Her chin drops, and she studies her light-up glitter Sketchers. “What if I don’t know anybody?”

  I slide the backs of my fingers over her cheek. “You know Crimson. And Owen will be down the hall in the fourth-grade room.”

  “Owen always tells me to go away.” My heart twists, and I hug her close.

  “Owen’s just grumpy at home. When you’re not at home, he’ll look out for you. And Ryan’s here, too. He’s sweet.”

  Alex squats beside us, taking her hand. “You’ll probably know more kids in your class than you think.”

  She puts her hand on his shoulder. “What if they don’t like me?”

  His jaw tightens, and I know the idea anyone wouldn’t like his daughter is like fighting words. I feel the same.

  Still, “Find Crimson, and the two of you can meet people together. You’ll make friends. You’re a very fun person.”

  “Owen said I’m not Little Miss Thing at school like I think I am at home, and I have to behave.” Worried eyes meet mine, and my lips part.

  It’s like my first day as a nanny all over again, and I am not prepared for family drama. My eyes fly to Alex, and he steps in at once.

  “I think Owen was trying to warn you not to come on too strong.” Her little brow wrinkles, and he continues. “Like don’t karate chop your classmates.”

  I’m not so sure it’s what Owen meant, but I’m happy to go with this explanation.

  Pinky’s forehead relaxes, and she gives her daddy a look that clearly says duh. “I know not to do that, Daddy. Mama Cass told me a long time ago, and I got to eat El Rio when I stopped, remember?”

  As if we could ever forget that night.

  “Yes.” He nods. “You did a very good job, and that’s why you’re going to have a great first day of class. Ready?”

  She nods quickly, her smile returning to her cheeks. I’m about to collapse against the wall from the adrenaline leaving my veins, when a familiar little voice yells from behind us.

  “Pinkeeee!” Crimson runs to where we’re stopped.

  She’s all decked out in a white dress with the alphabet all over it and bright red Converse sneakers. Her brown hair is styled in two braids on each side of her head, and her brown eyes widen when she sees her friend.

  “You’re Miss Piggy!” She throws her arms around Pinky’s neck.

  Pinky hugs her back. “Crimey, you’re here!”

  The two little girls join hands and start walking towards the school, leaving us behind.

  My head swivels around to Alex. “What the heck was that?”

  “Kid stuff.” He chuckles, taking my hand and helping me stand. “You have no idea how Aiden used to mess with me, and I messed with Adam.”

  “Cass!” Julia hugs me, gripping my hand. “I don’t know if I’m ready.”

  “We’re better now. I’m glad the girls are here together.”

  “They’re so dramatic,” she laughs. “You’d think they’ve been separated for months.”

  Alex steps up beside me, sliding his hand over my waist. “They’re good little soldiers.”

  My hands cover my cheeks, and I inhale slowly. “It’s hard to believe they’re old enough to do this.”

  The three of us hesitate as we watch them, hand-in-hand, marching up to the school. Their backpacks are as big as they are, and they’re just so small. I can’t help thinking this is how it begins, and I’m so thankful I’ll be a part of it next year.

  Walking through the hall, observing all the children talking and greeting each other, I make mental notes. Next year, this will be my workplace—and I can’t wait. I’ve found everything I was looking for.

  The girls join their classmates, sitting on the floor with their backs to the walls, and the tiny kindergartners watch wide-eyed as the older students file past in a line on the way to their classrooms.

  Mrs. Priddy steps out of her door and smiles at me, walking over. “Cass.” She takes my hand. “I can’t tell you how happy I was when Dr. Bayer told me the news, and you’ll be assisting me after Christmas?”

  “Yes! I’ll complete my basic courses this fall, then I’ll do my student teaching.”

  “Extra, extra, read all about it.” Piper slides up beside me, giving me a hug. “We need to do a story on Eureka Elementary’s newest teacher. How does it feel?”

  Alex is standing by the wall chatting with Adam. The contrast between the two is striking. Adam is relaxed, like he’s done this four times already. Alex has his arms crossed over his chest like he’s putting on a brave front.

