Bomber E-Book

Bianca Lee Ward

• Herausgeber: Bianca Lee
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

I won’t lose her again.
But our family secrets could tear us apart…
It’s been ten years since I was forced to let Zara go. I joined the military and fought hard to forget her, but since I returned home to become our club’s Sergeant at Arms, I’ve always watched from afar to make sure she’s safe.
Now Zara is back in Crown Village on the anniversary of a traumatic event that changed her family forever. And I can’t stay away.
I can see the longing for me in her eyes, yet she hesitates to get too close. She’s scared to trust me again, and I don’t blame her.
When new information linked to her family tragedy comes to light, I’m determined to help solve the mystery and find the answers she needs because the War Brothers MC protects our own.
But digging up the past means revealing secrets that someone wants to remain dead and buried. And when they’re uncovered, they have the power to destroy our bond forever…

Leseprobe

BOMBER

WAR BROTHERS MC

BIANCA LEE WARD

CONTENTS

Also by Bianca Lee Ward

1. Eighteenth Birthday Party

2. She’s My World

3. Turning Point

4. The Heavy Burden of Guilt

5. Mental Torture

6. Sacrifice

7. Ghost Inside My Head

8. Craving a Taste

9. Burning with Desire

10. An Empty Room

11. Emotional Roller Coaster

12. Battle Scars

13. Memories Bring Her Back

14. Secrets and Lies Kill Relationships

15. Dangerous Truths

16. The Cunning Puppet Master

17. Bleeding Out

18. Strength in Numbers

19. Confessions

20. Discovery

21. Until We Meet Again

22. New Beginnings

23. The Brightest Star

24. Peace

Sneak Peek at Viper

Resources

Acknowledgments

About the Author

This book contains adult themes and is not suitable for persons under the age of 18.

For information regarding possible triggers, please see www.biancaleeward.com or contact [email protected].

First published in 2023 by Bianca Lee

Bomber

Copyright © Bianca Lee Ward 2023

The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

All rights reserved.

Copyright Notice: No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal.

Cover Photo: Shutterstock

Cover Designer: Emily at www.quirkycirce.com.au

ALSO BY BIANCA LEE WARD

REAPER

War Brothers MC

I let her go once because she wasn’t mine.

This time, I’ll die before I give her up . . .

I want her.

That smile . . . those curves.

But Ava doesn’t belong to me.

Then she arrives in my clubhouse, seeking refuge. My gut churns at the sight of the bruises on her face, the fear in her eyes.

Before I was the president of the War Brothers Motorcycle Club, I was a sniper in the military who hunted down evil men like her husband. Now I avoid relationships because the wounds I have are more than skin deep.

But Ava’s different, and when I find her in the wrong bedroom—my bedroom—one night, what happens next changes everything.

I let her go once because she was married, but I won’t make the same mistake twice.

I’ll die before I let her dangerous husband, the jealous women in our club, or the enemy our club didn’t see coming lay a finger on her.

Because this time around, Ava is mine.

Grab your copy of Reaper now.

VIPER

War Brothers MC

I’ve got one month to convince her to be my wife . . .

Until I laid eyes on Sophie, I never planned on marriage. All that changed after our hot night together in Vegas.

Now she regrets our impulsive Vegas wedding and is demanding a divorce. But I’m not signing the papers. Hell no! I’ll give up every single one of my womanizing ways for a woman like her.

Sophie thinks I’m only infatuated by her looks, except I see how everyone underestimates her. I’m not intimidated by her wealth, her modeling career, and the trail of broken hearts she has left behind. What we have is different.

I’ve lived my whole life unable to feel anything thanks to my rough childhood, but for Sophie I’ll risk everything. Her rich father and the jealous women in my club aren’t going to stand in my way.

If she wants a divorce, she’ll have to spend one month with me at the War Brothers clubhouse. Sleeping in my bed.

Then we’ll see if she still refuses to say I do . . .

Grab your copy of Viper now.

PLAYLIST

Glass House – Machine Gun Kelly feat. Naomi Wild

Bleed For You – Our Last Night

Broken – Seether feat. Amy Lee

Last Resort (Reimagined) – Falling in Reverse

Never Know – Bad Omens

Searchlights – The Brave

Without You – The Kid Laroi

Alone – I Prevail

My Blood – Ellie Goulding, Iykyk, Ida More & Ky Karter

Ghost – Pink is Punk & Benny Benassi

Memories – Maroon 5

Wake Me Up – Avicii

Runaway – Linkin Park

By Myself – Linkin Park

Sunrise – Our Last Night

Nothing Inside – Machine Gun Kelly feat. Iann Dior

Just Pretend – Bad Omens

Heavy – Linkin Park feat. Kiiara

Figure.09 – Linkin Park

Battle Scars – Guy Sebastian

It’s Not Over – Daughtry

Drag Me Down – One Direction

The Death of Peace of Mind – Bad Omens

After All – Culture Code, ARAYA & RUNN

One More Light – Linkin Park

Coming Home – Diddy feat. Skylar Grey

I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy & Faith Evans

Gasoline – I Prevail

Breakaway – Kelly Clarkson

Sometimes love needs to struggle in the darkness to transform into something beautiful.

ONE

EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Zara

Age: Eighteen

“Happy birthdayyyyy to you.”

I peer over my bowl of cornflakes to see Misty with a wide grin and a gleam in her eyes.

