“I hope this means Mav’s planning to retire.” Mom gives Dove a hug. “That last injury was almost too much.”
Dove’s eyes widen, traveling from my mom to me. “I’d never ask him to do that. Mav loves hockey so much.”
“But now he lovesyou, yes? And you’re here.” Mom frowns, looking between us.
“Mom,” I groan. “For real.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll mind my own business.” She throws up her hands, walking back around to sit beside Aunt Liv.
Dove presses her lips into a smile, narrowing her eyes. “Youdolove me.”
She’s being adorably sassy, and she has no idea how real my answer would be.
“That’s the story.” I give her a little wink.
“You’d better get up there and give us some Danny Zuko before this party goes sideways.”
Looking down at her, I slide my thumb over her cheek. I’d really like to kiss her again, but I guess that’ll have to wait.
“I’ll get this party back on track.” I lift my eyes to the stage, and the place erupts into cheers as I jog up the steps and spread my legs, ready to thrust my hips and point around the room.
It’safter two when we’re all rolling out of the black SUV I ordered for us. I ordered two, but one takes Boo, Mindy, and their group to Tamara’s house, where they’ll all spend the night.
Our mothers, Gina, Dove, and I all pile out singing “YouLight Up My Life” at the top of our lungs. The poor driver couldn’t be happier to drop us off.
“Best pageant song ever,” Noel decrees as she and Mom wrap their arms around each other’s waists and head up to the house.
“Night, you two,” Gina says, giving Dove and me a group hug. “Don’t be too loud down here. You’ll scare the chickens.”
“We don’t have chickens,” Dove replies loudly, and I’m a little worried.
Is she drunk?Fuck, I hope not. I watched her have a few beers tonight, but I don’t think it was too many… Still, she’s pretty small.Shit.
“That’s right,” Gina laughs, shaking her head. “My mom has the chickens!”
“Your grandmother, Gina Grace,” Aunt Liv scolds, shaking her head.
We all say our goodnights, and Dove puts her hand on my arm, leaning on me as we walk the few steps to the guest cottage. The door is unlocked, and we bustle into the dark room.
Our breath seems louder in the quiet. Her giggles have all my senses alert, listening for any sign of overindulgence.
We’re just inside the door when she turns to face me, putting her hands on the tops of my shoulders. “That was so much fun. It’s been so long since we did karaoke.”
“Yeah…” I nod, studying her face. “It was great.”
She’s so small, her chin is just at my sternum, and I reach over to flick on the lights. I want to get a good look at her eyes before I decide whether to stay here or head out to the flatbed again.
“Whoa.” She holds up a hand, squinting. “That isbright!”
“Look at me.” I take her chin in my fingers, tilting her head so I can see. “How are you feeling?”
Her blue eyes blink slowly, and she takes a step closer. “Good. How are you feeling?”
“I haven’t decided. Did you have too much to drink?”
Her nose wrinkles. “Are you worried about me? I know if I were drunk, you’d take good care of me.” She climbs onto the bed on her knees, putting her face closer to mine and shaking her head slowly. “But I don’t need that kind of care tonight.”
My chest is tight, and I want to believe her. “You sure?”
