Page 103 of When Love Takes Root

His eyes moved over me once. Slow enough to be honest. Respectful enough to let me breathe.

“Celeste.”

My name sounded different in his mouth tonight. Closer.

“Hi,” I said, forgetting every degree I’d ever earned.

He smiled and held out the bouquet. “For you.”

I took it, and the lavender brushed my wrist. “Thank you. These are beautiful.”

“So are you.”

Behind me, somebody made a sound that might’ve been a cough if my people had any shame.

Josiah’s eyes flicked over my shoulder. “Good evening, ladies.”

Calista came forward first, full little-sister boldness wrapped in a polite smile. “Good evening, Josiah.”

“Ms. Calista.”

Cassia’s eyebrows rose. “He knows names?”

“I pay attention.”

Leilani grinned. “We heard.”

I turned and looked at her.

She rubbed her belly. “What? The baby said it.”

Cassia gave him the full scan from his boots to his braids and back down to the tattoos near his wrists. “What time are you bringing her back?”

“Whenever she’s ready to come home. But I won’t keep her out too late. I’m not reckless.”

Calista tilted her head. “That’s a good answer.”

“It was the honest one.”

Leilani stepped closer, one hand still on her belly. “And you understand she’s precious cargo, right?”

Josiah looked at me then, not them. “Yes, ma’am. I do.”

The room changed by a degree.

I looked down at the flowers before my face betrayed me.

Calista reached for the bouquet. “I’ll put these in water.”

I gave her a warning look.

She leaned close as she took them. “Have fun. Don’t overthink. And if you do something, hydrate.”

“Goodbye, Calista.”

Cassia hugged me next, whispering, “Text us if you need an alibi or lip gloss.”

Leilani pulled me close last, her belly between us. “Let yourself enjoy it, Celly. You don’t have to punish yourself before happiness even knocks.”