Page 54 of The Last Person

Then I send the same picture I sent to Christy and wait to see what happens.

Do I like to start trouble? As often as possible. And I don’t have to wait long for a reaction.

Hallie: OH MY GOD! This better be for real or I will come down there and cut your balls off myself.

Me: Damn, baby girl. Pregnancy has made you violent.

Wilson: Hm. Not one of the things I’ve noticed increasing.

Me: Did the curmudgeon just make a sex joke?

Wilson: I’m not a curmudgeon. Anymore.

Hallie: Nope. I made him fun.

Markie Mark: I can confirm that this is indeed real. I’ve… witnessed it.

Frannie: And you didn’t tell me immediately?!

Markie Mark: Just so we’re clear, she’s putting on a show. I told her right away. She just doesn’t want the other Baker girls to know she didn’t tell them.

Frannie: Traitor!

Kennedy: Eek! I’m squealing!!

Devon:

Me: Uh… what?

Kennedy: That’s Devon saying it’s way too early here, and he’s mad you woke me up because now I won’t stop poking him.

Justin: That’s what he gets for marrying a Baker girl. They’re always trouble. BTW congrats. I never saw it coming. I swear.

Jade: Never. Not at all. Cue myHome Aloneface.

Devon:

Hallie: Sorry, Dev. We love you. Frannie! How could you not tell me? You were texting me all day yesterday! I’m pinching you the next time I see you.

Me: See? Violence.

Me: Anyway, I’m going to cuddle with my man. Thanks for the love. Hallie, don’t cause too much bodily harm.

“What did you do?” Brian mutters sleepily.

“Nothing. Why do you think I did something?”

“Because my phone just went off like twenty times and you’re barely suppressing laughter.”

I kiss his head and pull him closer. “No idea what you’re talking about. I’m just here snuggling my man.”

His eyes flicker open. “I like when you call me that.”

“Keep talking in that husky voice, and I’m going to show you exactly how you belong to me.”

He pulls me closer, then slants his mouth over mine, and I’ve never felt more alive.

This is always where I was supposed to be. Brian’s was always the soul mine was supposed to be tethered to.