Page 20 of One Night with Number Nineteen

That’s when I expect Sawyer to join the adults in a beer or a glass of wine (for those drinking) on the deck, to sit around and joke and laugh and shoot the shit.

Only, instead of taking a load off, he answers a phone call, pacing back and forth on the lawn as he talks.

Hangs up.

Then joins us for approximately two minutes before he takes another.

And rinse and repeat until Alex comes out and tells me that Ollie fell asleep.

I smile.

My little guy trying his best to keep up with the big kids (and I include Smitty in that equation). “Thanks, Alex,” I say, ruffling his hair as I stand up, grab a few of the rogue dishes that Sawyer hasn’t gotten to yet. “I think that’s my cue,” I tell the others.

Luna, who’s nursing Reese, offers, “You could always stay the night if you’re too tired to drive home.”

“Thanks,” I say. “But I have a midnight writing binge session in my future.”

“Hot hockey players?” she asks hopefully.

I grin, counter, “Hot badass warriors.”

She claps her hands together. “I can’t wait.”

“Even if it’s not hockey players?” Veronica teases, her gaze not on me. Or Luna.

But on Alex…and on Ryan.

Faye catches my eye, winks at me, and when I lean in to kiss her cheek, whispers, “Don’t worry. The matchmakers have it in hand.”

“Vi?” I ask, mildly surprised. I can’t imagine Ryan or Veronica would hire Blue Line Matchmaking.

Dancing brown eyes. “She and Smitty have teamed up…off the books.”

“And me,” Luna interjects. “Me too.”

“You too what?” Veronica asks, tearing her gaze off Ryan and Alex.

“Luna wants to read my newest book early,” I say, saving everyone from an uncomfortable conversation…and Veronica from having to deny what she clearly feels.

I don’t know why she and Ryan have that weird push-pull, friends but both clearly wanting more thing going on. But I do know it’s not something she needs to confront tonight.

Even if Ryan comes over a moment later and tucks a mug into her hand. “You’re cold,” he says. “Drink this.”

“Ryan, you don’t have to⁠—”

He just shoots her a look, hooks an arm around Alex’s shoulders, and points at the sky. “Want to check out the stars before you head home? I think I saw Pisces.”

“Really? Where?” He turns toward Veronica. “Can I, Mom?”

“Of course, honey.”

They run off…and her gaze lingers on them for a moment before she sighs softly.

“Goodnight, ladies,” I say quietly, leaning in to kiss her cheek and give her a quick hug, and then doing the same with the rest of the girls. That done, I head inside, rinsing and depositing the plates in the dishwasher.

But even as I go to scoop Ollie off the couch, Sawyer is there.

“I’ve got him,” he murmurs, carefully picking him up.