Page 103 of The Last Thing
I need to tell him.
But I shake the thought off because I can’t do anything about it right now.
We separate and look over at Devon, Justin, and Jade. Justin wraps an arm around his wife.
“We finally get to indoctrinate you into the club now that the OG gang’s finally back together again.”
“Yes, the OG gang is back together.” I wrap one arm around Frannie and my other around Kennedy, not talking about our little friend group at all, but the three of us, where it all started in a little duplex in New York City. The Baker girls.
I’ve officially survived almosttwo days without Wilson and Sophia. Yesterday was spent settling in and getting a little tour of Brighton. Though I’d been here one other time because we drove across the country one summer to spend almost a month out here with Kennedy and her parents, I didn’t remember much of it.
It’s a cute little suburb of San Francisco, and it was fun to see Kennedy so giddy as she showed us her favorite places, introduced us to new friends, and took us to the inn Devon’s family owns. It’s where they’re getting married, and in some ways, where Kennedy grew up. She moved out here when she was eleven, and Devon was her next-door neighbor. She spent tons of time with him at the inn. Now they live in his old house and Kennedy works part time at the inn.
She’s happier than I’ve seen her in a long time. I always knew moving out here was important for her, but I understand it more deeply now. Not only because of how content she is, but because of how my life has changed over the past few months.
Today was spent doing lots of wedding prep. We got to see Kennedy in her dress and try on our pretty rose gold and bronze bridesmaid dresses. The inn will be getting decorated tomorrow, and our whole family will be arriving then too.
I’ll be spending the day with Wilson and Sophia, but the evening will be reserved for time with my family. I’m both excited and nervous for everyone to meet Wilson and Sophia—to see my little family.
Sophia and Wilson called right before Sophia went to bed. She mentioned her dad has some kind of surprise, but she doesn’t know what because they’re staying at Wilson’s mom’s house tonight since she lives right near the airport and they have an early flight. Wilson and I didn’t get any alone time to talk, and though I wish I could call him before bed, he needs his sleep.
And if the way tonight is going is any indication, it’s going to be a late one. We’re all in Kennedy and Devon’s backyard, sitting around a campfire.
Mark, Hardy, and Brian got here a couple of hours ago, and it’s been an evening of endless laughter and good food.
“It’s too bad your new man couldn’t be here tonight so we could grill him about his intentions,” Hardy says to me.
“Yeah. You won’t be doing that. I’m a big girl who can handle her own life. Accidental pregnancy notwithstanding.”
“How is Baby Baker?” Brian asks.
Huh. I hadn’t thought about last names. Will the baby have my name or Wilson’s?
I kind of like Baby Baker.
“Baby is doing well. Growing all the time. The kicks are getting stronger. Sophia has already decided we’re having a girl, so just go with it if you hear her say that.”
“She sounds feisty,” Hardy says with a smile. “Like someone else I know.”
I hold my hands under my chin like an innocent angel. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Besides, Wilson likes it.”
“Who wouldn’t love a Baker girl?” Kennedy interjects.
Devon and Mark both laugh.
“Uh oh. Don’t say the L-word in front of Hallie. She might spontaneously combust.”
I shoot Frannie a death glare. “Shut up.”
“Wait, are you saying you’renotin love with him?” Hardy asks. “Because no offense, baby girl, butbullshit.”
“I… am.” I throw my hands up. “I’m in love with him. The love bug bit me hard. Okay? Are you all happy now?”
“Does he know that?” Brian asks gently.
“Probably.”
Mark throws his hand up. “Hold on. You haven’t told him yet? Has he said it to you?”
