Alex takes Lena from me and boops her nose. “Well, aren’t you the smelly one? No cheese and bananas combo for you, missy. Are you ready to see auntie Zoey get married to Uncle Ty?”
“Yah. I flowa girl.” Lena giggles. “Me see Mia.”
“Yes, you’ll see your cousin Mia and your new baby cousins Toran and Tristan.” She twirls our daughter around. “And your rocker uncles and aunties. Today’s going to be incredibly fun.”
It nearly brings a tear to my eye to see Alex laughing with Lena after how bad she felt not long ago. These little moments, I tell you. They’re everything. I gather my girls and we head out.
* * *
The wedding, of course, is touching and surprisingly low key. It’s clear that Ty and Zoey are blissfully happy. I’m stoked that all of the drama we’ve lived through for the past decade is behind us. Even if it weren’t, I’d be done with it because I’ve got much more important priorities now. Managing Ty’s emotions isn’t at the top of my list anymore.
It’s not on any list at all.
Connor sidles up to me with one of his boys. “It’s good they’re getting their happily ever after, isn’t it?”
“Yep.” I nod.
“You’re not still salty, are you?” He purses his lips.
“Nah. I’m just over it. I love Ty. I love Zoey. I just want off the crazy train.” I glance over at Alex and Zoey, who are dancing with Lena and Mia, Zane and Fiona’s daughter. Ty’s talking with Carter, Zane’s dad, and Zoey’s parents. “I really just want to focus on my own family.”
“About that…” He doesn’t finish his sentence. Just stares at me. A pointed gaze from our bass player is usually all it takes to get his point across.
I shrug. “Life is good.”
“Feckin’ hell.” He rolls his eyes. “Ronni said you got engaged. Were you thinking of telling me?”
“Uh, I guess so?”
“Dude.” His eyes bore into mine. He shifts his son to his other arm. Says nothing else.
“What?”
“When’s the wedding? You’re the last man standing.” He shakes his head like I’m an idiot.
Alex and I still haven’t picked up the conversation. We’ve been too focused on her health. “We’re married in spirit. Don’t rush us. It will happen. We haven’t set a date yet.”
“What the hell does that even mean?” Connor squeezes his eyes shut and shakes his head like I’m an annoying little brother.
“Dunno. We’ll figure it out.”
Ronni appears at Connor’s side with their other twin. “Don’t pressure him, babe. That’s not cool.”
“Thank you, Ronni.” I squeeze her to my side. “You’re the voice of reason.”
“Aye, that she is.” Connor kisses his wife and gazes at her with reverence. “Plus, she found an innovative artist management company we can check out. If we’re really going to make the switch, that is.”
“Hmm.” I say noncommittally. After all, we still have a couple months off before we go back to work. Nothing needs to get decided yet. We don’t need to make any big moves.
Zane and Fiona join us. “What’s this I hear about you being engaged?” Zane pouts.
“Jesus. It’s not like it’s big news. I proposed weeks ago. We live together. We have a daughter. No big deal.” I throw up my arms in indignation.
Fee crosses her arms and scolds, “Stop it with the cool-guy stuff, Jace. At least you put a ring on it, we’re allthrilledyou finally got your shit together.”
I must look annoyed because Zane, ever the peacemaker, says gently, “Fee, we need to lay off. It’s their business.”
“Alex is the best, though.” Fee’s liquid-aqua eyes narrow. “I want her to be happy.”