AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Bringing his mouth to mine, he whispers, “Fine. But I’m only agreeing because it turns me on when you’re bossy.”
I kiss the smile on his lips. “Everything turns you on, Logan.”
It’s not long after I’m finished getting ready that Javier pulls into the drive.
He’s practically beaming when he scurries to open the door for me. “Penelope,” he says, taking a peek at my belly, “and company.”
Javier grunts when I attack him with a big hug, and when he wraps his arms awkwardly around me, I feel a sense of victory.
As independent as I am, I wasn’t keen on keeping a driver. But putting Javier out of work didn’t sit well with us, either.
Now he’s like family, and I’m whittling away that boss-employee barrier he’s held on to one hug at a time.
He guides us through coastal neighborhoods and winding roads until we arrive at the gorgeous, two-story house where the group home once resided.
“Are you ready for this?” Logan asks when we reach Seaside Avenue.
Since the start of our massive development, we’ve spent countless hours with the locals, making designs for this residential area that they would be satisfied with and, most importantly, could afford.
As planned, we gutted the group home and turned the surrounding row houses into quaint, colorful beach-style homes that are only a short walk from the strip.
The front door flies open the second we step foot on the porch, and Mable comes barreling out to meet us.
“Nellie!” She snuggles into me, flashing a couple of new, big girl teeth. “Look what Grandpa got me.”
My parents trail behind her, and Dad’s grinning from ear to ear when she struts around, showing off a pair of sparkly purple sandals.
Logan scoops her up, cradling her giggly form to his chest as we ooh and aww.
“These shoes sure are pretty, but I think they need the official twirl test.” She squeals, kissing his cheek before he sets her down and she spins in a little circle of chaos.
His fingers briefly touch his lips, followed by a subtle smack. “Perfection.”
I watch them laugh together, and just like the day we adopted her, tears build in the back of my throat. They share such a special bond, and I can’t wait for both of them to love our twins as much as they love each other.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Dad says, bringing me in for a hug.
His cologne tickles my nose, and I hold on to him for a second longer than usual, needing the extra support. “Thanks for hanging out with Mable, you guys. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course, honey.” Mom squeezes my arm before tugging me into her embrace next.
They’ve spent the last week in town, helping us prepare for the grand opening of the pier we’ve been working on for months. It’s nice being able to spend so much time with them, especially after hiring Mom on to help me and Declan with all the design work.
We’ve been video chatting almost daily, and she travels back and forth to help me furnish the homes we’re still remodeling, while Dad’s taken to his honorary title as best-friend-grandpa and the important duty of keeping Mable entertained.
Dorthea and Ricardo gather their newest batch of kiddos before locking the door behind them.
She huffs strands of wild hair off her forehead. “Thanks for waiting. You know how hard it is to wrangle them.”
I grab her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze, and smile when Ricardo lovingly pats my shoulder. “No worries. We’ve got time. They can’t start without us.”
My heart pinches when I crouch inside a circle of wiggly arms and bright, smiling faces. Tarra’s off pursuing her cosmetology license, and the others have found their forever homes all across the island. And while I’m utterly ecstatic that we’re able to help the new children, I miss them all fiercely.
Mom takes Mable’s hand, pointing at the far end of the avenue. “Look. They must know we’re on our way.”
A Ferris wheel flashes abruptly, drawing our attention to its green, yellow, and purple lights.
“Guess we better get going,” Logan says, placing a hand on my lower back.
