Ember
EMBER
I come awake slowly, the early-morning light filtering through into our bedroom. I’m cozy and warm, my men all around me. Last night, they loved me so tenderly that I cried.
How did I ever get so lucky?
These men are so far from the type I thought I wanted, but they are absolutely the men I needed, and I’ll never stop being thankful for them. Fortunately, I have the rest of my life to show how much I appreciate them.
The arm around my waist tightens, and Griffin kisses the skin behind my ear. “Happy new year, Emmy. I love you.”
I turn my head back and kiss him softly. “I love you, Griffin.”
When I turn back, Zeb is there, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Love you, Em.”
I lean forward to kiss him. “Love you, babe.”
My phone rings. Griffin snags it off the nightstand. “Hazel,” he says, and passes it to me.
I take it with a smile. “Happy new year! What’s shaking?”
“?”
I sit up so fast I almost smash Griffin’s nose with my shoulder. My sister’s voice is high and thin; she sounds scared, almost panicked.
“Honey, what’s wrong? Where are you?”
Frank’s awake now, all my men on alert.
“I’m in Vegas.”
“Vegas? Where in Vegas? Why didn’t you tell me?” I scramble from the bed, heading for the bathroom, the men behind me. Whatever’s going on, I need to get dressed and be ready.
“I just wanted to celebrate.” Her voice is a little stronger now, but still sounds strange. “I knew you’d be with your guys.”
A knot of foreboding forms in my stomach. “Hazel, honey, tell me where you are.”
“I’m in a hotel room. I’m not sure which hotel.”
The knot gets bigger. Trying to sound calm, I say, “Okay, and what’s happening there?”
“I think …” The pause goes on too long, and I’m ready to scream with frustrated worry when she speaks again, her voice a whisper.
“I think I got married last night.”