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She rolls her eyes. “They’re making the announcement once the meat is off the grill.”
I grunt, rubbing my chin. “Would it help if I have video of Willow painting? She’s mesmerizing to watch.”
Arizona stifles a girlish aww, snapping back into business mode. “Yes, viewers love seeing the process even more than the finished product. Any B-roll you have would be incredibly valuable.”
“B-roll?”
She squeezes my arm, and Rhett looks like he wants to decapitate me. “We’ll have a full media briefing with both of you once Willow signs on.”
“Okay. Let me talk to my wife first.”
Man, I like saying that.
“Of course.” Arizona leans back with a broad smile. “I’ll give you my direct number so you can get in touch when you’re ready. I have finals next week, but after that, I’m open to meet whenever.”
That’s right. I vaguely remember Tenny mentioning that Arizona is still in college. With the professional way she conducts herself, I would have easily mistaken her for much older.
After saving Arizona’s contact information, I glance up, looking for Willow. She’s in the middle of an animated story, using her whole body. I’m not quite sure what would entail her to look like she’s climbing and then falling off a mountain, but it brings a smile to my face, nonetheless.
That is, until Willow flails her arms as she stumbles backward, knocking over a nearby cat tower. A black cat yowls, jumping from the top of the tower, over Alex’s head, and onto Mallory’s shoulders before skittering along the back of the couch. Mallory whips around, accidentally popping Dulce in the stomach.
“Oh no, the baby!”
Mallory’s alarmed cry has everyone looking at a doubled-over Dulce.
Willow’s shoulders hitch around her ears. “I’m so sorry.”
I vault over the back of the couch to get to the four women, followed quickly by DJ coming in from outside.
“I’m fine,” Dulce reassures her husband. “The baby isn’t up by my ribs anyway.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I’m kind of a…” Willow’s voice quivers, but before she can finish with her well-worn explanation about being a trainwreck, I interject.
“Perfect. You’re perfect, honey. It was just an accident.”
Willow’s watery eyes find mine before she focuses on Dulce. “Are you okay?”
She laughs. “Please, I have two boys. I get body slammed daily.”
“And…” DJ pauses, glancing at his wife for confirmation to continue.
When she nods, DJ’s grin could power the stadium lights. I’ve never seen my teammate look happier.
“We’re having a girl!”
Chapter 29
Willow
We end up staying longer than an hour, but Shane doesn’t seem to mind. He actually relaxes as the party progresses but stays close. I can’t tell if it’s for his comfort or to keep me from causing any more disasters.
An added bonus to him staying near is his hand keeps finding my waist or the dip between my shoulder blades. His thumb is always on the move, sweeping my upper back or the sensitive spot inside my wrist when we hold hands. I can’t say I’m mad about it, but all of Shane’s casual touches are stringing me tighter than canvas pulled over a frame.
When we eventually leave, our bellies and hearts are full. Dinner was hands-down one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. That steak was absolutely divine. Dulce showed everyone the ultrasound pictures of their new arrival to a chorus of oohs and aahs. And Mallory coordinated to get a baby shower on everyone’s schedules.
It’s dark, and the ranger’s station is closed by the time we enter the park. Fortunately, there’s an envelope with the four-digit code to open our cabin and an emergency number if we need it. The only thing I need is marshmallows and a change of clothes. The air is crisp now that the sun has set, and I plan on slipping into jeans and stealing one of Shane’s crewneck sweatshirts.
Shane grumbles when I try to grab my overnight bag, literally picking me up and moving me out of the way so he can get it himself. Instead of fighting him, I take a deep breath of woodsmoke-tinged air and let my gaze tilt skyward. Stars sparkle in the inky sky, just like I remember from when I was little.
