Page 105 of The Way We Collide

“Bachelorette tomorrow night!” Allie skips up to where we’re standing, scooping Haddy out of my sister’s arms. “I’ll bring the purple drink.”

“Oh…” I look from Haddy to her. “Who’ll watch the babies?”

“Austin already offered to help. He’ll have Edward and Kimmie and Benji Maxwell on hand.”

“Sounds like a full house,” Hendrix laughs. “What are we doing?”

“Crashing, of course.” Logan dips his face to nip at Dylan’s neck.

“You are not!” she cries, batting his arm. “You boys need to find something to do on your own. Give Zane a lap dance.”

“On it,” Garrett answers fast. “Craig has our outfits in his car.”

“Now I want to crash their party,” Allie laughs, looking from Grizz to me.

Hendrix stands straighter, reaching for our daughter. “We’d better get Haddy to bed before she starts fussing.”

“Damn, keep it in your pants, horndog,” Garrett quips.

“Uncle Henny’s not a corn dog!” Kimmie skips into the circle, holding up her hands to jump on Garrett’s back.

“Ha!” Hendrix punches his brother’s shoulder. “Busted.”

“Don’t teach my daughter new words.” Jack’s weary complaint joins the group, and I can’t help a laugh.

“You’ve got your work cut out for you with those two,” I say, and he smiles, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

“You and Rachel are the only ones with my back.”

“That’s not true!” Allie cries, but she’s laughing along with Dylan and Liv.

He just shakes his head, lifting his chin at me. “Good to have you here, Raven. Welcome to the family.”

My chest squeezes, and my silly eyes burn. Blinking quickly, I look away, inhaling slowly. I didn’t expect that from Big Brother Jack, and it’s like I’m really a Bradford now.

I whisper a thanks as I reach for Hendrix’s hand. He smiles at me like he’s feeling the same way as me—happy, loved, and so conflicted.

With hugs and plans for tomorrow, we tell everyone goodbye. Garrett says we can use his truck while we’re in town, since it already has our things and Haddy’s car seat in it.

The staff at the hotel greets us like old friends, and Hendrix leads us to his usual, gorgeous suite overlooking the bay. It’s just like before, only this time a portable crib is in the corner.

Haddy fell asleep on the ride here, and as I look down at hersleeping peacefully, her daddy steps up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“What are you thinking?” His voice is quiet.

My reply is equally quiet. “How I’d like to stay in this moment.”

We both watch our sleeping daughter in the pale light of the full moon.

“It’s a pretty good moment, Pink.” Sliding his lips along the side of my neck, I feel him smile against my skin.

I rest my head against his, thinking how right now, even with the silvery moonlight around us, this place is golden.

“Ahhhnd we’re back,hoes and hookers, for the notorious, the infamous, the potentially dangerous, third-annual round of Marry, Fuck, Kill!” Rachel cups her hands beside her mouth, making whispery cheer noises.

“We’ve created a monster.” Allie leans into my side as she pours five glasses of her infamous purple drink. “Tell me, Rach, what’s the difference between a ho and hooker?”

Rachel waves her away, and I inspect the cup of grape Kool-Aid mixed with what I’m pretty sure is jet fuel. “It’s only the second time for me. And the first round was two years ago.”

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