Bella, Amanda, and Brian laugh, hearing Emma's reaction and seeing the reassuring smile she sends her man.
"Jeez, Em.That wasn't funny," Nick says, pointing his index finger at her."You almost gave me a heart attack."
"God, remind me to never mess with your pregnant wife," Brian says.
Emma kisses Nick on his cheek and whispers, "I'll make it up to you, handsome, I promise."
"Whatever you're planning to do, it better be fantastic, Emma Brown," he complains while trudging and sinking back into his chair.Emma sends him an air kiss before bringing her attention back to Alisha and me.
Alisha gives her friend an unrelenting stare while placing her hands on her hips."How did you know I was here?"
"At first, I didn't know, but then I saw something," she says, taking a step closer and pointing to my shirt."Next time, make sure you don't leave your trademark on him."She giggles."You've got a stain of bright red lipstick on the hem of your shirt, and a minor red smooch on the side of your neck."
Samantha bursts through the door, throwing herself at Alisha."You're back!You're really back!"
Alisha catches her, wrapping her in a tight hug."I missed you, sweetheart."
"Does this mean you're staying?"Samantha asks, hope shining in her eyes.
I walk over, placing my hand on Alisha's lower back."She's staying."
The smile that lights up my daughter's face makes my chest tight.She looks between us, then launches herself at both of us, creating a group hug that has Amanda and Bella cooing from the couch.
"About damn time," Brian mutters, but I catch his grin.
Emma waddles over, pointing her finger at us."Don't think I'm not mad at you two for that little stunt."
"Oh please," Alisha says, rolling her eyes."Like you didn't deserve it for your meddling."
"My meddling worked, didn't it?"
We all laugh as Emma's smug expression, and I pull both my girls closer.My girls.The thought hits me hard, but feels right.They're mine now, both of them, and I'm never letting go.
AS WE walk to our cars, Samantha swings between us, her small hands gripping both of ours.I catch Alex's eye over our daughter's head, and my chest tightens.This is what I've been fighting for without even knowing it.This feeling of completeness, of family.
"Can we get ice cream?"Samantha asks, her feet barely touching the ground as she swings from our hands.
I raise an eyebrow at Alex, unable to resist giving her my signature smirk."What do you say, Alex?Ice cream?"
Her eyes sparkle with mischief."Only if you promise to share."
The memory of our earlier encounter flashes through my mind, making my blood heat."Oh, I'll share," I growl, pitching my voice low enough that only she can hear.
Samantha looks between us with an exaggerated eye roll."You two are being weird again."
Alex's laugh mingles with mine, the sound perfect in the afternoon air.Watching my daughter's face light up at the sound, seeing Alex's eyes shine with happiness – it hits me that sometimes the best things in life come from letting go of control.Though I have to admit, watching Emma's face when we revealed our little prank?That was pretty damn satisfying too.
But this?Having my girls with me?That's better than any revenge could ever be.
28
ALISHA
"Samantha, we're leaving in ten minutes," I call out."Okay, I'll be there in eight."
I chuckle, wandering onto the balcony.The morning sun bathes Boston in golden light, and I find myself gravitating to Cole's spot—where he stands each morning with his espresso, finding his peace before the day begins.Since we admitted our deeper feelings for each other a month ago, I've joined him here often, my back against his chest, sharing the silence and the view.
My phone's "Talk With Your Body" ringtone pulls me from my thoughts.My heartbeat skyrockets when I answer the video call and see his face.I wish I could stick a hand through the screen and touch that stubble.
