Page 42

Vivienne

My nonna had lots of sayings about the power of gathering for a meal around a table. But her favorite was, "Around the table, all hearts are nourished." Maybe I was too caught up in my own shit, or too young to understand it, but looking around this table, empty plates pushed back, I think it's finally sinking in. There's more love here than there is in some homes, and this is as much a family as those by blood.

Like it's done most of the last hour, my gaze flits to the man next to me and then to the baby in Lilah's arms. Xavier had a shitty childhood. He grew up in a house filled with the kind of resentment no one should have to endure. Yet, he's building a beautiful life for him and his daughter and it all starts right here.

Poppy drops her hand to Lilah's bump, rubbing it and smiling, before snatching Holland from her.

"I need the baby. Planning a wedding is stressful," she justifies, booping Holland's nose softly. "She's a human Xanax."

"What's stressing you out? We can try to help," I offer.

"The groom." She shoots Hendrix a look. "He wants to change the cake design so it's Bandits teal instead of cream."

"Dude, aren't your wedding colors super neutral?" Dom says, his brow crinkling. "Baby, your dress is sage, right?"

Dean huffs. "More like moss."

"It's all green. I don't see what the problem is. Sage. Moss. Teal. What's the difference?" Hendrix mutters, taking the baby from his fiancée. "My turn with the calming child."

Xavier leans over the table, taking Holland from him before he can settle her against his chest. "People who don't know basic color coordination don't get to self-medicate with my baby."

I laugh at the absurdity of it all.

"So, the bridal shower is coming up. You're coming right, Vi?" Indie, the maid of honor, asks, her voice carrying a playful challenge.

Busted. I haven't responded yet, but it's not because I don't want to be there. I just don't want a pity invite because of my situation with Xavier.

Harlowe would tell me to take it at face value and stop doubting I'm awesome enough to be included on my own merit. Tenley would probably roll her eyes and say something like, " They invited you. Period. That's all the validation you need. Go have fun."

But I haven't told them that the invite still sits unanswered on my desk at work. Overthinking is exhausting. So, drawing strength from the advice I know the two women I trust most would give me, I say, "Yeah, I wouldn't miss it." Oddly, I realize I mean it as soon as the words hit the air.

Poppy beams back at me. "Really? I was nervous you would think it was weird I invited you. We might not know each other that well but, when you know you know. And I can tell you were meant to round out this girl gang."

She says it with so much heartfelt honesty that I duck my head, embarrassed I ever doubted her sincerity.

"Let me know if I can help with planning or set-up," I offer.

"Are you kidding? You're a guest. We would never." Lilah speaks up.

"Hermosa, you're practically nine months pregnant," Cruz reminds her. "Maybe don't turn down help when you very well might be giving birth soon."

"Seriously. I don't mind at all." I smile, looking from Lilah to Indie.

Under the table, Xavier's palm closes over my thigh, a silent reminder of the conversation we had earlier. But I want to help and carve out my own space in this amazing family.