Page 160 of Fielder's Choice

I set her down on the ground before she falls, and she runs off, finding her bin of dinosaurs and dumping them on the floor.

As a parent, nothing will make you cringe more than the sound of a toy bin being dumped on your clean floor.

I just sigh. “Thanks for watching her, guys. It’s nice to get a kid-free night sometimes.”

Knox smirks. “I get the feeling you two made good use of that.”

“What does that mean?” Liv asks, cheeks already flushing.

He bites down a laugh and focuses his attention on me. “There’s a certain… scent in the air.”

I bark out a laugh as Liv turns bright red, bringing her hands up to cover her cheeks. “Oh my God!” I wrap my arms around her, and she buries her face in my chest. “You didn’t tell me there was a scent, Lane!”

Harlow looks at us excitedly. “Does that mean it finally happened?!” Olive bites her lip but nods. “Liv! I’m so proud of you!”

Knox looks at her curiously. “You’re proud of her for having sex?”

Liv chuckles, and her skin starts to take on its typical hue again. “It’s a really long story.”

“Fair enough,” he relents. Knox has always been one to make sure he doesn’t push anyone too far, especially when it’s something they’re uncomfortable with. He’s been through his own variation of trauma, and I think that plays a large part in it.

“Was Sage good last night?” I ask, steering the conversation away from our sex life.

“She was an angel, Lane,” Lo smiles. “She always is.”

“Are you guys coming to her recital in a couple weeks?” Liv questions.

Knox actually smiles at us. “Like we’d miss our niece’s first ballet recital.”

“We’re just hoping the game doesn’t run long that day,” Harlow adds.

“Same,” I sigh. “I amnotmissing my daughter’s recital.”

Olive bumps me with her shoulder. “Then make sure you get the win early, Hotshot.”

“Gee, I hadn’t considered that,” I tease. “Thanks for the wisdom.”

She pretends to bow in front of me. “Here to help.”

I chuckle and wrap my arms around her, enjoying this moment.

Wondering what the hell I did in a past life to deserve all the wonderful and amazing things I have now.

I don’t have that answer, but I won’t take any of this for granted.

fifty-six

Olive

“Ireallyneededthistonight,” Lucia says, smiling softly. “Thanks for coming over, ladies.”

“Would’ve been able to come sooner if our men didn’t let the game go into extra innings,” Ella teases.

Harlow just looks at her. “Your husband hit the walk-off home run in the twelfth inning. You should be happier.”

“I’m very proud of Joshy,” she smiles. “And he’ll be rewarded when I get home tonight.”

“Of course he will,” Rory laughs. “Tipsy Ella is hornier than Regular Ella.”

---