Page 144 of Taking Sides

Conrad joins me at the door, wrapping an arm around my waist. “Thank you both for everything.”

He offers his free hand to Grady, then to Landon. “I heard you got pulled up to varsity for the playoffs.”

Landon’s smile pulls higher.

“That’s great. Congrats.”

“He’s made big progress this season.” Grady reaches up and ruffles his hair. It’s such a typical dad move that fills my chest with warmth. They’ve both changed. Grady’s softened a bit, and Landon continues to come more out of his shell the longer he’s been with the Gradys. They’re still finalizing the paperwork, but I think Landon has finally found a permanent spot. And I can’t think of a better place for him.

“I can’t believe you stole my favorite player.” I shake my head and give Grady a good-natured glare.

Landon’s cheeks turn rosy as he steps out onto the porch, still grinning.

“See you at school on Monday,” I call after them.

Conrad shuts the door and then it’s just us and his friends left. They still take up a large part of my living room. We might need more furniture.

“Tired?” Conrad asks me.

“A little, but that was fun.”

“Yeah, it was.” He motions with his head toward the others. “Want me to kick them out?”

“No, let them stay. But I’m eating the leftover cake, and I don’t want any judgment.”

His mouth hitches up on one side.

He follows me into the kitchen. Danny leans against the counter talking to Penn. When he spots us joining them, he smiles a little bigger.

“Danny Marlowe,” I say in my best mom voice while crossing my arms over my chest.

His brows lift. “Yeah?”

“What were you like in high school?”

“Uh . . .” He looks to Conrad for help. My fiancé shrugs.

“I don’t understand the question.”

“Did you date a lot back then? Were you a bully? Were you popular?” I won’t tell Sloane’s secret, but I need to figure out what happened between them so that I can fix it. I can’t have Sloane scared to hang out any time Danny might be present.

“No. No. And I guess so. Why?”

“Do you keep in touch with your old classmates?”

“Not really, no. What’s with the interrogation?” His gaze narrows, and he glances to Conrad. “Are you trying to be my wingman?”

A surprised laugh shakes my chest. “Like you need one, Danny Marlowe.”

Hannah comes into the kitchen with the look of a woman on a mission. “Sorry to interrupt, but I need you two to settle something for me.”

“Sure,” I say, then look to Conrad. He nods and we wait for her to explain.

“She’s trying to figure out how he knocked you up,” Trav yells from the other room.

Hannah’s jaw drops, and her face takes on a faint pinkish hue.

“What?” he asks. “We all want to know how it happened.”