Page 91 of Crazy Love

Rhodes

And we miss you, man.

I miss you too. I seriously don’t know how you guys have been pulling all of this off for all this time.

Henley

Well, you’ve gotten a crash course in fast forward. We all had time to ease into this. I’m so fucking impressed with the way you and Addy have adapted so quickly.

Bowie

How is Addy?

She’s so great. But I’m worried about her. She’s exhausted, but she never ever complains. You know what? Let’s get together. Can we do something Tuesday?

Weston

It’s the only day we could do something.

Henley

Same.

Bowie

We’re in.

Rhodes

Us too.

I just thought we were living in chaos before.

Henley and Tru are the first to show up, Tru carrying a giant salad and macaroni and cheese, and Henley balancing drinks and Avery on his hip. Weston and Sadie come next with Caleb, who tears through the house like he’s been mainlining sugar. Rhodes and Elle follow with Levi and their bulldog, Bogey, Elle toting an oversized bag of snacks that she insists are “healthy-ish.” Bowie and Poppy arrive last, Bowie carrying Jonas and Poppy’s belly being all she needs to carry right now. Becca’s carrying their Chinese crested dog, Martha, and it’s hard not to laugh every time I see that pup’s crazy hair.

It’s an instant party. The best kind.

Until Bogey starts chasing Levi and Caleb, and Martha barks at the commotion. My knee bounces as I stand next to Addy, both of us watching Winnie.

“Was this a bad idea?” I murmur. “Too much, too soon?”

Addy squeezes my hand. “I think she’ll be okay.

Just then, Martha plops down at Winnie’s feet and bends down to lick her bare toes. To our shock and utter delight, Winnie’s head falls back and she laughs. Out loud.

Addy, Sam, and I exchange shocked looks. Addy covers her mouth with her hand, her eyes filling with tears. I clear my throat, trying to dislodge the lump that’s forming. I had no idea I was going to turn into such a ball of emotions.

We introduce everyone and they all greet Winnie. She looks up shyly, taking it all in and laughs again when Bogey comesover to say hello too. Gracie, Henley’s youngest daughter, tugs Winnie’s hand, asking her to come play with them, and Addy and I share an excited look when she follows.

Later, when everyone’s packing up, I stand by the door with Rhodes and Weston. Henley’s trying to corral his girls, who are still running around with Sam and Winnie, and Bowie’s walking out with a sleeping Jonas in his arms as Poppy and Becca hug us goodbye.

Just then, Winnie runs over and hands me a flower she picked from the yard.

I take it and lean down, kissing her on the cheek. “Thank you,” I tell her.

She grins up at me and then runs off to join the kids again.

“This was good,” Rhodes says, clapping me on the back. “She’s coming out of her shell.”

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