Page 148 of Where We Bloom

“Who’s here?”

Miller sets us down on the helipad, that I never noticed until today, and when we get closer to the house, I recognize the vehicles and wrap my arms around Connor’s neck, launching myself at him, so he hugs me and twirls me in a circle.

“My family’s here!”

“Among others,” he agrees. “You needed them today. I just needed a little more time with you.”

“I love you so much. God. Thank you.”

He kisses me hard, and then I run into the house and find everyone—everyone—I love in the kitchen.

As usual.

“Happy birthday!”

I can’t help it. I break down into tears. My brothers surround me, all four of them at once, giving me a group hug like they did when we were kids.

“Hey, no tears on your birthday,” Brooks croons to me.

“You’ll ruin your makeup,” Blake agrees.

“We’re so proud of you, baby girl,” Beckett says, which only makes me cry more.

“Love you to the moon and back,” Bridger adds.

“Hey, you guys have to share her.” Skyla laughs, and when my guys pull away, I survey the room.

My parents are here, along with Connor and Skyla’s parents, who are sitting together, smiling over at us.

Holden and Millie wave from the island where they’re chatting with Mik and Benji. Bridger and Dani are snuggled up with Birdie, who’s beaming at me.

Alex is sitting with them, and then Connor’s arms are around me, hugging me from behind.

“Your parents are here,” I murmur.

“They wouldn’t miss this,” he replies.

“Aunt Bee,” Birdie says, rushing over to me as if she just can’t stand it anymore, and I squat so I can hug her close. She presses her cheek against my own, and I breathe in her little girl scent. “Happy birthday.”

“Thank you, my sweet baby.” I kiss her cheek, then resume pressing it against mine. “I love you so much, baby girl. You know that, right?”

“Yes.” She giggles and pulls back so she can see me. “Did you get a good present for your birthday?”

“The best,” I assure her, tapping her nose with my finger. “But you know what?”

“What?”

“Seeing you here tonight is my favorite present. I missed you, peanut.”

“Iama good present,” she agrees, making us laugh.

“I want to see the library,” Dani announces.

“Same,” Skyla and Alex say at the same time, and Millie nods.

“Library tour.” Mom claps her hands as she and Maeve join us girls.

“What, the boys don’t want to see it?” I prop my hands on my hips, scowling at them all.

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