Page 16 of Playful Summer

“I don’t want anything fancy.” Rhett laughs. “Emiko said they’re just doing dinner and a girl’s night in.”

We spend the night celebrating my brother. I’m excited that he’s found his person. And tomorrow we all get to watch them add to our family.

Piper

“So you’re the woman that’s stolen our Paxton’s heart.” Rosaura Mancini smiles at me.

I smile back at her. “He’s definitely stolen mine.”

“We were worried he wouldn’t find his love.”

“I never thought I would find someone like him. But sometimes I wonder if it’s too fast.”

“When it comes to finding your true love, there is no fast or slow. You just know when it’s right.”

“Is that how you felt about your husband?”

“Yes. When I met Leo, we were fourteen. I knew even then that he and I would be together forever. We’ve been together for thirty-one years. And we will celebrate our twenty-seventh wedding anniversary in a few months.”

“Wow. That’s amazing. Paxton is everything I’ve ever wanted in a man. And the way he looks at me? I’ve never had anyone look at me that way.”

“That’s how you know they’re the one. When you look at your person, you just feel at peace.”

I love listening to Rosaura talk about how love feels to her. I feel that way when I look at Paxton.

“So are you ready to be Mrs. Vandenberg?” Emmanuelle asks.

“Now there’s going to be two of us.” Emiko laughs.

“Soon to be three, I’ll bet.” Felicity says softly.

I laugh. “I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon.”

They all look at me and laugh.

“I think the Vandenberg men are like our family men. They move as fast as they need to when they find their loves.” Gráinne Mancini smiles.

Paxton

After we all get back to the house, I see my girl and she looks so happy. Rhett and Emiko decided that they didn’t need to spend the night apart so they’ve already gone to bed. The rest of us are spending time catching up, I realize now how much I miss our Lake Renegade family. When we lost our parents, it was just Lukas, Rhett, Felicity and me. Then Lukas and Emma got back together and now Rhett found Emiko. The only thing that will make all this perfect is Piper staying with me forever.

I walk over and kiss her.

“Are you having fun?” I ask softly.

“I am. I love seeing Emi so happy. And the kids. Look at how much fun they’re having with everyone.”

“Do you want to have babies?” I ask her.

Piper turns in my arms to face me.

“I do want kids. What about you?”

“With you? Yes.”

“You want babies with me?”

“Piper, if I haven’t made it clear to you, you’re my future. I know you think this is fast and when Rhett met Emiko, I thought they were fucking crazy. But I get it now. I get why they moved fast. Because it doesn’t feel fast, I know because I feel like I’ve known you my whole life.”

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