Page 65 of Chasing Sunsets

Sebastian looks at me and shakes his head. “He has no idea what’s coming.”

Like I know what the hell I’m doing.

Audrey appears. “Y’all hungry? I’ve got the kitchen rolling out something special tonight for the big guy—steak and frites.”

“Sounds good,” I say as I hurry away from the awkward conversation to join Tabby at the table.

“Look who finally showed up!” Amiya says as I take the seat across from Eden.

“Traffic,” I quip.

She snorts. “You live, like, ten minutes away.”

I shrug. “What can I say? Took my time.” I shoot a slow grin at Tabby.

Tabby’s cheeks turn the sexiest shade of red.

Amiya barks out a laugh. “Damn, I like the way you two pregame.”

We settle in at the table, and the conversation flows easily as large platters are brought over and placed in the center. We dive into the food, and it is absolutely delicious. The steak is cooked to perfection, and the fries are crispy, topped with Parmesan and garlic salt.

I sneak a fry off Tabby’s plate, and she smacks my hand.

“Just making sure yours tastes as good as mine,” I say as I chew it slowly.

She shakes her head, but doesn’t argue when I steal another.

I wave our server down and order her a glass of wine and a beer for myself.

“I should probably call to check in,” Eden says.

Wade looks at her, his eyes soft. “Baby, you called fifteen minutes ago, and everything was fine,” he replies, and it’s strange to hear his voice so soothing.

“Is everything okay?” Tabby asks.

Eden glances over at her. “Yeah, it’s just that this is the first time we’ve been out since Mina was born, and I’m a little nervous.”

“She’s with Sabel and Ida Mae. Trust me, this isn’t their first rodeo. Those women have raised a village of children between the two of them,” Lennon assures her.

“I know. I’m being silly,” she says.

“No, you’re being a new mother. The first time I left Leia with a sitter, I got myself so worked up that I vomited before we even made it to dinner,” Avie tells her.

“Yeah, if it makes you feel better, I’m sure they wouldn’t care if you called a dozen times,” Amiya says, and Eden gives her a grateful smile.

Amiya turns her attention to me. “So, I heard you went and bought yourself a house.”

I nod. “I sure did.”

“Ah, our boy is growing up,” she bellows, and I just shake my head. “And what about you, Tabby? Have you thought about what’s next for you?”

Tabby shrugs. “I’m just focused on the present moment, embracing the here and now without worrying too much about the future, letting life guide me wherever it chooses to take me next, without resistance.”

“That’s a refreshing perspective,” Amiya says, surprising me. She is usually the no-nonsense, ballbusting member of this motley crew.

“Mom and Dad would be furious. They were always focused on me conforming to their expectations and following the path they had laid out for me. That’s no way to live or work—being trapped in someone else’s vision of who you should be. I want to explore a new path. The best version of myself comes from my heart, so now, I am allowing it to lead me,” Tabby explains.

“I learned that lesson the hard way. I tried to force my life in a direction that I believed I was supposed to go, and it turned out to be a disaster. When everything fell apart and I found myself here, it became the best thing that had ever happened to me and to Leia. I’d lost five years because I was too stubborn to let go of my plan,” Avie says.

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