Page 138 of The Way We Collide

I’d asked where she went for so long during the game, and Dylan asked what she meant about traffic saving lives.

She told us how Star called her needing help. Then she got a little emotional telling us how they were able to find the small plane using some kind of software.

My question was why they needed KCLA to do it when I needed her. She didn’t know, other than Star is friends with everybody in Los Angeles, including emergency workers. I guess that’s why she runs the station.

“When I got into meteorology, it was to help save lives. I guess now that I’ve done it, I can keep doing it.”

Rolling onto my back, I pull her to my chest, tracing my finger down the smooth line of her back. “I’m thinking I’ll be too old to outrun those blockers around the same time we’re ready for a new little tight end.”

That makes her laugh, and she pinches my side. “Is that so?”

“Then we can move back to Newhope, and you can start chasing storms.”

“I can’t be Liz Pantore pregnant.” She turns her face to kiss my skin, and I’m ready to go for another practice round.

“It’s only nine months.” Turning, I pin her beneath me once more, loving the big smile piercing her cheeks. “I’ll be clear and ready for you to pass him to me.”

“You can’t hold a baby like a football.”

“I’ve never dropped a football in my life.”

Lifting her chin, she kisses my lips. “Let’s put a pin in that.”

“Done.” Sliding down, I cup her breast in my hand. “We can still practice. I’ll be the hurricane…”

“You’re a tornado,” she laughs as I pull a nipple between my teeth.

“I won’t hurt you, girl. Climb on and let me put an exceptional bone in your body.”

Our mouths are smiling as our lips come together. “I’d expect nothing less.”

EPILOGUE

Raven

“Happy birthday to you!” I bounce Haddy on my hip with every word, and she gazes around her birthday party in awe.

We’re all in awe. Clint turned Miss Gina’s patio and gardens into a balloon-filled oceanic wonderland built around his “Mermazing” theme. The entire place looks like we’ve gone under the sea, Disney-style.

The sidewalk entrance that leads up the hill to Miss Gina’s gardens is lined with balloons of all shapes and sizes in a beige color, as if you’re traveling from the sand into the waves.

Opening the wrought-iron gates, guests enter a tunnel of balloons with jellyfish streamers and small tables holding goblets of fizzy pink punch for the kids and glasses of champagne for the adults.

At both ends of the tent, massive arches of sea green, periwinkle blue, purple, and pink balloons of all shapes and sizes open to a patioscape of trees with gobs of clear-balloon tops.

We stand at the back presentation table surrounded byundersea creatures made of balloons, and arches over the pool hold large, clear spheres.

“This is the second time I really wish I could see my patio,” Miss Gina says, laughing as Rachel leads her closer to where we stand with the babies beside their cakes.

“I can hardly believe my eyes,” Rachel replies. “How in the world did they do it?”

“They’ve been out here all week,” Miss G says.

Both the birthday girls are dressed in mermaid-inspired outfits with a pink onesie for Gigi and purple one for Haddy. They wear matching tutus in the theme colors.

Liv stands on the other end of the table holding a squirming Gigi, and we barely get to blow out the candles before both girls are on their feet, toddling around the party.

Their daddies aren’t far behind them, making sure they don’t fall into the pool or knock over a table of cupcakes and treats of all shapes and sizes.

---