"Is that frosting in your hair?" Carter chuckles.
"Probably. Seth went nuts when he saw the cake and dragged his finger through the frosting. I managed to cover up the line so no harm done."
"Hhmm. Beautiful and sweet," he says, tasting the frosting.
It’s been a busy year since little Seth joined the fun. I’ve never been busier or happier.
"I’d better get out there and welcome the guests," Carter says, kissing me passionately. "Or…we could knock out a quickie."
"Carter Moore, get your mind out of my underwear and go meet the guests," I command him and slap him on the butt.
I wouldn’t mind a quickie, but I think I’ll have a meltdown if I have to change one more time.
"Fine," he pouts. "But you’re all mine after the kids crash."
"You bet."
* * *
"Where’s my godson?" Anna calls out when she arrives.
"He’s outside on the jumping castle, working on his circus moves."
"Hey, Ella," she says, and she hugs me tightly.
"How’s the new apartment?"
"A dream. I can’t believe I finally found one so close to the clinic. It’s perfect. I can walk there on a good day."
"Great!"
"Thank you for the housewarming gift, by the way. You shouldn’t have."
"It’s an air fryer, Anna, not a nuclear weapon. You can’t live off toast and beans for the rest of your life."
"Want a bet?"
"Hi, Anna," Carter says when he enters the kitchen.
"Hey, handsome. I thought you were on jumping castle patrol."
"I am. I just thought I’d sneak away for a quick beer. It’s thirsty work out there."
"Anna was just thanking me for the air fryer," I grin.
"Yeah, Jones had a good giggle when she bought it," Carter smirks.
"Well, don’t expect a gourmet meal anytime soon," Anna says.
"I won’t," Carter winks, grabs a beer, and leaves Anna and me to chat.
"I’m so glad you convinced me to move to LA, Ella. I just love it here."
"Are you kidding? I could never manage the clinic without you."
"What a wonderful idea that was. It’s hard to believe that there are so many women who need help. It’s wonderfully rewarding to be able to help them."
"It’s crazy how many abused women there are out there. And all they need is someone who will listen and help them get to the other side of their liberty. I know. I was once one of those women."