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.There was so much blood,but that was to be expected, I supposed, since he d just been lying there, bleeding as everythingplayed out.It seemed like those moments had stretched out into hours, a never ending loop of horror that wasactually only fifteen minutes.Fifteen of the longest minutes of my life.As soon as I d checked Ian, I d ran to get the phone, calling for help as I grabbed towels to press tohis chest to stop the bleeding, as we waited for help.We left the house that night and only went backto pack up most of our stuff.There was no way we were going to stay in that house with the ghosts that would haunt it forevernow.We d put our belongings in storage and had been staying at Emma and Luke s house, but thankfully,we d managed to find a new place that we fell in love with a couple weeks ago.If everything wentwell, we d be closing on it next month.Christmas and New Year were spent with our closest friends and family that, surprisingly (or maybenot so surprisingly), included Ian s parents.They d received a wake-up call for sure when they dcome close to losing their only son.Since then, I d gotten a very heart-felt apology from them bothand they d made it a point to meet us for dinner at least once every two weeks, if not more often.Iwas still a little cautious around Margot, but she d stopped the snarky comments altogether and seemed to genuinely want to get to know me better.They don t talk to or see the Jones anymore.No one does.They buried their daughter and moved totheir home in France, leaving everything behind.I didn t blame them; I don t think I d be able to bearthe whispers behind my back.I also didn t blame them for what Victoria had done.I think they trulyloved their daughter enough to look past her faults, but it doesn t change the fact that there was somuch more going on with that girl that they should have seen.Things have slowly gotten back to normal, though.Well, as normal as our family and friends couldbe&Shaking myself back to the present, I tipped my head back to see Ian staring down at me. Hi, he murmured, smiling softly. Hi, I said, smiling back. Good? I nodded. Yep.Perfect, I replied, going up on tip-toe to kiss him.We finished out the song and returned to the table where Chloe and Brandon were sitting with Allieand Jacks.Liam was with his Grandma Sarah, who was still happily seeing the doctor friend she dmet.Emma and Luke had stayed home tonight, because Everly had been sick, and Jenna and Noahsaid they were too worn out to go anywhere.Calland had met up with us, but his eye had already been caught by an absolutely stunning, tattooedredhead standing at the bar, looking over everyone with a bored expression, but there was asharpness in her eyes that said she didn t miss much.I d never seen her before, but I had a feeling mybrother would not win with that one.I slid into the booth beside Chloe, and Ian followed me in just as the waitress stopped by with newdrinks for us.The guys were drinking beer, and Chloe and I were sharing a pitcher of mangomargaritas, but I hadn t been able to figure out what Allie was drinking, since she d ordered it at thebar when they came in. Allie, what are you drinking tonight? I asked, curiously eyeballing her glass.She blushed and glanced up at Jacks, who just smiled and gave a small nod. Water, she answered, her eyes sparkling.Chloe stared at her quizzically, then grinned as understanding dawned; I knew that my expressionmatched hers, our faces lighting up even more as Allie nodded and confirmed our thoughts. We re pregnant again! she crowed, clasping her hands together over her belly lovingly.Congratulations were flying and toasts were made as the joyous news was yelled throughout the barto strangers, acquaintances, and friends alike.We laughed as Allie nudged Jackson and said, Good thing we told the parents and Emma earlier orwe d be in trouble, huh. He just grinned and nodded before leaning in and kissing the tip of her nose.It wasn t too long after that we all decided to call it an evening.As I stood to leave, I looked aroundfor my brother, not seeing him anywhere. Ian, I m gonna look for Calland while you pull the car up, okay? I don t want to just run off on him. He nodded, pecking my lips as he moved past me after saying goodbye to everyone.I hugged them alland called goodbye as they walked out, reassuring them that I was just going to find Calland to let himknow we were leaving.I finally found him coming back from the bathroom, making a beeline for the empty stool on the otherside of the redhead, but I intercepted him. What s up, sis? he asked, keeping his eyes trained on his prize. We re heading out.Figured I d tell you, but I guess you re a little occupied at the moment, huh? He glanced at me, grinning shamelessly. I d like to be occupied, but she s got that fuck off vibe thatkeeps everyone at a safe distance so they don t end up getting throat punched. You re hopeless, you know that, Calland? Yup.So, I heard the news.New rugrat gonna be coming along, right? I smiled. Yep.They re so happy& and I m happy for them.I love babies! He nudged me. Then maybe you should get to working on one of your own. I nudged him back. You never know; maybe we re already working on it. His eyes met mine, his brows raised in surprise and happiness. Are you? Really? I winked, laughing as I replied, We re practicing working on it.All the time.Like four times a day. His face melted into a grimace and he shoved me gently. Go on with that shit, you sicko.I don t needto hear about your sex life! Payback s a bitch, isn t it, brother dearest? He shook his head, chuckling softly. Now go on, get out of here.I ve got work to do. It was my turn to shake my head, following his gaze to the redhead once more. I think maybe youshould leave well enough alone, big brother.I think that one bites, and she d likely hand your balls toyou on a silver platter. I paused. You know what? Nevermind.That just might be what you need toget your head outta your ass and find a good girl.Leave the Fluffy, Muffy, and Huffy to the youngerones. He narrowed his eyes at me. Bitch, he growled, but I knew he was playing. Ass, I replied, patting him on the shoulder and waving as I walked away
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