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The big surprise guests arrived to a loud eruption of cheers: Jimmy and his fiancé Bobby had come into town from Arizona for the holidays I understood i a personality larger than any roo and kind The second he learned who I was, Jiued by h school His fiancé Bobby was a sweet guy, but a lot ot around his own clique of friends ere still here in Spruce, he opened right up like a pop-up book The whole evening was turned upside-dohen Jiest surprise yet: They were yhty-ass athletic complex in Fairview, I promise you that!” he stated rather dea classes, aerobics, you na stuff—” “Hey!” protested Bobby with a s as Ji his drea later that she’s i for the two of theed for far too long, in her not-so-humble opinion
Not to be outdone by his little brother’s big announcement, Tanner and Billy apparently had one of their own All of the renovations at their little lakeside (or ‘pond-side’, as they say) house were not si room, added an extra annex, a second bathroom, and a second bedroom Their purpose: to foster a child and beco Toby, thanks to the Spruce ru Tanner and Billy themselves—was that the child they were about to happily foster was going to be a fourteen-year-old na to come with an unplanned surprise of his own: a ten-year-old little brother named Josh When Tanner and Billy made the announcement at that Christs they were about to welcome into their family in a matter of weeks They also had no idea the stresses, trials, and tribulations they would face over the next five months—as well as the love, wonder, and discovery they’d enjoy along the way When Marcus started high school that spring, Toby and I er Spruce High’s shiny new toy
Oblivious to this future ere all about to face, I continued to enjoy the Holiday Bash with Toby at ht was made onlybench on the side porch and peered out at the faux-snowy landscape before us, which seeht “I wish this night could last forever,” hebench
Thoughts of winter swirl out of my head like a lazy snowfall as I’es froroomed hair, and his killer smile I can’t believe he’s my boyfriend I can’t believe this is onna get to show off to all of Spruce High tonight
After a very fast five-uys be safe out there on that bike!” Marlene tells us, o “Yeah, and, you know …” adds Carl in a grunt, scratching at his stubble, “don’t do nothin’ that isn’t, uh, safe … or, or whatever” Marlene nudges him playfully and responds on our behalf: “What are you so afraid of the two of theo have fun!” Then she waves us off from the front step, tears in her eyes
After donning our helhtly around et old “You look daht, baby,” I tell hiot a chance to in the house Toby squeezesself, stud muffin”
Yeah ‘Fricking’ is still our thing In fact, I’ factor that made Toby say “Yes!” to my promposal