Page 67 of Tinsel in Telluride

Vending machine closets at said galas.

It’s all there, in vivid detail, and for a split second, it doesn’t seem so scary.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

LUCA

I’m falling in love with this kid.

The way he scrunches his nose when he doesn’t like something.

How he always wants to include everyone in what he’s doing.

His sweet little voice as he tries to say my name.

I’ve got it bad.

Like ready to transplant my life to New York to be near him, bad.

Which terrifies me.

Because what happens if he’s not mine?

How am I supposed to say goodbye after he’s stolen a piece of my heart?

Not that I want to. I’m in this either way.

But Leigh is the wildcard.

After his nap, the guys and I kidnapped Zach so Leigh could have some time to herself and get ready for dinner without a toddler running around her ankles. He’s been fed and watered, and now they are tackling dessert.

Or rather dessert is tackling them.

The kitchen is a disaster, but the warmth and laughter makes it all worth it.

Zach giggles beside me and pushes his finger into the pile of flour on the kitchen island. He turns to me and slides it across my forehead, the same way Bash did to him.

“Imba.” Zach giggles, copying the line from theLion King, just like Bash.

I pull him against me in a hug, laughing along with him to hide the lingering fear beneath the surface.

It’s only been a few days, but he already feels so ingrained into this tiny mismatched family.

Him and his mom.

And I could lose them both.

Physical pain manifests in my chest at the thought, and I reach up and rub the spot over the offending organ.

“Mama!” Zach yells, reaching his hands toward where she walked through the mudroom door behind me.

I quickly lift him so he doesn’t fall from the chair, but also so he doesn’t wrap his flour-covered-hands around Leigh.

Once I get Zach settled on my hip, I finally get the chance to look up. When I do, the first thing I notice is Holt, Bash, and Enzo frozen in place, jaws dropped.

Turning to see what has them all catching flies, my jaw falls right along with them.

She’s dressed inme.

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