Charlotte
As the sun sets,lights twinkle to life overhead and all around us, transforming our backyard into a magical wonderland. I tip my head back, staring up at Marcel. “Can we keep the lights up?”
“We can do anything you want, wife.”
“Thank you, husband.”
He presses his forehead to mine, staring into my eyes with affection. “Is this how you wanted our day to be?”
“Yes.”
Heidi approaches us, wringing her hands. “I’m so sorry—”
“Stop it.” I pull her toward us and hug her to my side. “I loved having both our nieces up there with us. It’s okay.”
Her shoulders drop and she lets out a breath. “Thanks. I know I kept saying how much I wanted another one, but I’m exhausted.”
“You always have us when you need a break.”
Her lips quirk. “You’re going to have your own hands full soon.”
Wrath sneaks up behind Marcel and curls his arm around Marcel’s neck, yanking him closer. “Mom and Dad are looking for you.”
Marcel scowls. Even though things are out in the open, he’s still sensitive about rubbing Heidi’s nose in it. Something Heidi seems to realize.
She rolls her eyes and shoves her brother. “What’d I tell you about those overprotective vibes?”
“What’d I tell you?” he fires back with a smile.
While they bicker, I lift my chin to Wrath. “Were you really uncomfortable with the chairs? Or were you and Grinder worried about a biker shoot-out?” I’m kidding. Sort of.
He frowns.
“You and Grinder were both standing like bouncers worried about a brawl,” I explain, crossing my arms over my chest and flipping on my version of Wrath’s mean bouncer face.
“Oh.” He nods once. “Nothing that dramatic. G was worried about Serena going into labor and wanted to be able to whisk her away if needed.”
“Shoot. Is she okay?” My gaze scans the area and finds them at one of the tables, next to Z and Lilly.
“She’s fine. He’s just overprotective.” He taps his knuckles against the side of Marcel’s head. “You’re familiar with the type.”
I burst into laughter. “Yes, I am.”
Shelby slowly approaches us, holding Grace’s hand to help her navigate over the grass.
“Got yourself a little shadow, huh?” Marcel nods to his little sister.
“Sure do.” Shelby smiles down at Grace, then shifts her gaze to Bit-bit, sound asleep in Murphy’s arms. “Although, I think Brittany’s got a singing career in her future. She might be going out on tour with me one day.”
Heidi ducks her head. “Maybe.”
Grace drops Shelby’s hand, turns to Wrath, and holds up her arms.
“You need a lift, Gracie?” he asks, scooping her up.
“I see how it is,” Shelby teases.
Rooster joins us, curling his arm around Shelby’s waist. “You tell Heidi you’re going to nab Brittany for your record label one day?”