Page 83 of What About Us

“I’m okay. Xander’s been, well. He’s great.”

All three girls pull back and stare at me, exchange looks, and then grin. All of them.

“Turns out, we should have just asked Xander for your number,” Harper says with a wink.

“Oh, we⁠—”

“It’s written all over your face,” Ava says. “And we’re happy for you. And him, because you’re the cutest and it’s about time he pulled his head out of his ass.”

“I heard that,” Xander calls out.

“Wasn’t whispering!” Ava tosses back.

Xander has opened up accordion-style glass doors to the outside—I didn’t even know they did that—so there’s a fantastic indoor-outdoor flow and more space for everyone to spread out.

I even set up a little bar off the kitchen.

“Does anyone want a drink? I have a lot to work with here, and I also made fresh espresso for martinis.”

“Oh God, you’re speaking my language,” Ava says. “Espresso martini for me.”

We drift over to where I can mix the drinks, chatting away. Tucker and Xander are at the grill with their dad. Easton is holding Belle and chatting with Blake.

Harper glances at Ava and says, “Where’s Chad today?”

“He’s working on a case in Helena,” Ava replies as she eagerly accepts the glass I pass to her. “He’ll be gone for a couple of weeks.”

I notice that Darby and Harper share a look. I’ve gotten good at reading people, and it seems to me that Chad isn’t their favorite.

I’ll have to ask Xander about it later.

“You got engaged,” I say with excitement when I see the ring on Darby’s finger. “Aw, congratulations, friend.”

She grins and holds her hand up. “Thanks. It still doesn’t feel real, but the ring’s on my finger, so I guess that means it’s true.”

“It’s beautiful, and I’m so happy for you.” I pass her a martini. “How about you, Harper?”

“I definitely want a drink,” she says with a nod. “I’m not breastfeeding anymore, so hook me up.”

I grin and make her martini, and just as I’ve finished, I glance around and see that Xander is now holding Belle.

Oh my God.

“It’s hot, right?” Darby asks, as she follows my gaze. “These huge, muscled men holding that sweet little girl. It makes my ovaries ache.”

“It should be illegal,” I admit and have to pour myself a shot of vodka. I don’t drink much, but damn.

The girls laugh, and Xander looks our way, his eyes narrowing. He excuses himself from Tucker and walks over to me.

“Hey there, Red.”

“He calls her Red,” Harper whisper-shouts, making me press my lips together.

“Hi. That baby is gorgeous.”

He nods and kisses her sweet head. “I know. I’m obsessed with her. I’m also her favorite. Aren’t I, Bellie Boo?”

I chuckle and reach out to brush my fingers through her soft, wispy hair.