Page 190 of Champagne Nights

“Can you print three copies?”

“Sure, Paisley. I can print as many copies as you want.”

“Thanks, Kenny. I don’t know what to say.”

“Nah. You don’t need to say anything. Get out of here, kid, and work on your columns. I’ll stop by your office and pick up that jump drive.”

I stood up from my seat and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for everything, Kenny.”

“You’re welcome, kid. Now go.”

Later that afternoon, I called Ben to come pick me up. I didn’t have time to stop home first before heading to my parents’ house for dinner. The minute my mom heard the front door open, she ran into the foyer with tears in her eyes.

“Paisley, I’m so happy you’re home,” she said as she hugged me.

“It’s good to be home, Mom.”

“Ben, it’s wonderful to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too.”

“There’s my little girl.” My dad smiled.

“Hi, Daddy.”

“You did good, sweetheart. I’m happy you did what you had to do.”

“Thanks.” I kissed his cheek.

My dad took Ben into the living room with him to talk sports while I went into the kitchen to talk to my mom. I was surprised the rest of the family wasn’t here yet.

“You’re okay?” she asked.

“I’m great, Mom. Hawaii was good for me.”

“I see you took off your wedding ring,” she said as she started the water for some tea.

“It was time.”

“This is what he would have wanted, Paisley.”

“I know that now.”

I turned around when I heard the sound of heels clicking on the tile floor.

“There she is!” Piper exclaimed as she hugged me.

Charlotte followed behind, and I felt her baby bump when she hugged me. “Oh my gosh, you’re already starting to show.” I smiled as I put my hand on her belly.

“I know. Everything is getting so tight. I need to go shopping for maternity clothes.”

“I’ll go with you. Just let me know when.”

She smiled. “It’s so good to have you home. I heard about Ben going to Hawaii to find you. I completely swooned over him. He’s so romantic.”

“He is, and he’s such an amazing guy. Where’s Keaton?” I asked.

“He’s up in his room,” my mom replied.

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