Page 85 of Be Your Forever
“She’s been obsessed with this special edition collection of her favorite book series. Here, let me pull up the website and show you.”
I watch as Avery pulls her computer from the coffee table onto her lap. As soon as she has the website open, she hands me the laptop, and I place the order immediately. The earliest it can get to Bri’s house is with two-day delivery, so I click on that option without even blinking an eye at the ridiculous price. If it brings a smile to her face, then it’s worth it. I print off the confirmation email before folding up the paper and putting it in my pocket. While I can’t give her the gift now, I can at least show her that they’re on their way.
“You really do love her, don’t you?”
Avery looks at me with such adoration in her eyes. It’s clear she wants her best friend to be happy.
“With every fiber of my being. My heart beats for that woman, and I’ll do just about anything for her. Is there anything else I should cross off her list?”
“Well, I know she’s always wanted to sleep outside underneath the stars. She may be tough on the outside, but she’s a gooey romantic on the inside.”
“I can do that. Thanks, Aves. How are we feeling?” I gesture toward her belly.
“I’m tired with zero control over my bladder and she’s kicking me like crazy, but I love every second of it.”
“Have you two come up with a name yet?”
“I did, but I haven’t told Cas yet. I asked his grandparents if it was okay to name her after their daughter, Cas’ mom. I got their approval, so I plan on telling him tonight.”
“He’s going to love that.” She smiles at me and Cas picks this time to re-enter the room.
“You’re all set for tonight at Lagoon.Chef Marnie will take care of y’all.” Cas presses a kiss on the crown of Avery’s head before sitting next to her. They exchange a heated look, and I take it as my cue to leave.
“Thanks guys for all the help. I’m gonna leave. Y’all are sending each otherfuck meeyes, and I’d rather not see any of that.”
I stop at Target on the way to my apartment to get a blowup mattress, some snacks, and a bottle of sparkling wine. I hold off on the flowers until I’m on my way to her. Instead, I get her the entire Elle Kennedy series she’s been dying to read. Well, I get two copies of each—thank you Target BOGO deal—since we now spend our Sundays reading the same book. And if she wants to reenact a scene or two? Well, who am I to stop her? I still have hours to go before I see her, so I text Amber to see if she can take Bri out to find an outfit for tonight.
Me: Hey, Amber. I’m taking Bri on our first date and I was hoping you could take her shopping for an outfit for tonight.
Amber: First date? Y’all have been hooking up for months and you’re just going on a datenow?
Me: Yeah, I know we did things backwards. Will you help me?
Amber: I got you, little brother.
Me: Ignoring the little brother dig and saying thank you. Here is her address.
Brianna
Fuck, it’s hot in here
WhenIopenthedoor, the last person I expect to see standing on the other side is Amber.
“Uh, hi. What are you doing here?”
“Hey, girl. Asher told me about your date tonight. I’m here to take you shopping. So, get your shoes on and let's go.”
“Okay. Wait, what?” Confusion grips me as I gawk at her, a playful grin playing across her face.
“I’m taking you shopping. We gotta pick out an outfit so hot, Asher will foam at the mouth.”
“You don’t have to. I was just gonna grab something from my closet.”
By the look on Amber’s face, you’d think I personally offended her, with her hands on her hips and her eyebrow cocked.
“Hell, no. New date…new outfit. Plus, it gives me an excuse to get some new clothes, too. Do you have any idea what y’all are doing?”
I look at her with awhat do you thinkface, which has her full-on belly laughing as we walk to the car.
