“I’m here. What’s got your ass on fire?” Carleigh asked.
Connor presented the paper, and Carleigh held her hands up. “Before I take that, is it good or bad?”
“That’s to be determined,” Connor answered cryptically.
“Fuckin’ hell. Let me see it.” Carleigh accepted it, unrolling it carefully. “Huh.” Tabitha looked over her cousin’s shoulder. Connor had drawn what looked like a tiger constellation over some snow-capped mountains. Carleigh passed it around so everyone could see it. “Any idea what it represents?”
Alyssa hugged Connor’s arm. “We did a little research, and there are several meanings for a white tiger. We don’t know how any of them would pertain to you though.”
“Maybe you’re going to space?” Jon suggested.
Carleigh slapped his hard abs with the back of her hand. “I’ll keep my feet on terra firma, thank you very much.” She retook the drawing, rolled it back up, and took it out to her car. When she returned, everyone was standing around waiting on her. Carleigh stole the beer Jon was holding. “Today isn’t about me. Let’s party.”
Like Major’s family had in Vermont, the group caught up quickly, congratulating Tabitha on finding her mate. They ate, drank, and enjoyed each other’s company.
Cailín walked around, handing out champagne. When everyone had a glass, she said, “A toast! To Major and Tabitha, and Anthony and Elle. May you be blessed with good friends, me, better family, also me, and a lifetime of happiness. Yes, with me. Seriously, you all deserve every bit of good things life has to offer. Raise your glasses to the wonder twins and their mates.”
“Hear, hear!”
“Cin Cin!”
“Sl?inte!”
Tabitha saluted herbrother and Elle with her glass before clinking it against Major’s. She sipped the bubbly drink, whereas her mate downed his in one go. Cailín was there to refill his glass.
Tabitha reached out and gripped Cailín’s arm. “Thank you for putting this together.”
Cailín gave her a small smile. “You’ll do the same for me if I ever get my happy ever after.”
“Damn straight I will.” When her phone vibrated in her pocket, Tabitha handed her empty glass to Major. “I’ll be right back.” She disappeared into their home office and closed the door. The text was one she’d been waiting on, so she grabbed her laptop and returned to the kitchen, setting it on the island. When she had it loaded, Tabitha winked at the male on the other end, then turned and whistled loudly. When she had everyone’s attention, she said, “I have a surprise for Major. Come over here, Hottie.” Major blushed but grinned at her as he joined her in the kitchen. She maximized the screen, and Jacoby smiled at them, and he wasn’t alone. Desi sat next to him on the sofa.
Major gripped the edge of the island. “Holy Zeus. Is this real? Tabby?”
“It’s real. Major Lazlo, say hello to Jacoby and Desi Rothchild.”
Major cleared his throat. “Hello. It’s a pleasure.”
“Tabitha said you’re a big fan. Can you tell us your favorite song?” Jacoby asked, placing a guitar on his lap.
“Scattered.”
“Oh, going back to the first album. I like it.” Jacoby bumped Desi’s shoulder. “You know that one, Old Man?”
“I might can hum a bar or two.” Desi, looking morelike Jacoby’s brother than father, rolled his eyes.
“Okay, here we go.” Jacoby strummed his acoustic guitar and sang the first verse. Desi, surprising no one, sang the second verse. Then together, they harmonized on the chorus.
Mirror shattered, reflection scattered, light bulb getting dim
Heart in tatters, no longer matters, chances growing slim
Of finding my way out, day after day slipping lower
Falling, stalling, crawling over broken glass
Toes on the ledge, close to the edge, arms spread wide
Wind howling, a memory scowling, urging me on
