Page 147 of Made for Mayhem

“I love you both, too.”

The drive back to the ranch felt unreal, my hands positioned at ten-and-two knowing I carried the most precious cargo. My girls, forever.

Junie sat in the backseat, clutching the embossed folder the clerk had handed us, rereading the formal-sounding words that declared her Juniper Mae Winslow-Hudson.

Daisy rode almost the entire way home twisted backward in her seat, as if she too was having a hard time believing that this had really happened.

Every time Junie whispered her new name, it sounded a little more reverent, a little more in awe, and my eyes burned anew.

By the time we turned into the driveway, the sun had dipped low enough to paint the valley gold. I slowed, but then stopped dead at the sight in front of me.

On my porch stood everyone I loved, there to welcome us home.

Beckett stood front and center, holding a gigantic bouquet of pink balloons that said IT’S A GIRL!

Next to my best friend were Emmy and Jace, both grinning. Behind them stood my entire mismatched family:

Lori sat in a chair someone had pulled out, her hands folded, face soft with emotion.

Shannon, in all black with a lopsided smile, clutched a bakery box.

Stevie, already wiping tears with the sleeve of her shirt. Luke, one arm around her and the other holding a wiggly toddler, smiling so wide his dimples might crack.

Tate, arms crossed over her chest as she leaned against a post, her entire face glowing with pride.

And Mason, standing at her side with his hands cupped around his mouth, yelled, “And for tonight’s starting lineup, the newest Little Huddy!”

Daisy climbed out of the truck first to help Junie down, and the minute her feet hit the ground, the cheering started. Loud and messy, and totally unnecessary.

Shannon shoved her cupcakes into Daisy’s hands. “Congrats,” she said. “Glad you’re staying.”

Stevie hugged all three of us at once, sobbing, “I’m so happy I can’t even see!”

Beckett slapped my back and shoved a bouquet of balloons into my hand. “A girl dad, huh? It fits.”

Mason joined our trio, a finger flicking the pink balloon hovering over my head. “Aren’t these for a baby shower?”

Beckett waggled his eyebrows at me, then at Daisy. “Well, with these lovebirds? Give it time.”

Daisy turned bright crimson while I choked on my own saliva, but I reached for her hand, pulling her into the chaos.

Junie piped up, delighted, “Well, I am a girl!”

Mason cackled, then pulled Junie into his arms, hugging her tight. “Incredible. Zero notes. Perfect comedic timing, Little Huddy.”

Jace stepped up next. “Thanks for the cousin,” he said. “I think I’ll keep her.”

Junie threw herself into his arms, hugging the surly teenager tight. “I’ve never had a cousin before.”

Then Lori reached for my hand, her fingers trembling, but her grip was warm and sure. “I’m proud of you,” she said. “So very proud.”

Her gaze slid to Daisy. “And you, sweetheart… welcome to the family.”

Daisy blinked. “I… thank you,” she said, voice thick.

With Lori’s words, the line of hugs started all over again, this time for Daisy.

Stevie sniffed, hugging Daisy so tight her back arched. “You’re stuck with us now.”