Everyone laughed as Sid dipped his head low, pressing his lips to my ear. “Wouldn’t mind you having a sip or two.”
I blushed crimson as he kissed my neck before returning to his conversation with Cole.
I spotted Piper sitting under one of their trees, and went to join her, scooting close to her on the comfortable-looking bench. “Having fun?” I asked.
She nodded, looking more peaceful than I’d ever seen her. “It all sometimes still feels like a dream.”
“I can relate to that,” I agreed, my eyes on Sid as he talked with Cole and Axel, Sophie’s man. “We bought a house. Or really, Sid bought a house,” I amended.
She turned to me with surprise. “That’s amazing, Sam! Where?”
“Right down the street from Cade and Danny. He wanted me close for when he’s overseas.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “That’s great. I’m so happy for you guys. Any talk of getting married?”
I shook my head. “It’s all been so fast. We’ve only really been us for a short time. Moving in together feels like enough for now, anyway.”
“It would be fast for a couple just getting to know each other, but you two have been working up to this for years. I’d just go with what feels right.”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “I’m still learning how to be more open. How to verbalize what I’m feeling. We both are.”
“You’ll never stop learning—or at least I hope you never do. That’s what Ryker taught me. We’re constantly making each other better. It’s a process.”
“Yeah. Having something so horrifying happen to me really opened my eyes to how fragile life is. No sense holding back. I learned a lot about myself. I’m stronger than I realized. In a fucked-up sort of way it was kind of freeing.”
“That is sort of fucked-up,” she agreed with a short laugh. “But I get it. Traumatic experiences have a way of shining a light on parts of your life you couldn’t otherwise see.”
That was so it. I knew she’d get it.
I looked up at the trees overhead. “We starting back here tomorrow?” We had a lot of work to do to turn their backyard into a venue for a wedding.
“That’s the plan.” She nodded. “We’ll have more help than we need. I don’t think it should be too bad.”
“Nah, it’ll be fun,” I agreed, laughing as Roxie and Tank made their way through the backyard with Trixie in tow. The sight of Piper and Ry’s Boxer and Pitbull mix shepherding our tiny Chihuahua around was hilarious. “Looks like she got over the fear of being eaten.”
Piper laughed. “She’s running the show. I’m still getting used to seeing you with a dog.”
I nodded. “Lots of change lately. Almost all of it good.”
She turned to me with a mischievous smile. “Speaking of which, I’m pregnant.”
I nearly choked on the sip of beer I’d taken. “Holy shit, there really is something in the water in Hawthorne! When did you find out? How are you feeling about it?” I questioned in shock.
She laughed. “I found out right before you guys got here. I would have told you sooner, but this is the first moment we’ve had alone. It wasn’t planned but I’m happy. And Ryker, well, he’s something way past happy.”
I didn’t doubt that. He’d been bringing up the baby topic for a while now.
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You’ll such a great mom, Piper. The very best.”
Her expression grew sad and I knew she was thinking of her mother who’d passed away. “I learned from the best.” She nodded.
Ryker immediately strode over, always in tune with Piper. “Okay, babe?” he asked, looking concerned.
She looked up at him and offered a reassuring smile. “Yeah, honey. Was just thinking about mom. I told Sam about the baby.”
He took her hand, guiding her to stand up so he could wrap his arms around her.
“Congratulations, Ry. You guys are going to be fantastic parents.” I smiled
