Page 95 of Love Is Ale You Need

I push the board away from her, even though there’s no room for it to go anywhere. “Trey. His name is Trey, and he ran to the store. He’ll be back soon.”

“Until he puts a ring on your finger, he’ll just be a baby daddy. I need a drink.”

Me too.

Lach and Dessa stand in the doorway, watching like we’re two animals ready to strike. If she’s not out of my sight in five seconds, I might do just that. “Lach, can you take my mother out to the patio and get her a drink? There’s a cooler with various beverages next to the house.”

He waves my mother over and shoots a glare at me and mouths “you owe me.”

I give him a silent “thank you.” After they exit onto the patio, I rest my hands on the counter.

Dessa steps up next to me. “Well, she’s certainly a peach.”

“Yeah. That’s my mother. I was secretly hoping she wouldn’t even show up, but just my luck.”

The front door swings open and Trey strolls in with a bag full of groceries.

“What did you buy?”

He pushes a few things on the counter to clear room for his bag. “I’m making my appetizer.” He pulls out a knife from the block and cutting board from the drawer. Several times, he shushes me while he works, so I let him be. Ten minutes later he has a plate full of salami, prosciutto, and chorizo that spells out Baby.

“What is that?”

He puffs out his chest. “It’s my meatcuterie board.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t fight my smile. When it comes to Trey, I have to pick my battles. I won with the not having a gender reveal party. He can have his meatcuterie board and every other overly excessive thing he has planned for this party.

“Also, my mother is here. She’s on the patio with Lach. You should go save him.”

He grabs his meatcuterie board. “Moms love me. And Lach will appreciate this.” He holds up his tray of meat before turning on his heel and going to the patio.

When the door closes behind him, Dessa turns and nudges me with her elbow. “Trey’s really into this party planning stuff.”

“To say he likes to be involved is an understatement. But it’s kind of endearing.” The knife in my hand slices through the bottom of the celery stock. “When I was with Kyle, he didn’t have an opinion about anything. He always told me ‘Whatever you want.’ Then he would pay the bill. But with Trey, it’s the complete opposite, and I’m learning to adjust my own attitude. But also, I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else but him.”

The empty punch bowl falls from Dessa’s hands and hits the counter with a clatter. She turns to face me, eyes as big as the bowl, as a knowing grin covers her face. “Oh my god! You love him!”

"Shhh!" I bite my lips together, fighting a smile but unable to contain it any longer. “I do. I love him.” I’ve spent so much time fighting it, not believing it’s something in the cards for me, but Trey’s flipped the script and has given me a glimmer of hope.

Dessa throws her hands in the air and does a high-knee marching dance before wrapping her arms around me in a hug. “I knew it! You can’t keep that shit from me.” She squeezes me harder before pulling away, still gripping my shoulders. “I’m so happy for you. You deserve every ounce of happiness. And Abby too. And the baby. You’re going to have the most adorable family.” She pulls me in for another tight hug before dropping her hands to her sides.

“Now, it’s time for you to find love.” I raise an eyebrow.

“Ha. That ship sailed away a long time ago to Florida, or California, or Washington.” She sneers at the last word. With a large spoon, she scoops out the rainbow sherbet and it plops into the bowl.

“You make it sound like this guy exists.”

“Not anymore.” She pours a jug of pineapple juice into the punch bowl. “But that’s not the point. This isn’t about me. It’s about you. And the many more adorable babies you’re going to make with the man you love,” she coos at my belly.

“Let’s get through one baby first.” I rest my hand on the beach volleyball protruding from under my shirt.

Dessa squeals, “So many adorable babies!” She sighs. “Can I just say I’m giddy that you’re in love.” She wraps her arms around my shoulders. Sitting on the counter is a bottle of champagne and she lifts it. “I’ll have a toast to your pregnancy and your newfound love. You get sparkling grape juice.”

I giggle as a wave of warmth rushes over me. “I do. I love Trey.” Now that I can finally admit it to myself, the next step will be to say it to him.

THIRTY-FIVE

EVERYTHING BECOMES REAL

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