  “It’s the strangest thing.” My voice is quiet. “I didn’t raise her, and I still think I’m going to cry.”

  “Oh, girl, I was on the couch sobbing when Ryan started kindergarten. Adam had to take me out for mimosas.”

  “That’s nice.” My eyes narrow, and I glance from my friend to her ever-present protector. “Adam always looks out for you.”

  “Yeah, he’s been great since Rex died.”

  “That was nine years ago.”

  I’m ready to make her talk when Britt skips up behind me, giving me a hug. “How’s it going?”

  “Everybody keeps asking me that,” I stage-whisper. “I’m going to cry, okay? Let’s all just accept it.”

  “Aw, sweet Cass.” Britt strokes the side of my hair. “You’re such a good little mama.”

  “Before I forget, Pinky’s birthday party is tomorrow at noon at Patricia’s house. We’ll have hot dogs and cake and they can swim, and all the things.”

  “We’ll be there!” Britt sings. “Her gift is wrapped and ready. Now I have to get back to the courthouse. Aiden says I’m babying Owen walking him to school on his first day.”

  “We’ll keep on babying them as long as they let us,” Piper argues. “They’ll be graduating high school before we know it.”

  The bell rings, and my heart squeezes. Pinky is sitting on the floor with Crimson holding hands and watching everything with wide eyes, but as soon as that noise sounds, her eyes fly to mine.

  The flash of panic in her expression knots my throat, and I press my lips together, forcing an encouraging smile. Alex steps up beside me, taking my hand, and Mrs. Priddy steps out with her arms extended.

  “Today is the day, it’s the first day of school!” She sings the song from CoComelon, and a few of the children start to sing along with her.

  Pinky’s attention is diverted to the teacher, and Alex gives me a little pull. “Let’s go.”

  My chest tightens, and the heat fills my eyes. Holding my smile steady, I wave as the teacher helps them line up to file into the colorful classroom.

  She’s not looking as we slip out the side door, and the minute it closes with a metal clatch, I press my face into Alex’s chest as a tear sneaks onto my cheek.

  His arms are around me. “Are you crying?”

  “She’s so grown up…” He moves me back, and his astonished face makes me cover my mouth with my hand. “I can’t help it. It’s a big step!”

  Hugging me close again, he kisses the side of my cheek. “You know I love you, right?” I nod, and he laughs gently. “I think I fell in love with you even more just now.”

  “Piper said Adam took her out for mimosas after Ryan’s first day of kindergarten.” Arching my back, I reach over my shoulder to kiss his jaw. “I like your way better.”

  We’re back at the house, and we only made it a few steps through the door before he bent me over the couch. His pants were down and my skirt was over my ass faster than I could say fuck me, Alex. Now I’m wrapped in his arms, buzzing from a full-body orgasm.

  “I don’t like to see my girl cry.” His low voice behind my ear sends a sizzle through my legs.

  “I’m just glad it’s Friday. We have the weekend to get over it.” I turn, going to the bathroom to clean up. “You men are clearly made of stone.”

  After cleaning up, we’re in the kitchen where I take out all the ingredients for the snickerdoodle cake I’m making for Pinky’s birthday.

  “A lot has happened since the last time you made this cake.” He leans on his elbows on the granite countertop. “But I knew we’d get here that day.”

  “You manifested our fake engagement?” I give him a skeptical wink.

  “That was all you, my love.” Walking around, he catches me by the waist, pulling me flush against his chest. “There was nothing fake about my feelings for you. I saw you as my wife, and when we were at Aiden’s last weekend, I saw you having my baby.”

  A thrill moves through my chest, and I turn to slide my hands around his waist. “Your baby?”

  He reaches up to slide my hair off my cheek, behind my ear. It’s a possessive move that melts my insides.

  He’s so confident. “What do you think about that?”

  “I think I like it very much. I think maybe next year we can start trying.”

  “Is that too soon?” His sexy brow furrows. “You’ll just be starting with teaching, and we’ve got plenty of time.”

