I’m glad he’s found you. He’s different, you know? I saw the change in him before we were introduced. I knew something was going on. I just never could have imagined…” Her eyes drop to my belly before she hesitantly reaches out. “May I?”
“Of course,” I say, watching as she presses her hand against my belly.
“I’m not sure I’m old enough to be a grandmother,” she mutters to herself.
“Mom,” Parker cries as she races into the room.
Alison pulls her hand away and spins to hug her daughter. “Oh, I’ve missed you, baby girl.”
And of course, watching them reconnect starts the waterworks all over again.
We have the best evening.All of Everett’s friends are so lovely and welcoming, and of course, his parents are just the best. If I had to imagine the perfect mom and dad for myself, then I’m pretty sure they’re it. Not only do they pay their children the attention they deserve, listening to everything they say with eagerness, but they also love each other so much. I’m not sure there was a time when they were next to each other where they weren’t touching. A simple handhold, a hand on a thigh or the small of the back. They really are the epitome of the kind of relationship everyone aspires to have. And the way Clarkclearly adores Alison even after all these years…well, if Everett still looks at me like that in a few months, I’ll be happy, let alone in a few decades.
As the night moves on, my exhaustion begins to make itself known. I don’t want to give in. Everyone else is still up dancing and enjoying themselves. But I’m not sure I’m going to make it.
My eyes dart around the room, watching Parker, Alison, Casey, Sutton and Freya on the dance floor with a few of the guys. Everett is with his dad, Killer and Hayden, and from the serious looks on their faces, I can only assume they’re talking hockey—and beside me sits a quiet Hailee.
Despite not really knowing her, I can’t help feeling like we have a connection. I guess we have our pasts to thank for that. We haven’t discussed it. I get the feeling the less she talks about her marriage, the better, but it’s clear we’ve been through similar things.
“You should go and join them,” I say when I notice that she’s watching the girls dancing.
“Oh, no. I’m not really a dancer,” she says, although there isn’t much conviction behind it.
“It’s got to be more fun than sitting here with me, the pregnant girl who can barely keep her eyes open.”
She chuckles before sipping her wine.
“I should go, really. I’m not sure why I agreed to—” She slams her lips shut. “Ignore me. It’s been a long week.”
“And here I was thinking your life had been made significantly less stressful recently,” I tease.
She turns to me with a small smile. “Honestly, you have no idea how many hours of work you’ve saved me. Rest assured, Baby Donnelly will be getting a generous gift as a thank you.”
“There’s no need for that, but I appreciate it.”
She places her half-empty glass on the table before us and turns to me. There’s sadness in her eyes despite all the love andhappiness we’re surrounded by, and I wish I were in a position to do something about it. But Hailee doesn’t seem to be in a place where she wants someone poking their nose into her life, so I lock my instincts down and follow her lead.
“I’m really glad everything is working out for you and Rett,” she says sincerely. “While he might be a pain in the ass to work with, he’s got a heart of gold, and I’m glad he’s finally showing it to someone. Enjoy the rest of your night,” she adds before I get a chance to respond and quickly walks away.
“Was it something you said?” Everett’s deep voice rumbles a few seconds later.
“I…uh…I don’t know,” I mutter, keeping my true thoughts to myself.
Hailee might appear to be one of them. She’s a part of the Viper organization, after all, but I’m not sure she feels like she really belongs. Or at least, that’s the impression I got just now.
“As long as she’s leaving me in peace, I’m happy.”
I smile up at him. “Funny, she said the same about you.”
