Page 92 of Forever Only Once

I quickly got dressed and headed to the kitchen to start setting up. It would take Hazel a bit longer to finish her hair, but I didn’t mind. My woman had already made a checklist of what we needed out, and what needed to be prepped for the party.

I had just started setting up the food and making sure the place was clean when Hazel walked out, her hair done, a bright, satisfied smile on her face.

I had done that. No, check that, we had done that. And after everything that she had been through? It was my favorite fucking thing to see in the world.

“You look edible,” I whispered. She leaned back, her hands outstretched.

“Don’t. If you kiss me, we’re going to have sex in the kitchen again, and it’ll take a lot of cleaning to get it ready for the party. I won’t be a part of that.”

I threw my head back and laughed, suddenly saved by the doorbell.

“Let’s get this party started.” She clapped her hands together and gave me a wide smile. “I can’t believe we’re having a housewarming party already. It feels like I just moved in.”

I leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. “You did just move in. Hence the party. Now, let’s go see our family.”

Everybody showed up almost at the same time, each bringing food of their own, as well as drinks and little presents.

Joshua, Dakota’s son, came in, a potted plant in his hands, very carefully setting it on the floor.

“Mom let me bring it in, but I had to be really careful,” Joshua said.

I leaned down and nodded solemnly. “You did a fine job.”

“Your brother Macon helped me get it out of the car, but then I took it the rest of the way. I like Macon.”

I smiled and reached out to squeeze the kid’s shoulder. “I like Macon, too.”

Macon wasn’t exactly the same as he had been, though. While my brother had always been quiet and a little growly, he was also the one with a quick smile, just like Prior. He didn’t smile as much anymore, and he didn’t talk about it. I hoped that one day he would. But until then, we would all watch and be there for him.

Dakota was all of a sudden there, by Macon’s side, taking the rest of her containers from him. Macon didn’t say a word, just stared at her intently before going to the living room where Nate and Myra were glaring at each other. I had no idea why they were doing that, but when the group of us were together, it was always very interesting.

“You didn’t have to make anything,” I said.

“She always likes to make things, but she makes the best things, so I really want to know what’s inside,” Hazel said, taking a couple of containers from Dakota while I took the rest.

“Thank you,” I said at the same time Hazel did, and we smiled at each other while Dakota rolled her eyes.

“You guys are so cute it’s disgusting. However, I have adorable cupcakes with fillings that I hope you love. And I can’t wait to see your house. Thank you for this.”

“Seriously, the place looks great,” Paris said. I like that you guys blended your lives. And who knew a date that I helped set up would end up so amazing?” Paris said, and Prior snorted from her side.

“Excuse me? Do you have something to say?” she asked.

“We all know that it had nothing to do with you. And everything to do with them. But sure, take the credit.”

“Wow. I can’t believe you just said that.”

“What, the truth?”

The two started bickering, and Hazel and I looked at each other before walking away.

“It seems that our families are getting along just fine,” Hazel said, wincing.

“We’ll figure it out. At least, I hope so.” I set down the cupcakes and then kissed Hazel again, holding her to me.

Arden and Liam arrived, pulling Prior and Paris away from each other.

It seemed that everybody got along but had their own odd quirks with one another. That didn’t bother me because my family had their own quirks.