Page 173 of For Wrath and Redemption
“This was supposed to be small.”
I look between all four members of The Hometown Heartless and wave my hand around Sav’s backyard.
“This is not small.”
They all turn faux-innocent smiles on me. I’m not fooled. There’s not an ounce of contrition to be found between the four of them.
“Technically, going off the guest list, this is small,” Sav says, batting her eyelashes at me. I scowl, and she sighs. “We went a little overboard, but it’s not a big deal. It will be fun!”
“Savannah. There’s a pony in your back yard. This is a first birthday party, not a county fair.”
“Wait until you see the manicurist.”
I turn around and find Ezra, the guitarist for Caveat Lover wiggling his fingers at me. They’re pink with purple gemstones on them. I only have seconds to admire them, though, because his outfit has me raising an eyebrow.
“Ezra. What are you wearing?”
“Oh.” He grins and spins in a circle. “Two of the princesses had to cancel, so I stepped up. My wig and heels are over there.”
My jaw drops, his pink ball gown forgotten as I whip back around to face theotherbandmembers.
“Twoof the princesses? How many are there?”
“Just four,” Mabel says, and Jonah steps in front of me with his hands folded under his chin.
“Don’t be mad, Trouble. Teddy’s only going to turn one once. I wanted to give her the best birthday party.”
I laugh, my irritation already disappearing. “She won’t even remember this, Jo.”
“But we will.”
“Yeah, especially because he’s hired a photographer and a videographer,” Torren cuts.
Jonah shoots him a scowl and Torren laughs. I take a deep breath and look back at Jonah.
“Why didn’t you at least tell me?”
“You’ve been working your ass off with Rock Loveless, and since I’m returning to Heartless next weekend, I didn’t want to add any more stress to your plate.”
“I told you not to worry about that. I’m excited for you to go back. I thought you should have gone back six weeks ago when they started the new tour.”
He shakes his head.
“Hell no. I would have missed Teddy’s first steps. Her first words. I’m already having separation anxiety, and I haven’t even started yet.”
I smirk. “It’s not like we won’t be right there with you.”
“I know.” Jonah wraps his arms around me and pulls me in for a hug. “I’m sorry the party is bigger than I said it would be. It’s going to be fun. I promise.”
I sink into his hold. “Ezra Hawke is dressed like a princess.”
His rumbling laugh vibrates against me. “Crue is dressed like a princess too.”
I pull back and stare at him.
“Fifty percent of the princesses are Caveat boys?” Jonah smirks, and I roll my eyes. “You better get them on that video.”
“Already on it.”
