Page 169 of When Wrecked Meets Ruined
But guests were at the door, and I was throwing a goddamn party, so I had no choice but to table this discussion fornow.
I opened the door to Jude, the cockblock, his kids loaded down with supplies, and Lila, who was carrying an armful of flowers.
“Evie,” Lila said, her face splitting into a big smile as she moved past me to hug Evie.
Jude gave me a look. “Tell me you broke up with Carina.”
Guess I’d forgotten to mention it. “I have.”
“Well, in that case, it’s about damn time you two got your act together.” He gave me a fist bump before striding into the house and greeting Evie.
After that, a steady stream of family members arrived early, all bearing gifts—steaks, fruit pies, a cheese and charcuterie board, and cases of wine.
My aunt Kate must have spent days preparing all the food she brought, just as if nobody had any faith that I would be adequately prepared.
“This isn’t a potluck dinner,” I told Kate when I helped unload the van because, yes, they drove the van today to fit all the food into it. “I’ve got plenty of food. You didn’t have to do this.”
“Save your breath,” Patrick said, giving me a clap on the shoulder. “She’s gonna do what she’s gonna do, and nothing on heaven or earth can stop that woman.”
“Oh hush, you two.” Kate flapped her hand at us. “I like to make sure that my men are taken care of. Food is love.”
It was ridiculous and completely unnecessary. But the McCallisters never showed up empty-handed, and like true Texans, they did everything in a big way.
Including love and grand gestures that were potentially risky.
But hey, go big or go home.
CHAPTERSIXTY-THREE
Evie
“I’m soglad I get to be here to watch you fly,” Quinn said, catching me in a rare moment when Ridge wasn’t by my side. We’d been practically glued at the hip for the past few hours. “I’ve never seen you this happy.”
I couldn’t even deny it. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy,” I admitted. “It just feels like everything has finally fallen into place. Like the stars have aligned, and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
She gave me a smug smile. “Can I say it now?”
I sighed. “Go ahead.”
“I told you so.” Her smile was triumphant. She threw her arms around me and practically knocked me on my ass.
I laughed, regaining my balance before we ended up in the swimming pool.
“We’re going to be neighbors.” Quinn clapped her hands together. “And oh my god, our kids will be cousins, and they can play together, and we can—”
“Whoa. Slow your roll, bestie. Nobody’s talking about marriage and kids. We just got back together. We haven’t even figured out how this will work, let alone talk about any major commitments.”
“Oh, please. You’ll have a ring on your finger by next week and be married within a year with your first kid on the way. This is happening, so don’t even try to fight me on this.”
“Don’t say any of this to Ridge. I don’t want him to think—”
“You don’t want me to think what?” Ridge wrapped his arms around me from behind, and I narrowed my eyes on Quinn.Thanks for the warning. She just laughed, completely unrepentant.
“What are you two plotting?” Ridge asked.
“If you need any tips on how to propose, give me a call,” Quinn said. “I’m good at wedding planning too. And I’ll be happy to babysit anytime.” On that note, Quinn walked away.
I’m going to kill her.
