Page 78 of Entirely Yours
Both of us turn to look at Ben expectantly. “Did you come here to inquire into my personal life or did you need something?” he diverts.
“Right.” I clap. “I need something. Chloe turns five next week, and with all of the chaos going on, Thea hasn’t been able to plan a party.”
“Say no more,” Ben exclaims. “I’m in.”
Apparently Chloe had confided in Ben that she wanted a mermaid unicorn glitter party. Mom and Dad said we could use their backyard, so we immediately got to planning.
Since most of Chloe’s friends currently consist of adults, we decided to go all out and do a birthday brunch-slash-tea party. Gabe planned the menu, Ben took over decorations, and I was in charge of finding a few gifts and making sure that Mayor Cattington could be in attendance—Chloe’s only request.
I walk into the Bardot family backyard a week and a half later, juggling three present boxes and a cat carrier loaded up with a very unhappy cat, and stop in my tracks.
Strings of twinkle lights are crisscrossing the backyard. Glittery stars and rainbows hang from the tree branches, sparkling magnificently in the sunlight. One long table is set up, covered with a pink and purple sequined cloth. Themed plates, napkins, and cups line the table, alternating between mermaids and unicorns. Center pieces explode with flowers and little glitter stars that match the ones dangling from the trees.
“What the fuck?” I’m speechless. Gabe and Ben stand in the center of it all, grinning. Who are these two and what have they done with my goon-head brothers? “When did you two become professional party planners?”
“Isn’t it amazing?” Gabe asks, bouncing on his toes.
“Fuck yeah, it’s amazing. How did you pull it off, though?” I’m still having a hard time believing what I’m seeing.
Ben’s face grows serious. “Chloe told me she’s never had a real birthday party before. And fuck if that didn’t break my heart. I wanted her to have something special. You asked, so we had to deliver.”
This is why I love my family. They can be intrusive and overbearing, but they love well and they love hard.
“I’m going to have to hire you for a baby shower,” I say, freeing my hands so I can pull them both into a group hug.
“Holy shit,” I hear Thea utter behind me.
“Language, Ma—Oh. My. GOODNESS!” Chloe screams in excitement, following her mom into the backyard. Her enthusiasm is palpable as she jumps up and down, tugging on Thea’s arm.
“How—I don’t…” Thea’s reaction matches mine. She steps further into the yard, taking the entire scene in. When she turns back around, her eyes are full of tears. “Thank you,” she mouths, looking at the three of us.
“Well, I’ll be damned.” It’s Hank Rose’s turn to walk into theparty. He gives us a wink and a nod, which is the equivalent of a kiss on the mouth coming from him.
A loud meow catches all of our attention. I unzip the carrier, letting Cat out to explore the set up, too. He immediately races over to Chloe, butting his head up against her leg. “This is the best day EVER!” she screeches, and I smile, knowing the day has just begun.
Gabe’s menu consists of tea sandwiches, chicken nuggets, and a build your own mac and cheese bar. He got juice boxes for the kids—Bex and Anders came in, as well as a few girls Chloe met in her dance class—and mimosas for the adults. He even went so far as to find non-alcoholic champagne for Thea and Anders, who has been sober since before he and Bex started dating.
Chloe has been glowing all day, but Thea… Thea has been radiant. She’s wearing a form fitting sundress that accentuates her growing belly. Her hair is down in loose waves, and she kicked off her shoes as soon as she got here. She looks like a goddess that has been accidentally placed here among the mere mortals. And what’s better is that I can tell she’s having a good time. She’s been socializing with the other parents, pointing out new party details to Chloe, and sneaking bits of frosting off the cake when she thinks no one is looking.
But I’m always looking. I can’t take my eyes off of her.
She notices me noticing her, and her cheeks flush prettily. She saunters over, sidling up next to me. “Think anyone will notice if we go missing for a few minutes?”
I raise my eyebrow at her. “And where exactly were you thinking of going?”
“This house has a lot of rooms. Pick one,” she challenges.
I look around to make sure that everyone is otherwise occupied and then say, “Follow me.” She bites her bottom lip and does what I say.
My fingers tangle with hers as I guide us toward the guestbathroom off the kitchen. Close enough that we can hear if people start to look for us.
I close the door, flipping the lock so we won’t be interrupted again. I pat the counter next to the sink, indicating she should hop up.
“Nope.” She shakes her head and the coy lip bite is back. I’m confused until she sinks down to her knees.
“No, Thea. I-I can’t let you…” She’s ignoring me, instead unbuttoning my jeans with a determined look in her eye.
“Why not?” she asks. “I really,reallywant to.” She looks up at me, lustful gaze turning suddenly earnest. “I won’t keep going if you want me to stop, but if you’re only saying no because I’m pregnant and you have some complex protecting my knees, then hand me a towel and enjoy the next ten minutes.”
