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It was kind of exciting to have prospects for the future. A different life than just hanging in Lockwood. Seeing amazing sights, tasting new food, spending time with my pack. I could get used to that.
When we finally reached the apartment, I didn't bother to hide from my neighbor. She couldn't ruin my mood. She didn't bother to poke her head out and give us grief at least.
The entire place smelled like garlic and I poked my head in the kitchen to see them compiling a lasagna and garlic bread.
"Smells amazing," I called out.
Silas turned with a goofy smile on his face.
"I'm actually cooking!"
"He's doing well," Oaks said, giving me a wink to show he was having a good time, too.
Everyone gathered around as they put it in the oven, Amos and Sawyer stepping in to help make a salad, while Isaac and Colt started setting the table. As Colt shifted aside my usual centerpiece fruit bowl, I was reminded of the delivery today.
"Oh, hey, who sent me the flowers?" I questioned. I'd left them at work, knowing damn well I couldn't bring them home. Hell, Max barely made it to our shop from his. "I brought a rose home," I said, pulling it from my bag.
The guys all looked at each other, trying to figure out who the culprit was but nobody confessed.
"I hate to admit it but it wasn't us," Isaac said, gesturing at his friends.
"It wasn't us either," Amos admitted, “at least not me.” He looked at Silas and Jackson who both gave a shrug, completely confused
"Well, that's weird," I said, digging for the card and handing it over. "Apparently, someone who's not you likes my smile."
Serenity
Music was blasting and the smell of my dad's grilling filled the air. The usual crowd was here but now it included my entire pack. If their neighbors hated us before, I knew it would be even worse now. Clearly, bad neighbors just ran in the family.
Outside of Silas apologizing to dad profusely, there weren't any awkward moments as I introduced everyone and it was the perfect distraction from whoever was sending flowers. The guys had been on edge since they arrived.
Ellie's pack had taken mine under their wing, the twins, Sawyer, and Silas already in the midst of a cannonball competition at the pool.
Oaks was helping my dad on the grill, giving him some tips and my dad was graciously listening. That in itself was a feat. He never let anyone talk to him while grilling, especially about how he was doing things. Even Mom kept her distance while he cooked. It was an unspoken rule in their marriage. He doesn't ask about her makeup, she doesn't critique his grilling.
My mom was occupied with Ellie's baby, kissing the sweet girl on her cheeks and making her laugh. Adelyn was adorable and I went over to get some baby smiles of my own.
Mom eyed me as I walked up. "Did you reconsider yet?" Every time Addie was around, I got the same question. I ignored Mom and made faces at her, sweet baby giggles filling the air.
"Absolutely not," I cooed at Adelyn. "Her parents get to provide the grandkids, I get to be the cool aunt, right? Just wait until you're big enough for tattoos."
"Don't you dare," Ezra said as he walked by, pointing his finger and giving me a severe look like that would stop me.
"Hey, I'm just here for all forms of support," I teased. "A shoulder to cry on, gifting loud toys, baby's first tattoo."
"We could totally get her one of those baby sleeve tattoos. They're washable," Kat chimed in. She and Grant were sitting together at the table. She could deny that all she wanted but it was obvious there was a connection between them. He whispered something to her, hand on her thigh, and she laughed as if she'd already forgotten about the rest of us.
"You brat," I accused. She blinked up at me innocently before busting out into laughter, confirming my suspicions.
"Don't think you're going to get out of this one," I warned her before walking away and checking on the others.
"Good thing we have a huge backyard," my dad said, beaming out at his growing family. He pulled me into a hug. "How are you doing, sweet girl."
"Surprisingly well," I admitted. He cocked an eyebrow at me.
"Happy looks good on you, Serenity. This is what it's supposed to be like. Though I never anticipated eight." We both laughed. No one could have predicted this.
"Well, after your little stunt at the lake," I said, giving him a fake glare. "Things kind of escalated and they just kept going. For once I didn't hold myself back."