  “Always so patient.” I rise on my toes to kiss his jaw. “Teachers get pregnant and have babies all the time, and I’d like Pinky to be close to her little siblings.”

  “Siblings?” The heat in his hazel eyes tingles in my core. “As in more than one?”

  “Definitely.” Wrapping my arms around his neck, I lean forward to kiss him. “I want all your babies.”

  His hands gather the back of my skirt, finding my bare ass beneath the fabric, and I’m ready for round two.

  “We’re very good at practicing.” It’s a low rumble against the side of my neck, below my ear.

  “So good.” It’s a needy gasp.

  His lips cover mine, and I think we’re pretty good at kissing, too.

  We’re even better at building, and I think we should keep building the family we’ve made. The family I sang about in the ocean the first day he found me.

  EPILOGUE

  ALEX

  “Aw,” Britt walks up the driveway at my mom’s house carrying a fun pack of potato chips. “Hot dogs are your love language?”

  My brow quirks, and I glance to where she came from—where all the cars are parked, and where Aiden is carrying a large gift and grinning.

  Damn it. She got me. “Is that what it says?”

  “You two are crazy.” Britt kisses my cheek as she passes. “Don’t ever change.”

  “Everybody’s out at the pool.” I’m getting Pinky’s gift out of Mom’s garage, a kid-sized pink beach cruiser with a basket.

  According to Cass, it’s just like the one Miss Piggy rode in The Great Muppet Caper. At this point, she and my daughter have watched every Muppet movie ever made.

  I even caught them crying last night during The Muppet Christmas Carol. Apparently when the little Kermit sings, it makes my soon-to-be wife cry.

  “Cute.” Aiden stops, waiting for me as I straighten the bow on the basket. “It’s a lot like Mom’s old one.”

  “The one she gave to Britt?” I’m calculating how long it’ll take my little slugger to learn to ride a bike.

  “I’ll see about getting it for Cass to use.”

  My brother’s pretty good at reading my mind. When the two of us arrive in the backyard, Adam is at the grill making the hot dogs, and Cass is filling a large, silver bucket with boxes of Cracker Jack.

  I park the bike behind the presents on the table and go to where she’s standing. “I think you know my love language better than that.”

  A naughty grin is on her lips, and she tries to act innocent. “Whatever do you mean?”

  “The bumper sticker. Britt told me.”

  “My future sister-in-law has a big mouth.”

  I lunge forward, lifting her off her feet and tossing her over my shoulder. “That does it.”

  “What are you doing?” She slaps my back, squealing as I head for the pool. “Alex! No! I have to finish prepping for the party!”

  I get close, but right before I toss her in the pool, I set her on her feet. Her face is flushed, and her pretty eyes are wide. Reaching up, I smooth my hands down the sides of her now-messy hair and kiss her lightly.

  I lean into her ear and whisper, “I still owe you a spanking from the last one.”

  Her shoulder rises with a little shiver, and it hits me right below the belt. I want her so much right now, but we have a birthday party to throw.

  “Daddy!” Pinky is jumping up and down on the diving board. “Don’t throw Mama Cass in the pool!”

  “I won’t, Baby.” I lift Cass’s hand, kissing her fingers as I walk to where the kids are all swimming.

  “Mama Cass.” Adam snorts from the grill. “Gets me every time.”

  “Watch me do The Pencil, Daddy!” Pinky calls, and I nod, watching as she holds her little arms straight down by her sides.

  Striding to the end of the board, she walks right off, dropping like a post into the cool blue water. Her little red head quickly bobs up to the surface as she kicks hard to the ladder.

  “Did you see me, Daddy? Did you see me?” She really does sound like that little turtle in Nemo.

  “It was a perfect ten,” I call to her. “You barely even made a splash.”

  “Just like the real divers!”

  “I want to do a pencil, Mama!” Crimson bounces on her toes as Julia fastens a hot pink vest over her bathing suit.

  “Okay, but you need to do it in the shallow end here.” She sits on the side of the pool with her feet in the water.

