Page 44 of Chasing Sunsets

She blinks up at me, like she’s still processing, then lets out a quiet laugh. “You did?”

I smirk. “That surprise you?”

“A little.”

I tilt my head, studying her. “Did you miss me?”

She bites her lip, and for a second, I think she’s going to dodge the question, but then …

“Yeah,” she says quietly, “I did.”

Something settles in my chest. “Good.”

I steal another quick kiss, then pull back, reaching for the gearshift. “Now, let’s go ooh and aah over a baby.”

She laughs, shaking her head, but doesn’t argue.

By the time we arrive at Wade and Eden’s house, the party is already in full swing. Cars line the driveway and fill the roadside. I park under Lennon and Amiya’s house across the street, then sprint around to open the door for Tabby. I take the package and tuck it under one arm while holding her hand with the other. I lead her up the steps to their front door. Through the windows, I can see people moving around inside, wineglasses in hand, and laughter spills out onto the porch.

Tabby shifts beside me, fingers flexing faintly in mine. I glance at her, catching the subtle tension in her shoulders.

“Nervous?” I ask.

She scoffs. “Of a baby shower? No.”

I smirk. “It’s not really a baby shower. More of ahey, come drink and look at our kidkind of thing.”

That earns me a small smile, but I can tell she’s still a little uneasy.

So, I squeeze her fingers lightly. “You’ll like them,” I say. “And they’ll like you.”

She exhales, then nods.

I open the door and step aside, urging her in ahead of me, and we’re instantly met with the sounds of easy conversation and the faint clinking of glasses. Amiya spots us first, waving us over from where she’s standing with Eden, who’s cradling a tiny bundle against her chest.

“Tabby, you made it!” she says as she rushes over to greet us. She wraps Tabby in a hug.

“What am I, chopped liver?” I ask, and she rolls her eyes before giving me a quick squeeze.

Eden walks over to us, and Amiya introduces her. “Tabby, this is our friend Eden. Eden, this is Anson’s friend we were telling you about, Tabby.”

Eden smiles warmly, adjusting Mina slightly to hold out a hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. The girls told us all about you.”

Tabby raises a brow at me. “They did?”

I just shake my head.

Tabby takes Eden’s hand, then glances down at Mina. “And this must be the guest of honor.”

Eden beams, adjusting the baby so Tabby can get a better look. Mina’s tiny. With her little hands curled into fists and her dark lashes fanning out over her chubby cheeks, she’s adorable, no question.

“Yes, this is Mina. I just nursed her, so she’s in a bit of a milk coma at the moment, but don’t worry; she’ll be ready to party like a rock star after a quick nap.”

“She’s beautiful,” Tabby says softly.

“Thank you,” Eden says, rocking lightly. “Would you like to hold her?”

Tabby blinks, like she wasn’t expecting that. “Oh, uh—”

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