He cleared his throat.“Come on. I think we should mingle, and I see some people you should probably be introduced to, since they are good friends of Eric’s, your brother-in-law now.”
I liked the sound of that. A brother-in-law. It meant the family was growing again.
Hand in hand, we made our way over to the gathering of people around Eric’s porch. Only a few were recognizable, but the ones at my old summer home, none of those people were placeable.
Cedarwas on Eric’s porch, bouncing her baby girl in her arms. “That was a beautiful wedding. And that sunset, wow. I can’t wait to see how their pictures turned out. Might be a great idea for my ceremony.”
“When are you getting married?” I asked Cedar, smiling at the sleeping baby.
“No plans yet. It took us five years to get engaged, so it might be a while.” She laughed, but it wasn’t laced in malice, just a good-natured giggle.
Jessesqueezed my hand, and I watched him gaze softly upon the sleeping child. So many of those moments had been stolen from him.
“How’s Saffron doing?”
I’d heard new parents spend hours staring at a sleeping baby, and seeing Saffron curled up in Cedar’s arms, I understood why. They were so peaceful and sweet.
“Growing like a weed. So is Ziggy.All they do is eat and sleep.”
“As a baby should.” I gently rubbed Saffron’s head. It was so soft, and her hair was so fine. “Is she a good baby?”
“I’d say so.However, I’d appreciate more than a couple hours of sleep at a time. Maybe when they’re older.” Cedar scanned the area as a baby wail pierced the air.
Mitch appearedon the deck in moments with a screaming child. “Zig’s hungry again.”
“As always.I’m a lean, mean, milking machine.” She laughed and effortlessly took Ziggy from Mitch’s arms, while still balancing Saffron. Had to admire her skill. “Excuse me.”
Mitch stood there cradling his daughter. “So, do you have plans to return to the area? I know coming back was hard.”
I didn’t know Mitch at all, and small talk was a monumental task, however… “I do, actually, maybe soon. Seeing the Bay area as an adult, it’s quite different than it was when I was a teen. I’d never attended a festival here before.” I leaned against Jesse. It had all been because of him too.
A bubbly brunette with curly hair hopped onto the deck.
“Hey, Amber.” Jesse walked over and gave her a hug.
“Hey, Jesse. Haven’t seen you around much. How’s life treating you?” Amber looked somewhat familiar, and I must’ve to her as well since she stopped and stared at me. “Holy smokes, how are you doing, Mona?”
“Oh my god, hi.”That’s why she rang a bell. Amber and I used to hang out back when we were teens. Sort of. If you could call it that.
“You know each other?” Jesse bounced his focus between us.
“Amber knew all the cool spots Lilycould be hanging out at.”
“Were you one of her keepers as well?” Jesse asked Amberwith a light-hearted laugh.
Shegrinned. “Oh, god, not at all. I just had my eye and ear on the pulse of the town. Knew what was going on, who what and where kind of thing.”
“And how are things going for younow?” I was genuinely intrigued since it had been years.
She hesitated and shifted on her feet.“Great. Eric had a beautiful wedding and I’m thrilled for them. He deserves all the happiness in the world. Lily has changed and settled down and that makes him happy, which makes me happy.”
Lily and Amber never really did get along. Lily had mentioned Amber was more a friend to Eric, and best friends with Cedar.
“How are things with you? Are you two together?” She stared atour joined hands.
Jesse spoke first. “Yes. But it’s brand new.”
“We all have to start somewhere, right? Speaking of which, there he is.” She waved and a tall, gorgeous guy waltzed over. “This is my fiancé, Antonio.”