  Owen and Ryan are throwing a ball back and forth from the deep end to the shallow, and classic rock is playing on the radio. I hear Meat Loaf singing about a Coupe de Ville not being in a Cracker Jack box, and I nod approvingly.

  Britt walks over to where Adam is taking the hot dogs off the grill, and she motions to Cass.

  “Time to eat, everybody!” Cass waves to my daughter in the pool. “Come eat, Birthday Girl!”

  Pinky makes an immediate U-turn from where she was headed to the diving board, and starts running to where the kids are lining up for food. I’m impressed by how quickly the five-year-olds have learned to form a line.

  “No running!” Mom calls, walking out the door with a cake stand, holding Cass’s famous snickerdoodle cake.

  Pinky jumps up and down. “Cake! Cake! I want cake!”

  “Eat a hot dog first.” Cass lifts her onto her hip, carrying her with a paper plate to the picnic table where the rest of her little friends are pigging out.

  “I heard there was a new sign out today.” Piper hands Ryan and Owen two hot dogs as she squints up at Britt.

  “It said, Trust Your Instincts.” Britt puts a small bag of potato chips on each child’s plate.

  “I swear, sometimes I feel like this sign bandit is reading my mail.” Piper follows her friend, giving each kid a juice box. “The messages always speak to me.”

  “I wonder if we’ll ever find out who it is.” Cass wipes a blob of mustard off Pinky’s cheek. “If they ever stop, we’ll have to cross-check the obituaries.”

  “That makes me sad.” Britt pokes out her lip.

  “I think my wife doesn’t want to find out who’s behind them.” Aiden’s gruff voice joins the conversation.

  “Maybe I don’t.” She kisses his cheek, and he wraps his arms around her.

  “Is that more of our wedding cake?” He nods to where Cass is putting five candles in the large beige cake sprinkled with cinnamon.

  “It is. Are we ready to do this?” Cass looks over to me, and I scoop up the princess, standing her on her feet in a chair beside the cake.

  Pinky lets out a loud squeal, and I give her squeeze. “Five years ago today, you changed my life forever…”

  “Daddy! You say that every year!” Pinky fusses. “Let’s eat cake!”

  “The birthday girl has spoken,” I finish, and everybody laughs as Cass lights the candles.

  We sing, the candles are blown out, and just as my mother begins handing out pieces of cake, Drake Redford’s annoying voice cuts through the festivities.

  “Sorry to crash the party. I came to drop these off for Patricia.” He’s carrying a folder containing paper and pictures. “We’re planning a splash pad and pavilion in Redford Park. It would be a great place for summer birthday parties.”

  “We’re fine having summer birthday parties here with our family.” Aiden stands straighter, crossing his arms.

  “Not everyone is as fortunate as your family to have such a place.”

  My throat tightens, and I know he has a point. I also know it’s a point that will get a lot of traction among the younger families in town.

  “If that’s all you needed to do…” My tone is final.

  “Keep your shirt on. I’m not planning to stay.” Drake holds up a hand before passing the papers to my mother. “I look forward to seeing you at the next town meeting, Patricia.”

  My mother’s lips purse, and she takes the folder from him, looking briefly beneath the cover. “Yes, I’ve heard as much.”

  “Happy birthday, little lady. Maybe you’ll have a bigger party next year at our new facility.” He nods to Cass. “I see you’re still climbing.”

  My fist clenches, and my arm starts to rise.

  Cass steps to my side, quickly wrapping both her arms around mine. “Not in front of the children.”

  “One of these days, she won’t be here to stop me.” My jaw is set, my eyes locked on Drake’s.

  “My lawyer will love it.” His grin is smarmy as he makes his way to the exit.

  “Not as much as I will.”

  I’m ready to go after him, but Cass holds me tightly. “Don’t give him the satisfaction.”

  “It’s me who would get the satisfaction.”

  She laughs, adding softly, “I would too.”

  Hours later, the sun is disappearing on the horizon, and the sky is bathed in red-orange fading out to deep purple. I’m chasing her through the palmettos, feverish with need, running along the path through the marshes, over the wooden foot-bridges, until we reach the little lagoon that leads out to the ocean.