Page 83 of One Pucking Surprise
“What? I would never,” she says, feigning innocence.
I grin. “Let’s head out and grab some dinner.”
Turning to my sisters, I say, “Thanks for this eventful evening. I’m going to take this mother-to-be home now.”
Whitney, Cora, and Blair all say, “Aww,” before hugging Lainey tightly.
“We’re going to miss you,” Cora says.
“You have our numbers now. Don’t forget to call us,” Whitney adds.
“And if my brother gives you a hard time, let me know,” Blair chimes in.
I roll my eyes. “And I thought you were my sisters.”
“Oh, brother,” Whitney says, hugging me next. “We love you too.”
Cora and Blair follow, wrapping me in quick hugs before stepping back.
Lainey smiles at Noah. “It was great seeing you, Noah.”
“Likewise,” he says, giving her a nod.
Lainey and I walk to the front door, my sisters trailing behind us to wave us off. Once we’re in the car, I drive down the long driveway toward the gate.
“Zach, are you okay? I’m sorry about what happened.”
“Don’t be sorry. It’s not your fault.”
Her voice softens. “I don’t want to be the reason your family falls apart. You know family means everything to me.”
I glance over at her, my jaw tightening. “Let’s just forget about it for the rest of the night, okay?”
Lainey studies me for a moment, her voice soft but steady. “Okay… but you don’t have to pretend it doesn’t bother you. You don’t have to handle everything alone, Zach.”
Her words hit something deep, but I don’t respond. Instead, I hand her the envelope as the gate opens.
“What’s this?” she asks, opening it. Her eyes widen as she pulls out the check. “$100,000? Oh my God! What is this for?”
“It’s your prize for finding the golden compass token,” I explain with a grin. “Noah told me to give it to you.”
She narrows her eyes at me, suspicion creeping in. “Wait… you told Noah? I thought I told you not to tell anyone.”
I clear my throat, shifting slightly in my seat. “Actually… I told Blair. And she told Noah.”
Lainey lets out a soft groan, shaking her head. “Unbelievable.”
“It’s fine,” I assure her quickly. “You won it fair and square.”
She sighs, leaning back in her seat. “Well, now I really do look like a gold digger. What will your dad think now?”
“You are not a gold digger.” I reach over, catching her chin gently and kissing her softly on the lips. When I pull back, I add, “What are you going to do with all that money?”
A secretive smile curls her lips as she glances at me. “I have just the perfect plan for it.”
Chapter 31
Lainey
