“We’re fine,” Reese said.
“We were just talking,” Orly added.
“About you!” Skyla teased. “Now go back to the guys so we can watch you watching Reese from a distance.”
Garrett couldn’t hold back his grin. “Okay. Let me know when you’re ready to head out. I’ll just be right over there.” He motioned to Caden and Blake, who were on their feet, but still at their table.
“Thanks, I will.”’ Reese waved to the guys with a smile, then turned back to the women.
Garrett returned to the guys with a huge smile. It felt like he was finally starting to get a glimpse of the real Reese, and he liked it a lot.
They patted him on the back and took their seats, both wearing smirks. “What?” He asked.
“Garrett to the rescue,” Blake teased.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been in a pissing contest over a woman before,” Caden added.
“That’s not what I was doing.”
“No?” Blake questioned, that irritating smirk still plain as day on his face.
Garrett shook his head, knowing full well that his friends would do a hell of a lot more to protect the women they love. “I just didn’t want Reese to…”
“To get away from you,” Caden suggested.
“Hey, I’ve learned from all your mistakes,” Garrett said, putting the proverbial spotlight back on his friends. “I might not be ready for marriage and all that just yet, but I’m not going to push away a good thing when I see it. Or let it get away.” It wasn’t an admission he thought he was ready to voice, but there it was, and it was the truth.
Reese had gotten under his skin, found her way into his heart, and made herself an important part of his life. If he was being honest with himself, he couldn’t imagine coming home from a long day at work and not having her there.
“Glad to hear it,” Blake said. “We’ve definitely had our share of stumbles, but I think I’ve learned from our collective mistakes, too.”
“Does that mean you and Skyla are finally going to tie the knot?” Caden asked.
Blake took a pull of his beer. “We’ve talked about it, but I don't think she wants to do anything until after the baby is born. She says growing a fetus and running a bar is enough responsibility without adding wedding planning to the list.”
“I can understand that,” Caden said.
“What about you and Hallie?” Garrett asked Caden. “When’s the big day?”
Caden smiled, but just gave a small shake of his head. “We’re still talking about it.”
Garrett chuckled. “Knowing you, you’re probably going to listen to everything she wants and then just do it all yourself so she doesn’t have to lift a finger or worry about a thing.”
Caden shrugged, not denying it in the least.
The guys spent the next hour talking and sharing a pitcher of beer until the women approached their table. Both Hallie and Reese looked happy, and while Skyla seemed a bit tired, she was still smiling. “I have a few things to finish up in the office before I can leave for the night,” Skyla said.
“But we’re ready to go,” Reese said, her arm around Hallie.
“We had a great time tonight,” Hallie said. “Thanks for sticking around.”
Caden pulled her into his arms. “Always. Glad you had fun.” He reached for his wallet, but Skyla just shook her head.
“On the house, my friend. Take care of my besties.” She hugged Orly and Hallie, then turned to Reese. “And just so we’re clear, you’re officially one of us.”
Reese laughed and the two women hugged for a long moment. “Thank you for everything.”
“Anytime. Okay, I’ll see you guys later, and I’ll text you ladies tomorrow.” And with those parting words, Skyla left, and Blake followed her.