The Way We Score: A small-town, accidental pregnancy, sports romance. (The Bradford Boys)

Six months later

Flashing lights circle around us. We’re back at Cooters & Shooters, and Liv is hugged against my chest as we slow dance to a song about Levi Jeans by Beyonce. We might even grind a little, but it’s not a Dare Night. So we keep it PG-13.

Dylan has the place decorated with balloons and streamers, and a banner hangs over the small bar that reads, Congratulations, Deputy Sheriff Garrett!

It took me forever to read the manual, so I wound up getting an audiobook. After watching me struggle for a month, Aubrey, the official badass, asked if I’d ever been tested for dyslexia. Frowning, I told her no. I wasn’t really sure what that was.

Well, wouldn’t you know, I have it, but according to the doctor, my brain made adjustments for it through the years. Still, that’s why I read so slow.

“It doesn’t mean you’re dumb,” Liv was quick to note. “It has nothing to do with intelligence. It just takes you longer to finish.”

“I was told a gentleman always lets the lady finish first,” I couldn’t help teasing.

All jokes aside, it’s something I wish I’d known in high school, because all those years ago when my baby sister would be flying through one-thousand-page romantasy novels, and I struggled with Frankenstein, I wouldn’t have felt stupid.

Water under the bridge. It’s been an incredible year. Liv and I have officially moved into our small house, Baby Gina is sleeping through the night, and we’re both getting established in town.

Liv put out her shingle as a small-town, country lawyer doing wills and estates and all kinds of small jobs, and I’m officially a member of law enforcement. I even have a uniform that fits.

The song ends, and I look down into the bright hazel eyes of my gorgeous bride-to-be. “When are we setting a date for the wedding?”

“My schedule’s wide open.” Her nose wrinkles, and she rises onto her toes to kiss my lips. “I’m finally getting my figure back.”

“I’m ready to mess it up again.”

She laughs, turning as she leads me off the dance floor to where our friends and family are milling around with cake and champagne.

“It’s not going to be the same at animal control without you, Deputy.” Aubrey holds up a beer. “Still, congratulations to you.”

“Thanks, Aubrey,” I chuckle. “I really learned a lot working with you. Hell, I wouldn’t have known what to do in half those situations.”

“Sheriff Grizz!” Craig walks up, clapping my hand. “I hope this doesn’t mean you’re not going to dance on the bar with me anymore.”

“When I’m off duty, what happens at Cooters & Shooters stays at Cooters & Shooters.”

Zane walks over to where we’re standing, Rachel at his side with Baby G on her shoulder. The minute my little girl sees me, she starts fussing and reaching, which of course, makes me smile with pride.

“Garrett!” Rachel pouts. “I just got her!”

“Shouldn’t have walked over here, then.” I reach out, taking my little girl from my future sister-in-law and holding her against my chest.

She’s getting so big, she sits up and looks around at everyone with those big blue eyes. Her hair is pink like her mom’s, and she still has perfect little rosebud lips. She still squeezes them in an adorable little pout before she cries, too, which is not very often.

Liv says I’m spoiling her, but I don’t even care.

Zane pulls Rachel into a hug at his side. “Jack said Rodney is looking to retire now that you’re on the force.”

My brow lowers, and I glance over to where the old sheriff is talking to my brother. “I hope he waits until I know where the bathroom is at least.”

Zane chuckles. “I’m sure he’ll wait until you know the ropes. I’m just saying, it won’t be long before we’re changing that sign.”

“Sheriff Bradford.” Rachel lifts her chin. “That’s really cool, Grizz. You’ll be a great sheriff. You’re already a great daddy.”

“Thanks, Rach.” We’re getting to be good friends, and she fits right into the family. “Say, when are you two planning to set a date? I’m ready to tie the knot with Liv, but I don’t want to steal your thunder.”

“If we can get all the excitement to die down,” Rachel teases. “I’d love to have a winter wedding. She looks over to where Clint is leaning against the bar beside Craig. “What do you think, Clint? Could we pull together a wedding in three months?”

He pushes off, walking over to where we stand. “I think a December wedding would be divine. We could have horse-drawn carriages, little ballerina girls lighting candles, maybe do it at the stables. Would Gloria allow that?”

Zane shrugs. “I don’t see why not.”

