Weston (Broken Falls #6)

Chapter Twenty

CHAPTER TWENTY

Melanie

W hen I left Broken Falls at eighteen, I'd barely had a drink, and the thought of hitting the bar felt as foreign as landing on another planet. But tonight at Monroe's, it's as if the universe aligned to create the perfect girls' night out. Laughter echoes around us as I sit with Kara, Alexis, and Daisy, munching on peanuts and swapping stories about how the town has morphed since I last lived here.

The camaraderie wraps around us like a cozy blanket, and somewhere between the shared memories and outrageous stories, Alexis leans in with a mysterious smile. "Okay, everyone, I've got news," she announces, her voice brimming with excitement. We all lean closer, glancing around, I wonder if everyone knows what's going to be said because there's barely visible smiles on the faces around me. "Boone and I are having a baby. I'm pregnant!"

For a moment, the world stands still in the best possible way. Then, squeals of delight erupt from the table. Drinks are raised, congratulations are screamed, and there's an infectious energy that brings attention to our table. Alexis is glowing, and it's evident this night is about to become unforgettable.

As if on cue, Kara, decides that Alexis's announcement warrants a celebration of the biggest proportions. "I'm so excited everyone knows now." She downs her drink and then looks at us, eyeing the tabletop in front of her. Immediately we know her plans.

"Do it," Daisy and I chant.

Encouraged by Daisy and me, she hops up onto the sturdy wooden table, her intent clear. The room watches in amusement as she starts dancing with an unabashed joy that only Kara can pull off.

Kara's moves, a playful bump and grind mixed with genuine fun, create a spectacle that's too entertaining to ignore. She's in her element, and it's contagious. The whole room cheers, clapping along to the beat, swept up in her enthusiasm. I laugh until my sides hurt, cheering her on alongside Daisy.

Glancing over at Daisy, I hold my glass up. "I'm happy to be here."

She wraps her arm around my shoulder. "We're glad you're here, too. Weston's always been our favorite. It's nice to see him smile."

Although all of this is new, it feels as if it's the beginning of something special. That these women will be the life-long friends I've always wanted. As Kara dances, I catch her eye, and we exchange giggles as she bends over at the waist, almost as if she can't believe what she's doing. It's the kind of night we'll remember long after it's over, an evening defined by its spontaneity, the joy of friendship, and the promise of new beginnings for Alexis.

With Kara still entertaining the crowd from atop the table, I feel a rush of gratitude for these nights and these friends. They're the vibrant thread that weaves through the tapestry of my life, making every memory a little more colorful and every moment a little brighter.