“Congrats on the big move, Cece. I must say, the man wastes no time,” Sara says, with a tip of her beer.

I smile as I watch Cain from across the patio. He takes a pull off his beer, and I salivate watching his throat muscles contract, his Adam’s apple bob. Oh yeah, I’m obsessed. But it feels so good to be able to watch him openly. I plan on checking him out plenty and often.

“No, he doesn’t. But when it’s right, it’s right, ya know? I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

Audrey squeezes my thigh and gives me an affectionate smile. It’s amazing how quickly she and I fell back into our old relationship, no grudges or anger to speak of. No big explanations or apologies were needed between us. We love each other unconditionally and accept the mistakes between as just that—mistakes.

Cain and I have plans to meet her and Lucas at the pond this week. The improvement in Lucas is staggering. In a relatively short amount of time, he’s shown immeasurable growth and cooperation with his psychiatrist and therapists. There has even been talk about the possibility of a group home while attending the hospital’s day program as the next step in his treatment. I couldn’t be more proud of his progress. He amazes me every day.

“How’s the wedding planning coming, Sara? I have gobs of wedding magazines and planners that I used for our wedding, so I’d be happy to share,” Alex offers.

Sara’s eyes brighten. “Oh, you know what, there is something. Who catered your wedding? Every bite was like a little morsel of heaven.”

“Damn straight. That shit was tight … and so was my dress by the end of the night,” Marlo says with a laugh.

“I don’t remember the name right off hand, but I can get it from my parents. I forgot about this until just now, but it was kind of strange. Marlo, the chef actually asked about you. He knew you somehow, I guess, and must have noticed you at the reception.” Alex stands and brushes off her skirt, watching West from across the patio.

“And you can’t remember the name?” Marlo asks with a clipped tone and a frown.

Alex turns back to Marlo, distracted. “Huh? Oh, no, I’m not sure. I’ll ask my mom, though.”

Alex paces across the patio and stands between West’s bent legs. He runs a soft hand across her flat belly then peppers kisses over his path. She runs her fingers through his hair and smiles down at him lovingly.

It looks like Cain and me aren’t the only two who have an announcement to make. I smile to myself and keep my lips sealed. They’ll share their news in their own time.

“Celia Lemaire, come and sit that gorgeous ass on my lap so I can whisper dirty somethings in your ear,” Cain shouts across the patio with a wink.

“Ugh, all this coupledom is nauseating me. Seriously. Bring on the vodka,” Marlo quips with a hair flip and eye roll.

“Yeah, like that’ll ever happen,” Sara mumbles under her breath and shudders. “Marlo with a buzz is a terrifying thought.”

Marlo thinks on it for a moment then nods. “Yeah, you’re right. I better stick with my DDP.”

“I don’t get it. Why don’t you invite that dude Mike to these dinners? You’ve been seeing him for a while, right?” Cain asks.

“Uh, maybe because you shouldn’t invite one-night stands into your friend circle. It’s bad juju, man.” Marlo shakes her head and mashes her lips together.

“One-night stand? Did you just say one-night stand?” Cain asks incredulously. “Hey, Adam, man, back me up on this one. Have you ever had a one-night stand?”

Adam sighs and slumps his shoulders. “Why yes, Cain, I have. Thank you so much for mentioning it.” Adam turns to Sara and mouths, “I love you” as she purses her lips and gives him evil eyes.

“You’re welcome, my friend. Now, tell me, how long do your one-night stands last?” Cain raises his eyebrows and extends his hand in Adam’s direction.

“One night dude. That’s why it’s called a one-night stand.”

Cain slaps my thigh, and I jump. “Exactly my point! Marlo’s been having the same one-night stand for months. Sorry, Marlo, but if this guy’s been putting up with your ass for that long, he’s earned himself some barbeque.”

“Oh yeah? Well, I think you’ve earned yourself a kick to the balls, big man.” Marlo narrows her eyes, hip popped and fists clenched.

Movement on the stairwell catches my attention, and I watch Caroline step onto the patio, Lily and Gage running in behind her.

I hop off Cain’s lap and give him a quick kiss before meeting Caroline at the entryway. Once I’m gone, Cain covers his crotch with his hand, eyeing Marlo suspiciously. Smart move on his part.

Caroline greets me with a tight embrace. Tears prick the back of my eyes, and she gently rubs my back.

“There, there. Today’s a happy day, my dear,” she whispers in my ear.

“The happiest.”

“Indeed.” She pulls away and gives me a once-over. “Love agrees with you. You are simply radiant today.”

I blush at her compliment, and we both turn to watch our friends in their element. I may have lost my mom and Grams, but these people are my family, regardless of blood.

“If you would have asked me as little as a month ago if I would ever get to this point…”

“Never underestimate the power of determination … the force of relentless adoration. Look at him over there. He can’t keep his eyes off you.” Caroline chuckles as she watches Cain watch me. I can’t tear my eyes away from him either.

“I know the feeling,” I whisper with a smile playing on my lips.

Caroline swats my butt with a sting that makes me yelp. “Go, sweet girl. Go enjoy yourself.”

I reach in for another hug, and nuzzle my head into her neck.

“Thank you.”

“Your happiness is all the gratitude I need.”

She shoves me away too soon, and I take my place back on Cain’s lap. His arms wrap around me, and he kisses my shoulder, my collarbone, my neck, but then he stops. He turns his head to the side, and his eyebrows furrow.

“Tink, where’s your necklace? I’ve never seen you without it.”

I brush my finger across his forehead and down his nose before pressing my smiling lips to his.

“It’s downstairs in my jewelry box,” I say with a shrug. “I don’t think I need to wear it anymore.”

His face lights up with my admission, and he pulls me in even closer.

“Damn straight, Tink. Damn straight.”

An ominous hiss filters up from under the bed, jolting me awake. A defeated yelp follows, and the pounding of Biz’s paws across the bedroom floor causes Cain to stir, too. He snakes an arm around my waist and pumps his morning wood into my panty-covered ass before settling back to sleep. I’m sure it’s ladylike and appropriate to be offended by his caveman ways, but I’m not. I wouldn’t trade my Caveman Casanova for all the catnip in the world.

Now, Eddie’s a different story.

It’s been a few weeks since the big move and everyone is settling into the new arrangement nicely … everyone, that is, except for my sweet kitty, Edna Catherine Lemaire. She’s a bit of a princess, and a rambunctious terrier named Mr. Biscuit is messing with her kingdom. It’s a wonder poor Biz hasn’t bled to death from Eddie’s frequent and brutal paw swipes.

“Let ‘em duke it out, Tink. In this house, our motto is ‘survival of the fittest.’ Biz can fight his own battles,” Cain grumbles into the crook of my neck.

“Last time I checked, your last name was Bennett, not Darwin. Poor Biz needs reinforcements. I’m beginning to think Eddie’s possessed. I foresee World War III in our future. Feline versus Canine: a fight to the death.”

I pull up again, only to be jerked back into bed. Cain rolls me in one swift motion and settles between my legs, my arms pinned on top of my head. I let out a contented sigh, his morning wood placing the perfect amount of pressure exactly where I need it. God, I love waking up to this man. I love falling asleep with him, too. Moving in with him was the best and easiest decision I’ve ever barely been allowed to make.