Page 132 of Wicked Love

Poppy’s eyes are sparkling as she greets everyone and we’re led to the table with all the food.

“Oh my goodness, a momosa bar,” Poppy says. “You’ve thought of everything!”

“I was excited about this too,” Tru says. She points at another table set up with alcohol. “Bowie, you might like to visit that mimosa bar, but help yourself to the momosas too.”

I chuckle and help Becca with her plate.

“Hey, Bowie.”

I turn and see Coach Evans. I set my things down and shake his hand.

“Thanks for coming,” I tell him.

“I’m glad it worked out,” he says. “When I got my invitation and heard the whole team was coming, I knew I couldn’t miss it.”

“Means a lot that you’re here.”

He squeezes my shoulder and we find a seat. After we eat, I get my turn holding Avery. She’s so cute, it makes my heart ache. I look at Henley and shake my head.

“I can’t believe how tiny,” I say.

“Right? And she’s already grown so much,” he says proudly.

“I know. The last time I held her, she was even lighter.”

“Okay, it’s present time,” Elle sings out a little later. She motions for us to move to the chairs set up for us, also bedecked with flowers and balloons, so we do.

“You sure we can’t just sit over there with everyone else?” I ask, and everyone laughs.

“You don’t get to hide while you open presents,” Rhodes says. “No, sir.”

We start opening. Some gifts are practical…soft blankets, tiny socks, a monitor that Henley claims is so thorough, it doubles as a spy gadget. Others are funny…a baby rattle with Penn’s face on it, a bib from Rhodes that says “Uncle Rhodes is boss,” and from Sadie and Weston, a set of onesies with football puns.

Becca is having the time of her life. She loves presents and the girls were looking out for her too, giving her a shirt that says, “Best Big Sister Ever,” and a few new frames so she’ll have some for her collection when her baby brother comes.

Poppy and I can’t stop laughing as we open each gift. And then we move into the ones that have me shaking my head in awe that I have such amazing friends. The stroller we registered for, a high chair…we get all the necessities and then some.

“You guys, this is just…I’m blown away,” Poppy says, her voice cracking. “Thank you so much. You’ve made this so special.” She turns to Elle, Tru, Sadie, and Calista. “Sometimes I can’t believe that I’ve known you such a short time. You’ve welcomed me in and made me feel so loved. I love you all so much. I love all of you,” she says to everyone. And then she turns to me and gives me a wobbly smile. “I love you,” she says.

“Awwww,” everyone cries.

“I love you,” I tell her. “And what she said. This has been an incredible day…an incredible ride. You guys warned me that when I’d find love, I’d get the hype, and you were so right.”

“Could you repeat that a little louder for the people in the back?” Rhodes yells.

I snort. “You were right,” I yell.

“That’s more like it,” he says, laughing.

Henley steps forward, holding a microphone. Penn, Rhodes, and Weston surround him on either side.

“We’ve prepared a little something,” Henley announces, eyes twinkling. “A rap, in honor of Baby Fox.”

Poppy laughs and I groan.

“This should be good,” I say. “Bring it.”

A beat starts thumping from the speakers. They all bob their heads and Penn rolls his shoulders.

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