Page 73 of Honeyed

“You guys burned your eyebrows off at that party.” I remember, belly laughing at the memory of Warren’s singed hair.

“Half an eyebrow, and you still thought I was cute.” Warren pinches my butt.

I lean back to whisper in his ear, “And it didn’t stop you from taking my virginity.”

Underneath me, I feel him shift. “You keep it up and I’ll show you some fireworks of my own in public.”

I roll my eyes. “Promises, promises.”

The fact that we’re halfway through summer feels surreal. Lily has been open for a month, and we don’t seem to be slowing down at all. Dozens of customers come in to shop each day, and I’m burning through the product local vendors have sold us and am on the hunt for more to feed the appetite of the tourists and locals. Warren and I work day and night to think of new displays, marketing, and fun signage for the sidewalk. It’s the most fun I’ve had at work in a long time, considering this is my passion project.

Meanwhile, Hope Pizza is in its busiest season, and the seventy-fifth anniversary of the restaurant is upon us. I’ve been up to my ears in marketing for the event, an all-out ode to the Hope Crest community with free food, a DJ, door prizes, and a ton of speeches that will honor those who helped us most. Dad is over the moon about the party, and Nonna is emotional. I know she sees her family who have passed on when she looks at the restaurant, and it will be a bittersweet day for sure.

Cassandra and Patrick are that much closer to having the baby, and we’re all getting antsy to hold the newest family member when he or she arrives. Evan is still bossing us all around, August is packing for college, and Liam is still avoiding doing anything about Gabrielle … even talking about her.

Warren and I observe and discuss this all as we lie in each other’s arms at night, our marriage feeling much more valid and real now that the secret is out of the bag to our family. As I predicted, the gossip about it around town has died down, even if Mr. Claus is still running his mouth. We don’t care, though, because I’d much rather occupy myself making love to my husband and go on the hundreds of dates we missed out on over the years than give thought to some cranky old teacher anyway.

Life is good. I’ve always considered my life to be good, but it’s amazing what can happen when you stop being afraid of the things you want but won’t say out loud. Ever since I went for them, specifically Warren and then opening Lily, my life has blossomed in a way I only dared to dream about.

“Do you guys want another drink?” Patrick asks as he lifts the lid on the cooler.

“Can you get me a lemonade, babe? The frozen kind from the stand over there?” Cass flutters her eyelashes at him.

He smiles and bends to kiss her. “Anything for you, babe.”

As he walks off, Evan mocks him. “Anything for you, babe.”

I chuckle. “Can’t wait to see the day that some woman whips you into shape, dear brother.”

“Won’t happen.” He puffs out his chest. “August, you want a beer? I’d let you have one.”

Auggy looks at him with a blush on her cheeks and nerves in her eyes. I don’t miss that look, but it doesn’t mean I want to encourage it. August has her entire future ahead of her, and my brother isn’t the kind of guy to cherish her like she deserves.

“Absolutely not.” Warren rolls his eyes and smacks my brother on the back of his head. “Don’t follow his lead, August. Aside from being a genius in the kitchen, he’s not the role model you want or need.”

“Hey!” Evan acts fake outraged. “I resent that. I’m only slightly more fucked up than ole Liam over here.”

My oldest brother growls.

“I can’t wait to see how you two turn into complete softies for your niece.” Cass covers her mouth.

Every head whips to her.

“I’m sorry, did you just say niece?” I whisper.

“I’m going to have a granddaughter!” Mom yelps, jumping from her chair to dance around and pump her fists.

“Nice going, babe. I knew you wouldn’t be able to keep it under wraps until the birth,” Patrick teases her but does so while beaming and kissing her temple.

“Oh my God!” Yelping, I jump up and rush to my brother and his wife.

We form some sort of family hug, with all of us practically jumping up and down.

“I can’t wait to buy the town out of every pink piece of baby clothing,” I coo at Cassandra’s belly.

“Coolest uncle, now on duty.” Evan pats himself on the back.

Liam scowls. “We all know I’m going to be the mushy core uncle who is wrapped around her finger. She’ll like me best, don’t start, little bro.”

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