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“Look, Dad. It’s Darby.”
Pierce’s eyes follow the direction of his little finger, and when he spots me, his eyes grow wide. “Oh, fuck,” he states, rushing my way. I know he’s close, but I’m mesmerized by the young man that is the spitting image of his father.
“Darby, baby.” Pierce wraps around me, pressing my head into his chest. “Breathe.”
I do as he asks, sucking in air and squeezing my eyes tight. “He’s you… He looks exactly like you,” I rasp.
“Baby, I’m sorry. I was taking them to the library for the magic show. He slipped away.”
“Shit,” Evin hisses behind us, undoubtedly taking in the scene.
I snap out of my fog, shaking my head a few times, and realize how this must look. “It’s okay.” I step back, tip on my toes, and peer over Pierce’s shoulder. Cole is standing close, his smile gone, and he’s flanked by Maya, who is fidgeting nervously.
This is not how I expected to meet them, but it’s up to me to make it comfortable. “Hi there.” I sidestep Pierce and approach them slowly. “I’m Darby.”
“Hey,” Maya mumbles.
“I’m Cole.” He bounces excitedly.
“This is a wonderful surprise.”
“Hey there, Slugger.” Miller breaks in.
“Uncle Miller!” Both their eyes light up.
“Want to try some?” He waves the tray of samples in front of them.
Cole takes one eagerly while Maya is a bit more reserved. Cole inhales his, groaning dramatically. Maya’s eyes widen when she swallows.
“Oh my gosh, that is good,” she gushes, and the compliment sends a thrill through me.
“Thanks. There’s a lot more where that came from. Miller can help you pick something.” I throw a thumb over my shoulder.
Their eyes slide to Pierce, who nods his approval. Miller throws me a glance full of support before ushering them away.
“You okay?” Evin asks worriedly.
“Yeah, I’m good.”
He scans my face for signs of distress, no doubt ready to get me away if needed.
“Promise, I’m not going to break down,” I assure him.
He nods, stepping away and leaving me with Pierce. “I thought you were set up on the other side of the fountain. That’s why we came in this direction.”
“It’s okay,” I say softly.
“Your face is still pale.”
“I had a moment of reflection when I saw him. It made me think of…” There’s no need to finish the sentence.
Pierce blows out a loud breath and yanks me back into him. His mouth comes to my ear. “Don’t do that. Don’t go back to what we lost. Think about what we have ahead of us.”
“Okay.” The calmness in my voice shocks me.
“Yeah, you good?” He bends back, cupping my chin gently.
“I think so. I mean, the range of emotions I’ve experienced in the last three minutes is certifiable, but I’m still standing.”
A sexy grin spreads across his mouth, “God, I love you,” he says right before he sweeps his lips over mine. I melt into him, the people around us forgotten.
“Hey, lovebirds! We’re running a business here. Think you can join us?” My mom breaks into my kiss-induced fog.
I giggle, dropping my head back, and hold on to him.
“Dad! Look what Mrs. Annie gave us!” Cole shouts excitedly, dragging my attention to the tent. He’s yanking a DG Creations shirt over his head, and my throat closes as Maya does the same.
“Oh my,” I whisper, thankful Pierce is supporting me.
“We decided to skip the magician and help out here with the rest of the family,” Maya calls to us.
Jill, Warren, and Miller are beaming while nodding approvingly.
“You got another one of those shirts, Annie?” Pierce jostles me in his arms, his own approval firm in his voice.
“Of course.”
He drops his mouth to the column of my throat and kisses gently. “You heard the little lady. Let’s get to work with our family.”
•—•—•—•—•
“You’re dead on your feet. Have a seat with me.” Jill taps the lounge chair to her right.
“Gladly.” I collapse, groaning as the cushion sucks me in.
“Would you like a margarita?” Lynda offers.
The answer is hell yes, but I look out over the pasture where Pierce, Warren, and my dad are leading the kids around on the horses. Is it appropriate for me to drink alcohol?
“Yes, she’ll have one. Add a tequila topper, will you?” Jill decides for me.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“It absolutely is. You’ve been working like the devil, and it’s your weekend. Enjoy it.”
Lynda hands me the large, salt-rimmed glass and sits at the foot of my chair. “Cheers!” she toasts, and we all join in chorus.
A loud ‘yippee’ sounds from the barn, and we all laugh at Mom, who is pumping her hands triumphantly in the air on the back of her favorite horse. Evin and Miller are walking behind them.
My anxiety spikes, but Lynda shakes her head when I move to get up. “She’s good, Darby. Jessie has been working with her in therapy on what is acceptable.”
