I sat between Kennedy, who was waiting for Liam to bring her a plate, and Nate, opposite Summer.With difficulty, I resisted the urge to gaze at Bailey, who was settled to Summer’s right, sipping green tea.
Duke—Grace and Nate’s young Rottweiler, and Daisy—Kennedy and Liam’s Labrador, were frolicking around the backyard while Toby threw a ball for them.
“Toby, time to eat,” Mum called, and Toby glanced over and seemed to realize that almost everyone was already seated.He threw the ball one last time and sauntered into the house to get his meal.
“We’re going cycling around the base of Destiny Peak today,” Summer declared loudly enough for everyone to hear.“Asher found a trail that will challenge me a little without being too risky.”
“Make sure you take your first aid kit, just in case,” I said, recalling after I’d already said it that of course they would because Asher was a paramedic and was incredibly vigilant when it came to Summer’s safety.
“We will, Dad,” Summer teased.
My face heated, and I focused on shoveling salad into my mouth and hoped no one noticed.
“You’d be better off worrying about Bailey,” she continued, gesturing at her friend.“She’s going hiking alone.”
Bailey laughed, high and tinkling.“It’s only for a couple of hours.I’ve done the hike plenty of times before, but I’ve never recorded it for my followers, so it will make great new content.”
“I love your hiking videos,” Kennedy said, diving into the meal that Liam had set in front of her.“You have a way of capturing the best camera angles, especially considering you do most of it on your phone.”
“Thank you.That means a lot coming from you.Fortunately, my followers love them too.”
Bailey had a health and beauty online platform.I was ashamed to say that I watched every video but never admitted as much to her because she might realize that she occupied a lot of mental real estate in my head.
“Keep an eye out for any disturbances,” Connor called from farther down the table.“Someone has been vandalizing small areas within the national park.”
I frowned.“That doesn’t sound safe.Perhaps you shouldn’t go.”
I didn’t like the idea of her being out there alone, especially if someone was causing trouble.
Connor waved his hand dismissively.“They’ve just been ripping up plants and digging holes.I doubt they’re dangerous.It’s probably just bored kids.I’d like to know if you spot anything, though.”
“Of course,” Bailey assured him.
“Are you sure?”I asked.
Everyone turned to look at me.I focused on Bailey, whose delicate features softened as she gazed back.
“I’ve done solo hikes in that area a dozen times before.”Her tone was gentle and warm.“I’ll be fine, but thank you for worrying.”
My fingers tightened around my cutlery.I wanted to invite myself along so she wouldn’t be alone, but she hadn’t asked anyone to accompany her, and we didn’t have the kind of relationship where I could just offer.That would be massively overstepping, and there was every chance it would make her uncomfortable.
“If you’re sure,” I said reluctantly.
Now I sounded like a worrywart.Not exactly an attractive trait in a man.Not that I thought there was any possibility of Bailey finding me attractive, anyway.
She was vivacious.Fun and bright.At parties, she was in the middle of the dance floor, while I hung back on the fringes, wishing I was at home with a good book.I had no place thinking about her like that.
Mum cleared her throat.“Kennedy, how is my grandbaby doing?”
I also turned to Kennedy, grateful for the change of subject.
Kennedy swallowed before replying, “Healthy, according to the obstetrician, although my hips have been aching, and the baby keeps kicking my bladder.”
Mum’s expression was sympathetic.“At least it’s only another two months.”
“Although you’ve got to go through labor first,” Toby muttered, then grunted when someone—Liam, I assumed—kicked him under the table.
Kennedy paled slightly but tried to smile.“We have a plan.Besides, the ache means that my body is making more room for them, which will make the birth easier, right?”
