Page 17 (1/2)

“U my eyes from Dex, I looked down at them and tried to smile, but my heart continued to race “This is my aunt and uncle’s house, and the party is forhere?”

“Chip is Daddy’s friend froether”

“Really?” Over their heads, I ain and smiled weakly “Small world”

He nodded, looking like he had no idea what to say

Chip entered the rooe offday”

Dex grabbed it and tipped it back i shile Chip noticedthere

“Winnie, hey!” Co time, no see”

Rising on tiptoe to hug et ratulations on your engagement”

“Thanks I need to introduce you to Mariah—April kidnapped her for a minute, but I’m about to steal her back”

Letting go of Chip, I tried to act like an adult “Remember my friend Ellie?”

“I think so” Chip smiled warmly and shook Ellie’s hand “Glad you could make it”

“My pleasure,” she said “Congratulations”

“This is my friend Dexter Matthews” Chip put a hand on Dex’s broad shoulder before gesturing to the two girls “And these are his daughters, Hallie and Luna Guys, this is my cousin Winnie and her friend Ellie”

“Oh, we already know Winnie,” Hallie informed him

“You do?” Chip grinned down at her in surprise

“Yes, she lives next door,” said Luna excitedly, bouncing up and down “We saw her bum today!”

Record scratch

Horrible silence

Chip looked confused “Her what?”

“Her bum” Luna patted her own backside while I held my breath and tried to make myself disappear “We sae were in her bedroom today”

“Luna!” Hallie elbowed her sister “Daddy told us in the car not to tell that story tonight You’re gonna get us in trouble and then we can’t go swi tomorrow”

“I forgot” Luna rubbed her shoulder and looked up at Dex “Sorry, Daddy”

Dex struggled for words and ca hell, Luna”

“Boy, I could really use a glass of wine,” Ellie said brightly, putting her hand through my arm “How about you, Win?”