Page 128 of Score on You

Ridge shoves his lofted arm away. “I’ll pass.”

“Your loss.” He pops more onto his outstretched tongue.

Grace inspects a blue piece. “Aren’t these reserved for bachelorette shenanigans? Like after dark when it’s only adults.”

Abbie cackles. “This is tame compared what I have planned for you. Just wait and see, bride-to-be.”

“We can’t bring you anywhere,” Grace mutters.

Before she can defend herself, an excited squeal cuts into our social circle. “Is that candy?”

Abbie falters at the appearance of Sydney. The little girl has her sights very much set on the inappropriate treat. My face goes up in flames and I’m not even in the hot seat.

“Oh, sh—crap. Yep. But it’s not very good.” Garrett rushes to swallow his recent mouthful.

Sydney frowns. “I wanna taste it.”

“Sorry,” he mutters to Harper in advance.

My friend arrives on the scene, bending in half to catch her breath. “You’re too fast, superstar.”

But her daughter isn’t listening. She’s poking at the rainbow selection. “Is this sperm? You shouldn’t eat that.”

Harper chokes on her laughter. “This should be entertaining.”

Abbie glances from the blonde to Sydney. “Why not?”

“You’ll get pregnant,” the little girl states loud and clear.

Abbie glares at the candy as if it’s suddenly toxic. “Who told you that?”

“Payton and Gage. Their mama swallowed lotsa sperm. That’s how she got two babies in her belly at the same time.”

I clap a palm over my lips to disguise the amusement. The others aren’t as discreet. Humor glistens from Harper’s gaze, just waiting for us to crack. Soon our group falls victim to a fit of giggles. Sydney is beaming like a shining star in the center.

Ridge rubs over his forehead as if he can erase the last five minutes from memory. “And on that note, let’s go see our folks.”

They rise from their seats as we approach. My mother smiles, her chin tilted in newfound confidence. She’s found the best version of herself and it shows. Ridge’s mom and dad look gleeful as well. Their matching grins capture a sense of familiarity. I blindly grab for my camera, but belatedly remember it’s in the house.

“I’ll get it for you in a moment,” Ridge says. His awareness of me never rests.

“Love you, future husband.” I rise onto my toes and kiss his scruffy jaw.

He stoops to grant me better access. “And I love my future wife.”

The collective sigh from our parents brings my attention forward. I instinctively seek comfort in my mother’s embrace first. She’s quick to open her arms for a hug. We exchange a soft squeeze before separating.

“Hello, Thea.” If I’m not mistaken, Ridge bows slightly to acknowledge her.

She titters like a flustered beehive. “Oh, you. That’s a tad overboard, hmm?”

“Never,” he assures. His palm settles on the small of my back, guiding me flush against him. “Sweetness, these are my parents. Fern and Forrest, this is my Calliope Rose.”

His mom is already crying, letting the tears fall freely. “It’s wonderful to finally see you in person, Callie. Ridge talks aboutyou nonstop whenever we call. I managed to convince him to send me a picture. One glimpse and I knew you belonged together.”

Warmth spreads through my chest. “Really?”

“Absolutely, dear. It feels like we’re already family.”

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