Olivia: Oh my god, we did it!
Angelina has been added to the group chat.
Callie: Yes! They’re officially outnumbered!
Jaxon: Not for long.
Liam has been added to the group chat.
Liam has left the group chat.
Jaxon: I know that was you Roo.
Ruby: Prove it.
“What is happening right now?” Angelina asks.
“Congratulations. You just learned what it’s like to become a Hayes.”
She picks a piece of lint off her leg and shrugs. “I don’t hate it.”
Ruby: Spill, Angie. We need the deets.
Angelina: Margaritas. So many margaritas.
Me: I was coerced.
Wilder: We left you alone for one day, and you’re bringing home another rescue.
Angelina: Did you just compare me to a horse?
Wilder: Sorry Ange. You know we love you.
My cell vibrates in my hand seconds before my mama’s face pops up on the screen. I stare at it like a grenade about to gooff.
“What’s wrong?” Angie asks.
“You’re about to become a widow.”
I tap to answer the video call.
“Griffin Ryder Hayes, you have some explaining to do!”
Angie smirks and silently mouths the word, “Ryder.”
In a last-ditch effort to save myself, I slide next to Angie and extend my arm so she’s in the frame with me.
“Oh,” Mama says. “Hello, Angelina.”
Angie waves awkwardly. “Hi, Mrs. Hayes.”
“You’ll have to get used to calling me Evie or Mama now that we’re officially family. And speaking of family. I’d better be seeing the two of you at our next family dinner.”
“Newlyweds, Mama. We haven’t had time to ourselves yet.”
“Five p.m. Don’t be late.”
“But—”
