Ryan comes to stand behind me and whispers in my ear, “The truck is packed. Are you ready to go?”
I turn my head and capture his lips in a quick kiss. “Yep, I’m ready.”
Taking a deep breath, I step towards my friends. Hugs, laughter, and quick promises to remember to text often.
Megan pulls me into a tight embrace. “Don’t forget my pictures.”
“I won’t.” Smiling, I squeeze her back. “Call me if you need to talk,” I add quietly.
She nods before stepping away. “I will. Thank you.”
Claire leans in with Ben balanced on her hip. “Have fun, you two. I’m already jealous.”
“I’m gonna miss you,” Ben murmurs, resting his head on his mom’s shoulder.
“Oh, I’m going to miss you too, buddy. But we can FaceTime.” I brush my hand over his rosy cheek. “I have a favour to ask. Do you think you can check on the little men while I’m away? I know you’ll do a great job.”
His head pops up, and he beams. “I can do that.”
“That’s my boy.” I kiss him on the forehead.
“That reminds me,” Hannah says, running over to her Jeep. It only takes her a moment before she returns with a green gift bag and hands it to Riot.
He glances down at the bag, then back up at her, brows pulling together. “What’s this?”
“Oh God, no,” Logan moans, rubbing the back of his neck. “We talked about this, Baby.”
Ignoring him, Hannah beams. “It’s your housewarming gift. Everyone who lives here gets one.”
He removes the tissue, peers inside, and pulls out a garden gnome wearing coveralls and holding a hammer.
“…A gnome?”
“Don’t question it,” I tell him. “Add it to the collection. The house demands it.”
Ben squeals, wiggling to get down. Claire sets him on his feet, and he runs straight to Riot.
“A new little man! Can I see it?”
He crouches low so Ben can get a better look. “What do you think?”
“Can we put it in the backyard with all the others?” he asks, bouncing on his toes with excitement. “There’s sooo many!”
“Sure, we can,” Riot agrees easily. “We’ll do it together after we say goodbye to Auntie Beck and Ryan.”
Claire laughs softly, rubbing Ben’s back. “I’m sure we can find it the perfect spot.”
I turn to Hannah and she pulls me into a giant hug.
“Be safe, okay?”
“I will,” I assure her, holding on for a second longer, soaking in the warmth of our friendship before we separate.
Ryan steps forward, clasping Carson on the shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze before nodding to Logan. “Take care of this one while I’m gone.”
Logan chuckles. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep him out of trouble.”
“Gonna miss you, man.” Carson pulls Ryan into a quick hug. “Have a good time.”
