Page 100 of Rejected Heart
“Speaking of people winding up together,” Ava said, all but pushing her way to the front.
My eyes narrowed as I attempted to work it out on my own. Ava was Ivy’s best friend, and she’d always been rather flirtatious with… My eyes shifted to Tate and rounded. When my jaw fell open, I pointed between the two of them. “You and Tate are together.”
Ava held up her left hand as well as Tate’s. “Married.”
I moved to congratulate and hug them both before Wyatt stepped forward. “Layla, I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Rhea.”
Wyatt was married, too. I couldn’t believe it.
Extending my hand to Rhea, I said, “It’s wonderful to meet you.”
“Likewise. And for what it’s worth, Tate wasn’t kidding. I’ve got plenty of stories to share about Wyatt.”
Laughter spilled out of me as Wyatt added, “I’ll probably make a few more mistakes as a dad, too.”
“Dad? Are you…”
“Rhea’s pregnant.” Wyatt stood so tall and proud. I’d always looked at him as being that way because he was the oldest, but I guess there was more to it. Wyatt felt no shame in being confident about the things he did. If he messed up, he rolled with it. And it seemed to have paid off for him, because he was going to be a dad.
“Congratulations. That’s wonderful news.”
“Thank you. We’re very excited.”
Before I could respond, Malcolm stepped forward and put his arm around me. “And I’m just excited to see you here with us.”
I felt a flush creep over my skin, and I tipped my chin down as a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. “I’m happy to be here, too. It wouldn’t have happened if Cooper hadn’t talked some sense into me.”
“Cooper?” Jules gasped.
I nodded, but Cooper spoke before I could explain. “Don’t sound so surprised, Jules.”
“I know I shouldn’t be, but I am.”
Other than when we first rejoined his family and Liam answered his dad’s question about everything being okay, Liam hadn’t spoken. He’d given his family time to talk to me without interrupting, but it seemed he was done with remaining silent.
“And I’m grateful,” Liam said, taking a few stepsforward and coming to a stop by my side. “Thank you, Cooper.”
Cooper shook his head. “It was nothing. I didn’t really do anything.”
“You did,” I insisted. “You made me see that I had to do something different than what I’d already done. I wouldn’t be here now if it hadn’t been for you.”
“Who knew that Cooper was the romantic one?” Marco teased from behind us.
“I did.”
If I hadn’t been standing so close, I wouldn’t have heard those two words. They came from a gorgeous woman, who was standing beside Cooper, holding Rosie in her arms. I could only assume she was Cooper’s wife.
All eyes went to her, and she added, “You’ve all always told me that Cooper was a grouch, but I never saw that side of him. He’s always been sweet and romantic.” She shifted her attention to me. “Hi, Layla. I’m so happy to finally meet you. I’m Skye. Cooper’s my husband, and I’m told you already met my daughter, Roselle.”
I smiled at her. “I did. Kind of. It’s nice to meet you.” I reached my hand out and touched Rosie’s hand. “Hi, pretty girl. I hear you’re your uncle’s favorite.”
Skye laughed. “Oh, he’s her favorite, too.”
My eyes met Liam’s. He was grinning as he shrugged it off like him being Rosie’s favorite was to be expected.
Larry and Wendy Westwood—Liam’s grandparents—had stayed back as the initial introduction and reunion took place, but at that point, they came forward and welcomed me back just the same.
It was safe to say I was overwhelmed in the best way possible.
