Page 98 of This Heart
“Oh, bummer. I’ll have to pour myself another.”
Cadie smiled. “If you keep this up, we’re going to be carrying you home to Gavin and the baby.”
Brystol winked at her before turning to look at me.
“Tell us everything!”
I did just that. I told my three best friends everything that was said, except the fact that Winnie was not Liam’s biological father.
Cadie let out a low whistle. “I would never have known they were getting a divorce. I mean, Hope would make strange comments, but she never once let on that Liam had asked for a divorce.”
“Me either,” I replied, taking the last drink of wine, then setting my glass on the coffee table.
“It just goes to show that you think you know people and you don’t. I mean, I didn’t know Hope as well as the three of you, but I did notice the way Liam would look at Aurora. It was with very caring eyes and was way more intimate than a friend would look at another friend.”
I felt my cheeks warm. “I will admit that I’ve always thought he was handsome, but I didn’t have those feelings when he was with Hope. Not at all.”
Harper leaned forward. “Aurora, do not feel guilty for falling for Liam. He wasn’t happy, but he did the right thing and stayed by Hope’s side. You both deserve this, and don’t ever think you don’t.”
“Agreed!” Brystol said. “If I learned anything from my relationship with Gavin, it’s that you have to be honest with yourself and with him. I’m glad you guys finally told each other how you feel. You’re going to have the best time with Liam and Winnie this week.”
I felt my face break out into a wide grin. “I think so, too. And I’m honestly excited about this camping trip. Liam is, too, I can tell.”
All three of my friends beamed back at me. Brystol stood and said, “Let’s go find some cute camping outfits to pack!”
Laughing, I got up and led them to my room, where we spent the next hour pulling nearly every piece of clothing I had out until we had the perfect number of outfits and shoes.
“Nervous?” Harper asked, bumping my arm and smiling.
“Let’s see, I’m going on a camping trip, which I’ve never been camping before with a father and daughter who are camping for the first time together as well. We’re starting a new relationship while being confined to a small camper. Yeah. I’m nervous.”
The girls chuckled.
“You know what we should do?” Cadie said as she laced her arm around mine. “We should go get some ice cream.”
“Ohhh…yes. Let me text Gavin and see if he wants to bring Lily. The weather is so beautiful right now, I’m sure it would do her wonders to get some fresh air.”
“I’ll text Declan,” Harper said.
Cadie laugh. “Let’s text Kian and Liam as well!”
A warm sensation flowed effortlessly through my body, and I couldn’t help but be excited for what the future held.
With a nod, I pulled out my phone and sent Liam a text.
Me: The girls want ice cream and are inviting their guys. Would you and Winnie like to join us?
The bouncing dots appeared within seconds.
Liam: Camper is packed up, and Winnie is totally down for ice cream. We’ll walk over and meet you guys there.
I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face.
Me: See you there!
After ice cream, Liam and Winnie walked back to my place. Winnie played with Luna while Liam brought my two bags down to my car. I finished cleaning up, and we grabbed Luna and headed down to the bookstore. Lou was going to be staying up at my place to make it easier with Luna and for herself, since she would most likely be opening and closing.
“Well, if it isn’t our little princess!” Lou said as she hugged Winnie tightly. Taking her hand, she added, “Let’s go pick out a few new books to take camping!”
