Page 67 of Loved By You

“Cheese.” Lexi beams, holding up her board, looking every bit the cheeky little girl she is. The bow I ordered is almost the size of her head, but hey, if you can't wear a bow as big as your head when you are four, when can you?

“Okay, a couple more photos and we can go inside and make pancakes,” I say, sensing she's reaching her limit.

I turn, hearing a car pull into my driveway and beam when I notice who it belongs to. My friends have never missed an important moment in mine or my girls’ lives and it looks like today is no different.

“Where’s our big Pre-k girl?” Ali calls as she steps out in a little pink sundress, her blonde hair blowing in the gentle breeze.

“Yeah, where is she?” Gabby calls as she walks up the path to my porch. Holding a pink gift bag, she’s dressed in a dark blue maxi dress and her hair is in a sleek ponytail. It’s a beautiful warm September day even at 8 am.

“Auntie Ali, Auntie Gabby, look at my bow.” Lexi smiles, twirling round, showing off her outfit.

“Thank you for coming.” I hug Ali, while Gabby has already headed over to Elle, who has been sitting patiently in her stroller on the porch.

“Babe, our girl is starting Pre-K. We wouldn't miss waving her off. This is a big day.”

I am so grateful for these girls. “Dare I ask if he who shall not be named has been in touch?”

I know she means Alex, and I shake my head. He knew today was her first day and there have been no calls or texts, nothing to wish her good luck.

“Well, she’s got us and—” Her words are cut short by Lexi screeching “Jack,” at the top of her lungs and running past us to the front lawn.

In synchronization, the three of us whip our heads around to see a suit-clad Jack striding toward the house, balloons and a gift bag in one hand and a box of what looks like donuts from Lexi's favorite bakery in the other.

“Ria, sweetie, close your mouth, you're drooling,” Gabby whisper-hisses out the side of her. Noticing the way the tailored suit clings to his muscles has me feeling like I’ve lost the ability to swallow.

“We’ll give you a minute,” Gabby says, tugging Ali towards the front door, taking Elle’s stroller with her.

“Will we? I wanna watch her—” Ali starts.

“Ssshhh, inside you,” Gabby instructs, and then they vanish.

Jack bends down, giving Lexi a hug and hands her the balloons and gift bag. My heart flutters and tears prick my eyes.

He remembered.

“Mommy, look, Jack got me a present.” Lexi beams. “Auntie Ali, Auntie Gabby, look,” she shouts, running past me to follow them into the house.

Never has a man made my heart and panties melt at the same time. I want to jump on him, wrap my legs around him and show him how grateful I am, but I remember it’s 8 am on a Monday and Doris, next door, is out watering her pansies and doesn't need the early morning show.

“You remembered?” I say softly.

“Of course I remembered. This is a big day, and I wasn’t going to miss it. She should have her favorite donuts with sprinkles today.”

“You spoil her.” I chuckle.

“She's worth spoiling... all of you are,” he replies, his tone low.

My cheeks heat.God, this man.

He gives me a soft kiss that sends tingles right to my toes.

“Thank you for showing up.” My voice sounds a little shaky. “This means a lot to her, to… to me.”

“Always, Ri.”

My heart swoons. He is the biggest plot twist in my life, but they say that some of the best things in life are the things that happen unexpectedly, and God, does that feel true.

I bite down on my lower lip, anxious to ask him my next question, not because I think he would say no, but because this is a big step. “It’s Elle's birthday next weekend. Would you like to come? I’m having a little get together here Saturday afternoon. Just a few friends and family, Brad and Harry are welcome to come too. Tell Harry the pocket rocket will be there.”

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