AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Except maybe Willa, who watches intently while Kimpton nestles in his wrap-around contraption. She’s a natural. So is Exton. It’s as if they left the hospital with a full download of gentle, kind, patient parenting skills and started at the top of the curve.
Exton seems not to notice—or care—that anyone else is in the room. His wife and son are the sun, and his orbit is around them.
She catches my eyes. Hers flick to my ring, and her eyebrows rise, but she says nothing. She simply smiles.
“How’s he doing?” I nod at the bump sleeping soundly on her chest. “And how’re you?”
“He’s perfect.” She sighs. “And I’m about ready for a girls’ night out. Do you drink margaritas?”
“I like nearly everything that makes me think it’s summer.”
“Before Christmas, if we can swing it. If not, then between then and New Year’s?”
“Definitely. Speaking of...” I turn to Emberleigh, who’s returned to the table. “How are the plans coming?”
“Fine. I’ve coordinated large events before so this is relatively simple, in comparison. It’s the dress that’s giving me fits.”
“Oh?” Willa says, a glint in her eye.
“I’m sorry,” I offer.
“Off the rack is fine, but alterations are ridiculous. You’d think a simple dress would be easier, but it’s not. Those complicated ones don’t require the same skill because the seams are covered, you know?”
Willa and I nod, but I finally say, “I’m over here nodding, but I have no clue. I hate that it’s an added stressor for you. Anything I can do for you?” I lift a hand between us. “I can’t sew. At all, not even a button. When was the last time you saw me in anything other than athleisure?”
“I figured that was because of your Excel sponsorship.”
“It’s because I’m lazy.”
Layton leans over me. “Congratulations, by the way. I heard you impressed the hell out of them, and they’re a client of yours now.”
She nods. “Yeah. A connection you made for me, so thank you.”
“I was losing them. I didn’t help you at all. You pulled that out and saved my ass too. Honestly, Emberleigh, you’ve saved my ass more times than I can count this year.” He lifts his water glass to her. “Thankful for you, my almost sister-in-law.”
“Glad I could help, soon-to-be-brother-in-law.” She clinks her water glass to his.
“Bright,” I call. “I’m betting a few people here haven’t heard your Dolly Parton story.”
Braxton groans and gives me a look before peering over my head at Layton. “You sure you want a wild one?” But he winks at me and continues as Bright begins recounting singing on stage with Dolly, “He never did like breaking the stallions. Thought it was against their nature. They need to be free to run.”
A hand wraps around the back of my neck.
“I still do,” Layton says firmly. “We breed in captivity. No need to break.”
The eldest Ranger nods. “You’re not wrong.”
“Braxton, I need to resign.”
His fork clinks to his plate, and his eyes skate between us.
“I’m not quitting on Layton. And I’m not quitting on the family. I’ve moved here and resigned from my job, for heaven’s sake.” I lift a hand to my mouth like I’m sharing a secret. “But I’m sleeping with the client, after all, and your paying me makes that super icky. So if you’re good with it, here’s my two hours’ notice. I’ll work indefinitely for free, but I’d like not to take a paycheck.”
“You drive a hard bargain, Livy, but if you insist…” He extends a hand, and I shake. He looks at his watch. “The best thing I did this year is make a blind phone call to you. You’re a great woman for my brother. I’m glad you’re in our lives.”
Emberleigh clears her throat.
Braxton talks behind his hand like he’s telling me a secret and says, “Okay, you’re the second-best thing I did this year. The best was knocking up Emberleigh.”
