Page 52 of Rulebreaker

And find a way to top it.

“…you’ll never believe where Hudson and I are going tomorrow,” Willow says, drawing me out of my thoughts and back into the room.

“Where?” Jade asks, nibbling on the edge of one of Briar’s homemade rolls.

I don’t know where she’s putting it–I’m stuffed full of bread and vegetables and mashed potatoes and roast that complimented my wine perfectly (not a surprise since Briar’s a perfectionist too).

And I was pacing myself, knowing that chocolate pie was coming.

A pie she eyes eagerly as Briar pulls it out of the fridge and sets it on the counter next to a stack of plates and knife.

Hmm, I think as she takes the first piece Briar offers up–a huge slab that almost dwarfs the plate.

I glance at Royal, study the protective position he’s taken up.

Or maybe there’s another reason she’s so hungry.

Like she’s eating for two.

I keep that thought to myself.

Mostly because Aspen is rubbing a hand over her swollen belly, looking tired and very,verydone with being pregnant as she asks, “Where?”

Willow smiles and it’s so nice to see her settled, confident, growing stronger and stronger by the day. She bumps her shoulder against Dash’s shoulder and says, “To a dog funeral.”

The room goes quiet–Banks, who was squaring off with Frankie, glancing over his shoulder.

“What’s a funeral?” she asks right on cue.

And I can almost see Briar groan.

Willow freezes then winces, clearly having forgotten Frankie’s little–or big, in this case–ears.

“It’s a way to remember people–or pets,” she adds, handing Willow a piece of pie and tugging at her ponytail, catching her eyes. I know she’s silently telling her it’s fine, and that’s another reason I need to make sure West doesn’t fuck over Briar.

Because my sister has a big heart that needs to be handled with care.

“Oh,” Frankie says, immediately uninterested as she focuses back on the game. “Like we had for Mr. Stinky.”

There’s a pause as the collective puzzles that out.

All except for Royal who says, “The preschool’s goldfish.” A beat. “Frankie’s class had a memorial for him last week.”

I feel a shaking against my side and glance down, seeing that Lily’s trying not to laugh, her beautiful blue eyes dancing. “Mr. Stinky?” she mouths.

I bite the inside of my cheek. “What else would you name a goldfish?”

“Anythingelse?” she whispers.

I snort.

“Who’s the dog funeral for?” Aspen asks.

“Martika’s ancient schnauzer passed,” Willow says. “We’ll have the service and burial and then a full tea at her house.”

Dash’s expression tells me how little he’s looking forward to all of that. “She says you’re all invited.” He shrugs. “Likely the food will be good because Mrs. Davis knows how to throw a party.”

“I’ve never been to a dog funeral before,” Jade says. “So, Royal and I are in.”