Page 324
A beeping sound wakes us up and when I look outside I notice the sun is setting.
Jude takes his phone, turns it off and pulls me into his arms again.
“Who is it?” I laugh as he kisses every inch of my face then my neck making me giggle.
“Ethan, it’s his birthday, they’re waiting for me.”
I push up. “Oh my God, Jude, why didn’t you tell me!”
He smiles up at me and I almost forget what I was saying as I stare at this gorgeous man.
“Mind was occupied.”
I laugh. “Ok but what time should you be there?”
Jude looks at his phone. “Ten minutes ago.”
“Jude!” I slap his chest and get up.
“Let’s go!”
“Ok.”
We get ready and I push him out of the shower because he’s too tempting and we would just end up in bed again.
***
We arrive at Ethan and Summer’s home on the ranch forty minutes too late and I stop in my tracks in front of their front door. “I don’t have a gift.” I panic.
Jude pulls me into his arms and kisses my nose. “Know them, you’re the gift.” I shake my head.
Suddenly the door opens while we’re still in each other’s arms and of course it’s Mia.
“Nora!!! You came back!” Suddenly every Hawthorne is standing behind her in the door staring at me then Jude then his arms around me, for two seconds no one speaks and then all hell breaks loose as we’re pulled into hugs and congratulations.
“I already considered you family, dear, but now…” Lily blinks away some tears as she takes my face between her hands. “My heart is so full.” Josh pulls me into a bear hug next. “Welcome to the Hawthorne Family, Nora! I’m so happy you found each other, and I know our family just became better for it.” I blink away tears as my eyes find Jude’s in the crowd.
“Oh my God, we’re officially sisters now!!!” Grace pulls me into her arms next.
And so it goes on for what feels like hours.
Everyone is happy and then there’s Dex. His smile is genuine but I can see he has something to say.
“Nora, can we talk outside a minute?”
“Dex,” Jude warns as he takes my hand but I look up at his twin brother.
“Let’s go.” I let go of Jude’s hand.
“It’s ok, Grumpy.”
Jude looks between the two of us and I smile at him.
I turn and follow Dex outside.
“Just say it.”
“I’m happy you’re here, Nora” He smiles.
