Page 149 of Not In The Contract

I don’t know how I made it through the day. I was barely able to focus at work, texting back and forth with Alex as we swung between plans for dinner and plans for our future family. We were both back home by seven, baked goods and alcohol stash secured as per our breakfast agenda. Within an hour, our place had transformed into a hub of laughter and camaraderie as the others took over.

Reid threw her coat over the back of the living room sofa, giving an approving nod as she took in the space. “It’s so refreshing to be at one of these where Alex hasn’t delegated to a catering company.” She smirked. “Makes me feel a little better about handing over the expensive hostess gift.”

Alex squinted at the label on the bottle of wine Mia had given her, and then promptly shoved it over to me.

“That would be Devon, this time. She’s been running around like a whirlwind, making sure everything’s perfect.”

“Ha! I knew there’d be a catch.” Reid pointed an accusatory finger at Alex. “Shame on you, Bell.”

Frankie came over and nudged me with her shoulder, having overheard the conversation. “I knew you had it in you. The place looks great, by the way.”

“I swear I woke up and found it like this,” I joked.

“Take the credit, honey,” Hayden called from the other side of the sofa. “You usually have to pry it from Alex’s death grip, so don’t be shy.”

“Oh, I’m all for giving credit where it’s due.” Alex grinned widely. “For instance, if there are any kitchen disasters tonight, Devon’s to blame.”

I playfully elbowed her in the ribs. “Hey, my culinary skills are a work in progress, thank you very much.”

Laughter rolled through the small crowd in our living room, everyone getting a kick out of the silly back and forth.

I secretly scanned my mental list of what I’d left in the kitchen: the roast was in the oven with twenty minutes to go before it was finished, the chocolate mousse desserts were setting in the fridge, I’d stashed the veggies on the warming plate, and Jamie had gone in to get the platters of snacks I’d set out right before everyone started arriving.

“I hope you don’t mind us letting ourselves in?” Tamera gave a small wave. Katya stood by her side, their arms hooked into each other. “And I hope Alex doesn’t mind me bringing some of her work home.”

Katya slapped her arm, pouting shyly, while we all started laughing again. “Seriously, baby, that’s getting old.”

I caught Tam’s eye and flashed her a wink. She’d integrated effortlessly into our group, her particular brand of wit quickly becoming a firm favorite at gatherings.

Jamie appeared in the doorway between the kitchen and living room, a look of defeat on her face.

“I’ve been through every cupboard.” She sighed. “Either Alex was lying about the toothpicks existing, or I’ve gone blind.”

Alex chuckled, shaking her head slowly. “Or it’s a secret third thing, Jamie… The fact that you can never find the thing that’s right under your nose.”

Jamie narrowed her eyes at Alex in mock indignation. “I resent that. You take that back, or-”

“Or…?” Alex goaded her, sniggering so much her shoulders shook.

Her kid sister wasn’t having it though and folded her arms defiantly over her chest. “Or I’m telling Marta.”

There was a ripple of ‘ooohs’ that filtered through the room, and all eyes landed on Alex, who became suddenly flustered.

“Seriously? You’re threatening to tell on me to our therapist?”

Jamie looked smug, satisfied that she’d won that one. “Get in here and give them to me, if you’re so convinced you’re right.”

“In a minute.” Alex caught my gaze and I gave a stiff nod. “There’s something we want to tell you guys.”

“It’s happening, isn’t it?” Taylor pushed between Cameron and Elliot so that she was right in front of us. “You’re getting married, aren’t you?”

There were a few surprised gasps and I nearly buckled under the weight of having everyone’s eyes glued to Alex and me.

“If this is the engagement party, Hayden owes me fifty bucks,” Frankie said, rubbing her hands together expectantly.

“Fifty? What a cheapskate.” Cameron shook her head at Hayden, but the latter didn’t seem bothered at all.

“Hey, you’re last to talk,” Elliot chirped, poking Cameron’s shoulder with her finger. “You bet me ten.”