And now that we had some distance from our parents, we were finding more of our footing as individuals, too. Emerson had started a nonprofit that provided tutoring for underprivileged children in need, and I had enrolled in a training program to become a victims’ rights advocate. I only had a few months on the job, but I already knew it was my calling.
Kerry scooted over and shook a set of plastic keys for Dawson. “But our boy is so cute, the lack of sleep doesn’t matter.”
Dawson gave her a drooly, gummy grin.
“It gets easier,” Wren promised. Her daughter Josephine’s hands were wrapped around her fingers as she toddled across Kerry and Nathan’s living room.
“How’s the birthday girl?” I asked, giving a little wave.
“She’s cake drunk,” Holt said with a grin.
“It’s her first birthday,” Nash defended little Jo. “Go big or go home.”
Maddie laughed as she rubbed a hand over her swollen belly. “That’s what happens when you get her the good stuff. I still can’t believe that cake. How did you get it to look like Shadow, Aspen?”
Aspen grinned from her spot perched on Roan’s lap. “It took a few tries, but it really was just mixing the right food coloring.”
“Shadow is the love of her life,” Holt mumbled.
“Sha Sha!” Josephine chanted.
We all laughed.
A hand landed on my shoulder from behind. “Is it okay if Vi and I head out? We wanted to hit the bookstore before it closes.”
I looked up into Luke’s face. It was older in just a year. Heck, he wasshavingand driving now.
“Of course. What time do you think you’ll be home?” I asked.
Luke glanced at Violet, so much adoration in his eyes. I couldn’t help but wonder if they would go the distance. “I’m having dinner at her place. So, eight or nine?”
“Drive safely, please,” I warned.
Luke grinned. “Love you even though you’re crazy overprotective.”
“Love you, too,” I called as Violet gave me a wave and a shy smile.
“Mooooooom!” Charlie came running into the living room, Cady on his heels.
Lawson let out a low chuckle next to me as Charlie skidded to a stop in front of us. “Where’s the fire?”
“Cady said there’s a new reptile store opening in Brookdale. Can we go? Can we?”
Aspen winced. “We have Roan to thank for this news.”
Roan shrugged. “I think it would be cool to have a bearded dragon. What’s one more animal for the menagerie?”
Lawson groaned. “Thorjuststopped peeing everywhere.”
“Thor is Drew’s dog,” Charlie complained. “I should get a pet, too, shouldn’t I? Plus, my bearded dragon is going to be way better trained.”
“Bruh,” Drew said, looking up from his phone. “Thor is a wonder dog. Don’t throw him under the bus.”
Charlie rolled his eyes. “He ate one of your socks and barfed it up yesterday.”
My stomach roiled at the memory.
“We’ll see about making a visit to the reptile store,” Lawson promised. “But pets are a lot of responsibility.”
