Page 97 of Crazy Love

Penn curses under his breath. “Yank my heartstrings into a fist, why don’t you?”

Jerry opens the pen, and the cat stretches lazily before hopping out and walking straight toward Sam and Winnie. Sam sits on the floor, and the cat climbs into his lap without hesitation, curling up like she was always meant to be there. Winnie strokes her back, and the cat starts to purr.

“Oh no,” Penn says.

“Oh yes,” I reply, smiling as I watch Sam’s face soften.

Penn sighs deeply, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guess we’re getting a cat.”

Sam and Winnie cheer. Jezebel looks up at them coolly and lets out a long, contented sigh before nestling back into Sam’s arms.

“Welcome to the family,” I say, reaching out to pet Jezebel. My nose scrunches when I feel her. It’ll take time to get used to her wrinkly skin.

But what else is new with us? Every day feels like we’re diving into a new adventure.

Penn eyes the cat with a mix of fear and reluctance. Sam stands up and holds Jezebel within reach of Penn.

“Pet her,” he says. “She feels so weird, but it’s awesome.”

Penn reluctantly pets her and shudders again. “Ohhh, I don’t know about this,” he groans.

We all laugh at him and he jumps when the cat nuzzles into his hand. He puts his other hand on his heart and exhales.

“Not gonna need to work out with this lady around. She’s got my heart rate pumping.”

Sam’s birthday party is in full swing, and I’m leaning against Penn’s chest as we watch Sam. He’s got that big, easy smile on his face, the one that makes my chest feel like it’s about to crack open. Obviously, he has us both wrapped around his little finger. Penn has been doing jump scares every time he sees Jezebel in the house, and it’s freaking hilarious.

Sam is holding a football and throws a spiral at Cassidy like it’s nothing. She’s giving Sam her undivided attention and he can’t stop smiling.

“I think Cassidy is looking at Sam a little differently today,” Penn says, tipping his head toward them.

“Isn’t she a few years older than him? I mean that’d be so cute, but...” I smile up at Penn. “Who knows? Maybe they’ll date when they’re older.”

“Oh, I think it’s guaranteed,” Penn says, smirking. “He’s got charm.” He sighs. “I’ve taught him well.”

I roll my eyes. “Good thing I’m around to balance him out.”

“What are we talking about over here?” Elle steps up and takes a bite of her cupcake.

“We’re watching Sam and Cassidy together and wondering if they’ll ever sneak out and date,” I fill her in.

“I can see it.” She nods. “Childhood friends-to-lovers, and she’s the grump to his sunshine.Andage gap.Or…” she draws it out. “He could surprise us all and end up with Audrey.” She waves her hand. “Plot twist. Sister’s ex-boyfriend. Oh! Or Gracie! Oh my God, what if it’s Gracie!”

I clutch my heart. “That’s so Laurie and Amy fromLittle Women! I don’t know if my heart could take it.”

Penn laughs. “Should we be worried that Elle is scripting our children’s future romantic drama?”

My heart warms when he saysour children. “Absolutely,” I say without hesitation.

She loves that, her shoulders shaking as she laughs. “What can I say? It’s in my blood.” She takes a bite of her cupcake and eyes Sam and Cassidy again. “They’ve got good chemistry. But,” she points at Gracie, who is leaping in the air catching bubbles nearby, “honestly, I think Gracie’s the wild card.”

“Interesting,” Penn says. He points at Elle. “Your mind is a scary and informative place.”

She winks and points back at him. “Don’t you forget it.”

The house is finally quiet. I’m standing at the sink in my tank and shorts, rinsing the last of the dishes with Penn, when he turns off the water and moves behind me.

“Hey,” I murmur, drying my hands.

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