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While we’re still singing, Scarlett leans in toward Theo and me.
“Pappy is the one who reminded me it was her birthday. I can’t believe it totally slipped my mind. I feel awful about it. Pappy heard about it at the lodge…I tried to call you before we came here.”
“I’m just glad we made it,” Theo says, shaking his head.
When the song is over, Grinny stands and hugs each of us. Her grandsons apologize profusely for not getting here sooner and she pats their faces, her smile so big.
“You’re here now, and the best present I can think of is to know that you’re happy.” She points at me and Scarlett before she puts her arm around both of us, squeezing us closer. “ButI wouldn’t complain if you gave me a few more great-grandchildren…preferably while I still have some energy to enjoy them.”
She cackles when my mouth drops and I’m glad for all the twinkle lights in this place, so everyone doesn’t see my red face.
I’m sure that even the dark, moody lighting doesn’t hide the longing in my eyes at the thought of having a baby with Theo.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO
NEVER ALONE
THEO
After Grinny, Peg, and Helen leave, we stand in the parking lot having an impromptu family meeting.
“How devastated was she that we didn’t remember?” I ask Scarlett.
“Honestly, she seemed fine about it, but I still feel awful.” Scarlett sags into Jamison and he pulls her back to his chest.
“Well, what are we going to do to make it up to her?” Wyatt says.
“We could have a big party,” Owen pipes up.
I reach out and give his skinny shoulder a squeeze.
“That’s a good idea, son,” Sutton says. “We haven’t had a big party for her in a long time. I’d be happy to have it at my place.”
“This weekend?” Scarlett asks. “Could we pull it off that soon?”
“I can help with the setup,” Sofie says. “Put me to work.”
“I’m working all weekend,” Wyatt says, shaking his head. “Already covering for Emma while she’s on vacation, so it’d be hard to find someone to cover for me.”
“How about next weekend?” I suggest. “That’ll give us time to invite everyone and make it really nice.”
“Should we see if we could take over The Dancing Emu?” Scarlett asks. “You know how the Golden Girls love karaoke. Well…Grinny and Peg do. Can you imagine Helen getting up there to sing?”
Sofie and Scarlett laugh, and I get that warm rush of adrenaline that my girl is back. Sometimes it smacks me upside the face and is the best kind of whiplash.
“Whodoesn’tlove karaoke?” Jamison asks.
Scarlett laughs and looks up at him over her shoulder. “Not everyone loves it like the Ledgers do, Wingtip.”
He tickles her side until she yelps and turns, holding both hands up.
“Stop distracting me. We have a birthday party to plan,” he says, laughing, and then pauses. “I don’t mean to state the obvious, but the lodge would accommodate everyone…and we’d be happy to have it there. But it’s up to you guys.” He frowns at Scarlett. “No weddings I’m forgetting about?”
“We’re booked this weekend and next Friday night. But next Saturday night is open,” Scarlett says.
Everyone looks at Sutton and he nods. “If you’re sure…that would be easier for me. Yeah, let’s do that.”
“Okay, so a week from Saturday at the lodge?” I say, trying to speed things along.
