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The last girls’ night had resulted in Rachel getting pregnant. She still hadn’t forgiven me for it since I’d been the one to make the margaritas. Virgin for me, of course.
“Our girls’ nights are going to be pretty tame for the next few years. Allison has a newborn, Rachel’s pregnant, I’m pregnant, and ten bucks says Joni will be pregnant within a month of her wedding.”
“A month? No way. Three—maybe.”
“She’s thirty five. Her clock is ticking. And she’s wanted little tiny Zip babies forever.”
“Great, now I’m nauseous. Thanks.”
I grinned at him.
He grinned at me.
“Areyouhappy, love?” I asked him, gently running a finger down his cheek.
“Yeah, babe. I’m happy.”
He took my hand and we walked out of our bed and breakfast out into the misty sixty-five degree weather. We got ice cream and then strolled barefoot along the beach before sitting on the sand to watch the sunset. Colt scooted in close behind me, nestling me in the cradle of his body.
I thought about how nothing good lasted forever, but it was the same for the bad. Life was volatile and mercurial and it liked to kick me while I was down. But it also had the power to lift me up and give me everything I ever needed. And things I didn’t even know I wanted.
As the sun sank into the ocean, I thought of Shelly.
I thought of her smile and her laughter. I thought of Grammie and Mom and Cheese. I thought about them all—the people I’d lost who’d imprinted themselves on my heart.
Life was a journey. Like a river. Always changing course.
Family.
Family got me through the hard times and celebrated with me during the joys.
Family didn’t have to be blood, I realized.
I had chosen mine.
“What are you thinking about, darlin’?” Colt asked, his chin resting on my shoulder, whiskers prickling my skin through my clothes.
“I’m thinking about how lucky I am.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” I turned my head so I could brush my lips across his stubbled cheek. “Let’s go home, Colt. I’m ready to go home.”
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