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Zann nodded to let Aspen know that she’d just been playing as Alder strode into the dining room. She had always found it hilarious that Aspen and Alder were related because Alder, in her designer jeans, Lululemon running jacket, and pink Solomon sneakers, was as femme as Aspen was butch. Presentation aside, however, Alder was a fucking force to be reckoned with, and Zann stood up straighter as she watched Alder’s long, dark brown hair that had been pulled into a high and tight ponytail so impeccable it would have made a D1 cheerleader envious, swish perfectly behind her head as she surveyed the room with a steely expression.

Alder pursed her lips when the various conversations happening around the room didn’t immediately stop at her entrance, and lifted a hand as she called, “One, two, three, eyes on me!”

“I know she’s taking over West Enterprises,” Lydia muttered, sotto voce, “but she really missed her calling as a kindergarten teacher.”

Zann clapped her free hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter.

Once the room had quieted down, Alder announced, “The van is here.” She smiled at Aspen. “Let’s get this bachelorette week started!”

“So, tell me the truth.” Lydia hooked her arm through Eve’s as she looked at Aspen, Michael, Kit, Jack, and Zann, who had broken off from the pack to lead the group up the trail. “Is this some kind of ‘we did this the weekend we met’ nostalgia?”

Eve laughed and leaned into her side. “If I remember correctly, it was your guys’ idea to go for a hike…”

“Fair,” Lydia allowed, smiling at the memory. She had been floored on that hike when Eve confessed that she and Aspen had only just met, but it’d been clear even then that the two were fated for each other. “Doesn’t answer the question, though.”

Eve hummed thoughtfully. “I mean, to be fair, there is that nostalgic element—but Aspen loves being outside, and I wanted to get some pictures from the summit.” She flicked her free hand toward the group ahead of them. “And, as a bonus, it lets Kit and Jack run off some of their energy.”

“True,” Lydia agreed. “The question is, though: will it make a difference?”

“One can hope,” Eve replied dryly.

Lydia chuckled and glanced over her shoulder at Alder, Bonnie, and Shannon. They were, by far, the most reserved of the group, and she wasn’t surprised that they’d already banded together to survive the insanity. “Maybe Shannon will help Kit burn off some energy this week.”

Eve glanced over her shoulder at the woman in question and frowned as she turned back around. “She’s straight.”

“A lot of women are before they meet Kit.”

“That is true,” Eve agreed. “But enough about Kit.” She squeezed Lydia’s arm. “You and Zann sure looked cute all cozied up at breakfast this morning.”

“Yeah…” Lydia smiled.

Eve bumped her with her shoulder as she teased, “That’s quite the smile. It was that good, huh?”

Lydia hummed. “I mean, the sex was phenomenal, but…”

“But,” Eve prompted.

“I dunno. It’s more than that.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t even know how to explain it.” Lydia shrugged. “We just clicked in a way I’ve never experienced before. It’s, like, completely insane, but—”

“Trust me, I know what that’s like,” Eve shared, her voice tinged with the smile that lit her face as she looked at Aspen. “That’s what it felt like when I met her.”

“It’s crazy.”

“Yep. But in the best way.”

“I’m not sure about that. Unlike someone”—Lydia playfully jostled Eve—“I can’t just uproot my life for a pretty girl.”

“Who’s to say the pretty girl wouldn’t uproot her life for you? You’re a catch, Lyds. And I know I tried to warn you off of her, but since you didn’t listen, you shouldn’t sell yourself short.”

Lydia’s stomach fluttered at the idea of more long nights in Zann’s strong arms and lazy mornings cuddling with her in bed, but she knew better than to get her hopes up. Shit like that might work for people like Eve, but it’d never been the case for her.

“I appreciate the support. But—” Lydia broke off as Michael jumped onto Aspen’s back and, beside them, Kit did the same to Zann, while Jack bounded ahead of them all. “What the fuck are they doing?”

“Giving me a goddamn heart attack,” Eve muttered. She jabbed a threatening finger at the group. “If you break her, Michael, I will kick your ass!”