Page 110 of Verdict

Ava

Four months later

“I think that’s everything.” Hollis planted her hands on her hips as she surveyed my living room.

The event planner I’d hired for Addison’s baby shower had completely transformed the space—and honestly, I shouldn’t have expected anything less. She’d planned Addison’s wedding and blown all of us away then, too. My living room had been transformed into what I could only describe as an explosion of purple and ponies. Dean and Addison were having a baby girl, and Addison had refused to allow anything pink within a ten-mile radius of this shower.

Spread across my kitchen island was an over-indulgent array of desserts—from pony-shaped cookies to lavender macarons. Hollis had even curated an impressive balloon arch made up of every shade of purple imaginable, framing the name of the newest addition to our family.

Avalynn Daphne Adler.

That’s right—Addison was naming her daughter after yours truly, which naturally meant I was already obsessed with this unborn child and fully confident she was going to be incredibly cool. Especially considering her middle name was Daphne, after Dean’s mom, who was quite possibly the chicest person on the planet.

Honestly? What a combo.

“It looks incredible, Hollis. You’ve outdone yourself yet again.”

The front door opened, and Farrah stepped inside with my newborn nephew strapped closely to her chest. I flashed Hollis a quick smile before beelining for that sweet baby.

“Gimme baby JJ.”

Farrah chuckled as she slipped him from the wrap and settled him in my arms.

She placed her hands on her lower back and leaned backward to stretch. “Thanks. I could use the break.” Her eyes swept across the space. “Wow, it looks great in here.”

I pressed a kiss to baby Jordan’s forehead and nodded. “Yeah, Hollis did a fantastic job.”

Over the next several minutes, the rest of the guests filed into my house, including the guest of honor. Everything made Addison emotional these days, so naturally, she gushed and cried over every detail. The shower went exactly how I envisioned. We mingled, ate good food, and played silly games. After Addison opened all of her gifts—and practically sobbed every time—the front door swung open, and all the guys filed into the living room.

In walked Dean, Weston, Walker, Archer, Cohen, and my dad.

“And what the hell do you guys think you’re doing here? It’s a women’s-only shower,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

Addison placed a hand on my leg. “I may have told Dean he could come.” She flashed me an apologetic smile.

“Then what’s the excuse for the rest of them?”

Dean cut in. “They were bored. I told them they could come.”

Cohen grabbed a tiny sandwich from a tray and shoved the entire thing into his mouth. “Yeah, we were hungry, and Dean didn’t have shit at his place,” he said around a mouthful as some of the guys nodded and started helping themselves to the leftover food.

Weston stayed rooted in place, glancing around the space, unimpressed. “It looks like Barney threw up in here,” he grumbled.

I pushed to stand from the couch and patted him on the chest. “Thanks, big bro. Complimentary as always.” My eyes shifted toward Hollis, who was within earshot. If looks could kill, Weston would already be dead.

“Clearly not everyone in the James family has taste,” I heard her mumble beneath her breath as she stomped off toward the kitchen.

As the party began to wrap up, I started organizing Addison’s gifts and collecting trash. I spotted Weston near the kitchen island talking to Caroline, Addison’s old high school friend, who also happened to be the best realtor in Primrose Hill.

“Something small,” I overheard Weston say. “I’m not looking for anything fancy.”

Caroline laughed. “You’re a James. Have you seen your siblings’ homes? Nothing about your family is small.”

“I’m aware,” Weston corrected dryly. “But I’m not them. Just the unlucky bastard related to them.”

I made my way toward the kitchen and leaned toward Cohen, who was now shoveling macarons into his mouth. “Did he just say he’s staying?”

Cohen nodded. “Officially retiring.”