The BBQ has a set number of games, and whoever loses the most has to let the other guys name their next book.
Oh no, what if Tobias’s next book is the book we wrote together?
Figures. That’s karma for being the reason he lost last year.
Quickly, the rest of the group shows up and we get on with the night. It starts to rain, so we have to move the last couple of games inside the house. There are disagreements, a treasure hunt that lasts way too long, and more stolen kisses than I can count.
When all is said and done and Tobias and I have redeemed our reputation from last summer, everyone gathers in the living room and kitchen area for one last drink and dessert.
“Now, before everyone leaves, we have an announcement,” Tobias says and looks at me.
Gosh, this seems so silly to have to tell them this way, but they’ve all been rooting for us, so it seems fitting that we make it a full-blown announcement.
“Did you finish your book?” Hero asks.
“Did you already get a publishing deal? Or are you publishing independently?” Zane asks next.
“Are we supposed to guess, or are you just going to tell us?” Simon adds.
Tobias is about to share the news, but I do him one better. I push to my toes, grab his face, and kiss him.
Right there in front of all our closest friends, I kiss the man whom I should have been kissing back when we were dreaming of nights like these.
“Yes!” Beck shouts, and when I break the kiss, Tobias wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me in close.
From the corner of my eye, I spy Beck doing the same to Calla, kissing her head before he says, “All is right in the world, and our group is complete.”
I try not to laugh at Beck’s dramatics, but honestly, I love it. I can see why Calla fell for him even when she couldn’t stand him, then married him. His heart is always in the right place.
“We should celebrate with dinner and drinks next weekend,” Hero adds.
“We’re having dinner and drinks right now,” Graham says.
“Without kids is what he means,” Nora adds.
Quickly, a plan falls into place for next weekend.
My face hurts from smiling so much in the last half hour, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Where are we having these drinks?” I ask once we’ve picked a night and time.
“At the Black Alcove bar,” Zane says.
The smile that was hurting moments ago begins to falter.
The Black Alcove Bar is the best bar in Wind Valley. The food is good, drinks are great, the music sets a laidback vibe, and the people who work there are what keep you coming back.
The only problem is, I haven’t been back for one specific reason.
Griffin’s sister started working there a couple of weeks before the engagement party.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
TOBIAS
I’ve never been happier writing a book than I am right now. That night at my grandma’s house must have been a fluke because, as soon as Natalie and I gave our all, I swear, I’ve never felt more inspired. Maybe I was stressed over our relationship, and it blocked something inside me. Whatever it was, it’s gone.
I feel lighter. Freer.