Rachel’s eyes widen, and her cheeks flush. “Oh, Clint! It’s like you read my mind!”

He takes her hand. “Let’s get it on the books. Come on.”

The two of them walk away, and I look down at my brother, exhaling a laugh. “You’re welcome.”

Zane only smiles, shaking his head. “I’ve got what I want. Signing a paper is only a technicality.”

The music starts up, a perkier song this time, and the baby starts to sway in my arms. My eyes widen, and I turn to Craig, pointing at the baby. “You’re seeing this, right?”

“That’s right, baby girl!” He walks over to take her from my arms, moving his hips and dancing to the song. “You’re going to be up on that bar with Uncle Craig before long.”

Gigi laughs, patting his shoulders with her fat hands, and he makes a happy face, rubbing his nose against hers. “That’s right. You’re just our little dancing girl.”

“I told Liv we should’ve named her Lola.”

We’re walking across the room to where Liv is holding a glass of champagne and chatting with Allie and Dylan when the door opens, and a face we haven’t seen in more than a year enters the room.

She’s dressed in jeans and a loose sweatshirt, and she’s holding a baby girl who looks about the same age as Gigi on her hip.

“Raven?” Dylan’s voice goes high. “Is that you?”

She runs over to her friend, pulling her into a hug.

“Dylan…” Her voice is hushed, and she seems embarrassed, like she might turn around and bolt out the door again. “I didn’t know… It’s not Thursday!”

“Oh, we’re celebrating Garrett’s promotion. He just joined the sheriff’s department.” She holds Raven’s hand, and she’s slowly leading her into the restaurant. “You dropped off the map! I thought something had happened to you!”

“Ahh…” She shifts the dark-haired little baby on her hip, and my eyes widen. “I should probably come back another time.”

I look at Jack and Zane, and they’re walking closer to where I’m standing as well. We’re the only ones who remember, because we’re the only three who are still around from when he was a baby.

“Who is this?” Dylan leans closer. “Aren’t you just a little cutie!”

“This is Haddy.” Raven’s eyes blink fast. “She, uh…”

“Raven?” Jack’s the first one of us to speak, stepping closer carefully. “Is this… Hendrix’s baby?”

Raven’s face flushes, and she visibly gulps air. “I can come back another time.”

“What?” Dylan’s voice goes high, and she looks from Liv to Raven. “Did everybody get pregnant at my wedding?”

“I have an implant.” Rachel holds up a hand from where she’s standing with Clint.

“IUD.” Allie holds up her hand.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to crash the party. I wanted to talk to you… I don’t know how to get in touch with him, and I thought… he should know.” Her chin drops, and she almost seems ashamed.

“Hendrix doesn’t know?” Dylan’s voice is gentle. “You did this all alone?”

“Technically. My sister was there.”

“But she’s only, how old is Amelia now? It doesn’t matter…” Dylan waves her hand, leaning closer. “Hi, Haddy! I’m your aunt Dylan!”

The baby rocks the same way Gigi does before leaning into her aunt’s arms. Dylan fawns happily, lifting her onto her shoulder and bouncing her side to side.

“It’s like she knows.” A tentative smile appears for the first time on Raven’s face since she walked through the door. “I wasn’t trying to hide her. I just had such terrible morning sickness—I was sick all nine months. I actually lost weight while I was pregnant.”

“Oh, Raven, that’s horrible!” Liv takes her arm.

“I wish you would’ve texted us,” Allie adds.

“Then after she was born, I was so busy taking care of her,” Raven explains. “And I guess, maybe I was afraid⁠—”

“You don’t have to be afraid.” Dylan hugs her close. “We love babies!”

“I wasn’t sure Hendrix would think that…”

The girls surround her, leading her over to where the cake and champagne are waiting. Jack meets my eyes, and I’m pretty sure we’re all thinking the same thing.

Bending my elbow, I cover the grin threatening to split my lips. “Looks like I’d better get working on that cross-stitch.”

Zane’s chin drops, and he’s smiling big as well. Mr. “No Marriage, Babies, or Poop” is about to get a big surprise. “Looks like we have a new family member.”

Jack has his phone out, and I can’t wait for the brothers’ chat that’s about to begin. If only Mom and Dad were here to see this…