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“Leave that to me girlfriend,” Lilah says with mischief in her eyes.
“I found the robe on Amazon!” Winnie squeals.
I look over Winnie’s shoulder at the God-awful cheap costume and laugh as I imagine Flame wearing that. “There is no way in hell you’re getting that on Flame. You might as well buy a real robe and captain’s hat.”
“Don’t forget the pipe!” Lyric giggles.
Brenna looks at the costume on Winnie’s phone and frowns. “That’s the costume? Black pants, a robe, hat and pipe?”
“It’s iconic, Brenna!” Lyric groans. “How you can be my best friend and not know who Hugh Hefner is, I’ll never know.”
We all laugh until a few tears line Brenna’s face. “Woah. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” Lyric says carefully.
I smile as I watch Brenna throw herself at Lyric, causing her to teeter in her heels. Lyric, who is no doubt surprised, hugs her back. I can briefly make out Brenna’s crackly voice saying, “I’ve never had a best friend before.”
I walk over to the two and wrap my arms around them both, getting as close as my belly allows. “Bitch, you’ve got two.”
I feel Winnie’s bump hit my back as she joins in. “Make that three.”
“What the fuck! Don’t leave me out of this. Four!” Lilah says as she jumps on us all.
We hold our group hug until Brenna shuffles her way back. We all let go and grin at the bright smile now plastered on her face. She wipes the few remaining tears from her cheeks. “Thank you guys. You have no idea how much it means to me to have all of you.”
“We love you, Bren,” I say, wrapping my arm around her shoulder and pressing my head to hers.
“I’m so glad we have you back,” she whispers to me, which causes my own set of fresh tears to drip down my cheeks.
“God damnit, Brenna. I did my makeup this morning!” I huff.
“Pebbles is back,” Lyric cackles.
I roll my eyes at my girls as they all smile at me. Determined to get all of their attention off of me, I nod to the pile of fabrics Lilah has stacked in the cart. “You’re going to be busy.”
“Good thing I don’t have a day job for a few more weeks,” she says on a forced laugh.
“How much longer until the bakery is done?” Lyric asks while flipping through more fabric.
“Dad says it should be done before Halloween so I’ll be able to use the kitchen for the party, but I’m trying not to get too excited. I just want my baby back.”
“Good thing you have other things to distract you,” Lyric replies, waggling her eyebrows at Lilah.
Lilah responds with an eye roll and flicks her off with a smile.
“I’m craving chicken parmesan!” Winnie blurts.
My mouth waters as soon as I think of garlic bread dipped in alfredo. “Mmm. The boys agree.”
“I’m putting on way too much fucking weight being around you pregnant bitches,” Lyric groans.
* * *
A few hours after lunch, I’m walking through the front door and let out a scream as a large husky charges me. I freeze in place as the beautiful dog licks my arm to death. I swear the thing is smiling at me.
“Who are you, sweet boy, and how did you get into my house?” I cautiously reach out to pet the dog's soft fur. He seems to like it as he immediately drops down to his back. I laugh as I crouch down to scratch his belly.
Loud footsteps thunder down the stairs as Trigger’s boots thump on each step.
“Shit. You’re home early,” he says, reaching behind to rub his neck.
