Page 163 of Pretend You Love Me

She’s fine. Terrified. Hiding.

But alive.

After some discussion, she leads them to the kitchen cabinet and shows them where my sister is hiding.

Safe.

Both of them are safe.

“We got them, Brooklyn,” James comes over, kneels down in front of me, and grabs both of my hands. “We got them.”

Chapter Forty-Seven

Kip

“That’s weird.” I hold open the door for Brooklyn. “Hawk said he was meeting us here at seven.”

We’re at the front door of Head and Tail. The lights are off. The lights are never off.

“What the hell is going on?” I switch on the light.

“Surprise!” Half the town jumps out from behind tables and the bar.

I clutch my chest. “Are you trying to kill us?”

I look around the room full of smiling faces. There’s a baby shower banner hanging behind the bar and a big cake on a table in the center of the room.

“We told you not to do anything.” Brooklyn says. Her hand is over her heart too. She’s shaking her head. “It’s so nice though.”

“You didn’t expect us to actually listen to you.” Sadie walks forward and gives Brooklyn a hug. “Look how big you’ve gotten.”

“I’m not even in my third trimester.” Brooklyn’s hand is on her stomach. I realize I’m beaming with pride.

Hawk slaps me on the back. “Shouldn’t be too much longer.”

“She can’t fly after this week. We’re just going to be nesting. At least that’s what she tells me.”

“It’s good to see you like this.” Hawk leans in for a hug. I wrap my arms around him.

“Good to see you, brother. How have things been?”

“Restaurant is great.” Hawk’s eyes drift toward McKenzie.

“How’s it working out having her at the cabin?” I catch a look between the two of them.

“I’m enjoying seeing her more often. You know I have to check on Blue every day.”

“Every day?” I’m the one shaking my head now. I lower my voice. “You’ve fallen fast.”

Hawk leans in. His voice low. “Not really. I’ve been interested for a long time, but she wasn’t available.”

My eyebrow arches. Wonders never cease.

“Are you moving out there?”

“I practically have already.” He’s still gazing at McKenzie across the room.

“Why don’t you take the house?” I’m surprised at how happy this is making me. A year ago, I couldn’t have cared less if Hawk was in love or not.