Page 84 of Beyond the Blue Horizon

I was still holding onto Emery’s hands as I shifted to look over my shoulder.

A woman was standing inside the door, holding a giant bouquet of pink, cream, and white flowers that matched the rest of the store.

Her lips were painted bright red and were curved in a smile.

Her black hair was in an intricate twist with a bunch of little flowers tucked into the knot.

Bold makeup lined her dark eyes.

Almost as dark as Theo’s, though they weren’t written in the same kind of torment or malice.

They brimmed with deep-seated joy.

“Um, that’s because I literally just met Piper five minutes ago.” Amusement danced through Emery’s words, and she playfully rolled her eyes as she released my hands. “Hold your horses, will you? We were just getting introduced.”

“Hold my horses? Never. You know I am full steam ahead, especially when it comes to a new bestie.”

New bestie?

Apprehension billowed.

The woman’s smile grew as she came closer. “I’m Raven. It’s so good to meet you, Piper. I do hope you came to put our dear Emery out of her misery because she has been freaking out for the last week that she hasn’t found anyone awesome enough to help her here at the store, and I have to say, I’m gettingawesomevibes.”

She shifted the bouquet to the side so she could wave her right hand in my direction.

It exposed her huge, round belly that peeked out from her long, heavy jacket that was unbuttoned.

She had to be at least seven months pregnant.

When she realized where my attention had gone, she flourished that same hand over her protruding middle. “As you can see, we’ll be sharing mocktails for the next two months, but after that, I’m your girl when you’re ready for a good time.”

“Says the one who’s never going to leave the house when our Little Luna is born.” Kane cut into the conversation, his voice full of gruff affection.

“Okay, okay, maybe I won’t be frequenting your club quite as much, but we’ve already made a pact—dance party at least once a month. I do hope you brought your dancing shoes.”

My attention volleyed between them.

Raven dropped her focus to my boots. “Oh my God, those are so cute. Yes, yes, you will do.” She swept her attention to Emery. “Tell me you already hired her?”

“Signed and sealed.” Emery nodded emphatically. “She’s ours now. And guess what? She has a son who’s two.”

Raven squealed, basically stamping her ridiculously high heels on the hardwood floors. “This is perfect. The mommas are officially together.”

My head spun, unable to keep up with them. Knowing I probably shouldn’t try to.

That I should deflect and divert.

But isn’t this what I told Nelly I wanted if I could have it?

Friends?

A connection?

Bonds that meant something?

“Wait until you meet Charleigh,” Raven gushed. “She’s engaged to my brother, River, and they have a little boy named Nolan who is nothing but adorbs. And then, of course, we have our Maci. The two of them are going to go gaga over your son. Just wait. Give me your number, we have to make plans to get everyone together.”

“Oh…” I stammered, half in a daze.