Page 94 of Love Is Ale You Need

“Honestly, the sadness in his eyes killed me and made me cave.” I nod to the living room. A giant yellow and grayA Baby Is Comingballoon arch display sways as a breeze flows through the open window. “That’s your party favor, so don’t forget to take that home when you leave.”

She tilts her head. “I don’t even know where I’d put that.”

Trey steps through the sliding screen door from the patio and into the kitchen. He throws an arm over my shoulder and glances down at a tray in front of him. “What’s that? With the olives, cheese, and crackers.”

“A charcuterie board,” Dessa says.

“Oh. That’s not going to work.” He drops his arm from around my shoulder.

She props a hand on her hip. “What are you talking about?”

“There’s no meat. I’m going to the store.”

Dessa points to her chest. “Vegetarian.”

I throw my hands up in the air. “People will be arriving soon.”

Trey’s out of the kitchen and in the foyer. “I’ll be back in fifteen minutes. Believe me. No one is starting this party without me.”

I sigh. I’m too tired to argue with him. He’ll just do what he wants. As long as he’s not trying to ignite explosives, it’s just easier this way.

“Knock knock.” Lach wraps his knuckles on the wall as he enters the kitchen. “Trey told me to come in. Where’s he going, anyway?”

“Good question.” I blow out a laugh. In two slow strides I wrap an arm around Lach’s waist in a side hug. “Thanks for coming.”

“Of course. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come to my first baby shower.” He holds up a sealed card. “Also, I have no fucking clue what to buy someone for a baby shower gift, so here’s a gift card.”

“I’ll take that.” Dessa plucks the card from his hand and carries it to the gift table.

“Thanks. But perfect timing. Can you help me move some tables? And by me, I mean Dessa, and I’ll supervise.”

“Sure thing.”

We step outside on to an open patio that’s surrounded by a meticulously manicured lawn that’s filled with even more baby shower decorations that follow our yellow and gray theme. Off to the right on the patio is a seating area of plush furniture circling a stone fireplace.

Dessa blows out a low whistle. “Why haven’t you agreed to move in with him yet?” She elbows me in the arm and winks.

“Can I sleep with Trey and move in?” Lach asks.

“You guys are so funny. Ha ha. How about less talking and more table moving?” I clap my hands.

After all the tables are moved to where I want them, movement in the house catches my attention. I pull open the patio door and blink. Not because of needing to adjust to the light, but from who’s standing in front of me.

“Hi Mother. I’m glad you could make it.” A mixture of surprise and agitation laces my tone.

“You did send me an invitation.” She flips her bleach blonde hair over her shoulder.

“It was mostly for politeness.” I rest my hand on my hip. Trey insisted that we send her an invite even though I told him there was a ninety-nine percent chance she wasn’t going to come. Since I lost that bet, I owe him a game of Conquering the Pink Forest. “I never expected you to actually show up. Especially since you weren’t there for the first one.”

“Well, better late than never.”

“Seems to be your motto.”

Her gaze wanders around the expansive open kitchen and living room. “This is certainly a delightful house. All top of the line. No expense spared.” Her gaze lands on me. “You did something right by getting knocked up by this guy. What’s his name again?”

“Trey. And I didn’t get pregnant because of his house.”

“At least it has perks.” She plucks an olive from the charcuterie board and tosses it in her mouth. “Where’s the baby daddy anyway?”

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