“I like that it’s you who notices.”
“Good,” I say before I kiss her once more as a parting gift. “I’m not nervous. You just bring out the best of me.” One more kiss because I can’t resist, and I’m out of there.
* * *
I handSpencer a bottle of champagne as I step into his kitchen where Hudson and Piper are talking with April. The champagne is kind of pointless, as everyone in this room has a closet full of over-the-top and highly priced bottles, but it’s the thought that counts.
“I’m not going to stay long, just dropping by, as good neighbors do,” I announce.
Spencer slaps a hand on my shoulder. “That’s okay, I have to leave in an hour. I have a game this week.”
“We know you’re busy too, Ford.” Piper smiles.
It’s then that I notice everyone is staring at me peculiarly, with fixed grins on their faces like they’re waiting for something.
“You all okay?” I ask.
“For sure. Anything you care to share?” April wiggles her brows, her blonde hair not moving an inch as she stretches her smile.
I’m trying to read the room but failing miserably.
“We saw a little scene of you carrying someone over your shoulder,” Spencer mumbles.
Ah fuck, there is a spot between our property lines that is cleared. We figured we should have a path to each other’s yards and docks, for safety since there are kids around.
“TotalThe Notebookvibes,” April adds.
Hudson rolls his eyes. “Your plan working?”
“Shouldn’t we be discussing April and Spencer?” I suggest.
Spencer and April look at one another then shrug their shoulders. “Nah,” they agree in unison.
“Brielle and I are taking some time… for ourselves.”
The ladies in the room clap their hands together in excitement, and I’m beginning to wonder if I walked into a bear’s den.
“Calm down, ladies.” Hudson grins, slightly scared for me.
“Pulling out all the stops, huh?” Spencer asks.
I muss my hair. “Trying. I need to figure out dinner for tonight. Tomorrow, I have a few ideas.”
“I’ll make your dinner,” April is quick to volunteer. She’s a nutritionist and cooks daily.
“You just got engaged,” I emphasize the obvious.
She is already heading to the fridge. “Yes, and my fiancé has a game to catch. I have a bunch of meals in the freezer. Meat or no meat? Maybe a lasagna?”
“Are you sure?”
April is already pulling out a container from the freezer drawer. “Totally. Here, this is lasagna with pumpkin and sage, the instructions are on the container, and let me go grab some bread dough that I’ve had resting for days.”
“Aren’t I a lucky man?” Spencer fondly admires his fiancée, the homemaker.
Spencer’s seven-year-old daughter skips into the kitchen, with her pigtails swaying in the air. “Is Connor here?” Excitement is apparent in her voice.
I lean down to her eye level. “Sorry, he’s at hockey camp.”
