Page 109 of A Simple Regret

“Seriously?” Alex asks. “Is it big enough?”

“Her parents and uncles all got married there, so I’d say yes. It’s pretty big, especially if you use the restaurant side too.”

“So, Collin and Lizzie set a date and may be having a baby. Camden is having a baby but not telling anyone yet, even though he’s done a shitty job at hiding it and getting married soon. What about you and Charli?” Cade asks Quinn.

“No baby, but not for a lack of trying,” he replies casually before offering an ornery grin.

“Fucker,” Cade grumbles, clearly uncomfortable.

“And the proposal is happening soon,” he adds with a happy smile.

We sit around the fire for the next hour, bullshitting and catching up. We retell the same stories and recount childhood shenanigans. Honestly, it’s exactly what I think we all needed. Just six guys, all hanging out and telling lies.

It’s the perfect way to end the day.

“All right, assholes, there’s a gorgeous woman in that tent over there waiting for me,” Cade announces as he stands up and stretches his hands over his head.

“Same,” I agree, following his lead and getting up.

“What time is breakfast?” Quinn asks.

“How early can you wake Charli without her claws coming out?” I ask. My sister is a bear in the morning.

He snorts. “Noon?”

“How about eight?” Collin suggests, working on putting the fire out before we go to bed.

Always the firefighter.

“Fine with me,” I answer, throwing a wave over my shoulder. “Night, guys.”

They all offer their own good nights before we all disappear into our own tents. As soon as I have the entrance zipped closed, I turn my attention to Maren. My eyes adjust quickly and I find mother and son sleeping soundly where I left them. Stripping off my sweats and flannel, I climb onto the thick air mattress and settle in beside my family.

My family.

All the heartache and pain has led me to this. To a future wife and son. To a new son or daughter on the way. To everything I always wanted but swore was out of reach. Now, it’s right here, sleeping beside me, and I’ve never been happier in my life.

No regrets.

This is only the beginning.

The End