“Happy birthday to you,” she sings as she walks closer to me, her hands behind her back. “Happy birthday to my best friend and sister, Zara”—she takes a deep breath—“happy birthday to youuuu.” As she’s opera singing the last few notes, Misty passes me a pink envelope.

I smile at her. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

She hisses. “Yes, I did!”

I jump off my chair and wrap my arms around her, squeezing her tightly. “Thank you.”

She pulls back and stares at the envelope. “Come on, open it.”

“Okay, okay.” I slide my fingers underneath the flap of the envelope to rip it open, then glide the card out.

The front has a love heart, and inside it says “You will always be the sister of my soul and the friend of my heart.”

“Aww.” I grin, feeling touched. I open the card and two small rectangular pieces of paper land on the table. I put down the card and pick them up to see Sun Dance festival tickets.

I lift my eyes to hers. “How did you get these? I thought they were sold out?”

“I have my sources,” she replies.

Which basically means Knox and Kane’s mom, Audrey Crown, pulled strings to get them for us. Her family founded Crown Village—where we live—and owns every successful business in it. Her reach has no bounds.

Crown Village is a coastal town packed with amenities: beaches, a lake, restaurants, a resort, a casino, and a park. It has a small population and a tight-knit community for the people who reside here, but it’s also a holiday attraction for the rich and famous.

“The guys are taking us in the limo, and since the festival is at the amusement park, I thought we could go on a couple of rides before DJ Mesah comes on.”

I clap my hands in excitement—Mesah is our favorite DJ.

“Mesah’s playing at noon, so we’ll at least get to see her set and some of the DJs after her. We’ll be home in time for your party . . . where we can have some drinks.”

My eyes dart to the entryway of the kitchen, checking no one had heard. “I wouldn’t be saying that out loud if I were you.”

We’re lucky if Mom allows us to have a glass of champagne in her presence, let alone whatever strong alcohol Misty has conned Kane into getting.

“But aren’t you still sick?” I heard her retching this morning. She hasn’t been able to get rid of whatever illness she has.

“I told you something I’ve been eating hasn’t been sitting well with me.” She shrugs. “I don’t know. My body hates me. Anyway . . . enough about that. I think you may have forgotten something.” Her eyes latch back onto the envelope.

Lifting the envelope, I feel there’s still something inside. I tip it upside down to see a silver necklace drop into my hand. It has a charm on it, half a heart that says Friends. Misty’s hand goes to her neck, and she pulls a similar chain from outside of her top to show me that her part says Best.

“I know it’s lame, but I saw it and I had to have it.”

I roll my eyes as I pass the necklace to her and lift my long hair. “Can you put it on?”

She drapes the necklace around my neck, and I feel the cold metal against my skin.

“There,” she says.

I let my hair fall down my back and gently tug on the necklace, feeling it’s secure.

Iris walks in. “Happy eighteenth,” she says in a sing-song voice.

“Thank you!” I reply.

Iris, who’s in her fifties and from the Philippines, has been working for us since Misty and I were little. She helps around the house three days a week with cleaning, laundry, cooking, and looking after us. She’s petite, with an exotic appearance—black hair, olive skin, and dark-brown oval eyes.

“What cake would you like for tonight?” Iris asks.

I salivate as I think about it.

Misty snorts. “I thought you would have made the cake by now.”

Iris narrows her eyes, but her lip twitches like she’s smothering a smile. “I can’t, and it’s because of you, that’s why!”

Misty’s mouth falls open. Her hand goes to her chest. “Who! Me?”

“Yes, you! You little pig!”

Misty’s cackle is loud. She turns to me, then makes a point of snorting even louder.

Iris laughs. “You can’t help yourself. I wasn’t baking two cakes because you couldn’t keep your hands off of it.”

“It’s not my fault!” she complains.

Iris’s brows lift high on her forehead. “Then whose fault is it?”

“Yours!”

Mom walks through the kitchen as I’m giggling, listening to them bicker.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” Mom says before walking to me and placing a tender kiss on my forehead.

I smile at her.

“Your father said to say happy birthday. Something came up at work this morning, but he said he’ll come home when he can.”

I bob my head in acknowledgment. Then my attention drifts back to Misty and Iris.

“How is it my fault?” Iris asks.

“You’re a damn good cook. I’ve had really bad cravings lately. I just can’t resist your food.”

Iris laughs and places her hand on Misty’s head, then messes up her hair.

“Hey!” Misty whines as she attempts to flatten it.

“Can I have a chocolate cake, but with a layer of chocolate cream and fresh strawberries?” I ask Iris.

“That sounds yummy!” Misty chimes in.

“I’ll go get the ingredients this morning,” Iris replies. She turns to Mom. “Do you need anything else for tonight?”

“Audrey’s organized catering for the party, so we should be fine. But thank you.” Mom turns to me. “You’ll have to wait to get your birthday present from us when your dad gets home.”

Knox and Kane barge into the kitchen like it’s their own home. Our parents were really tight and our families were inseparable. But then, things changed when their parents split. However, it didn’t mess up our bond with the boys—or the connection between Misty and Kane or me and Knox. We’re all still as close as ever!

My eyes wander up and down Knox’s body. He’s wearing a fitted black shirt that shows off his chest and broad shoulders, ripped black jeans, and black boots. Knox is that total package of deliciousness. It’s not just his face and build that draw me to him but also that bad-boy swagger he wears so well. That moody behavior he has toward everyone except me.

Knox’s eyes lock onto mine. He strides over until he is flush against my back and folds his arms around me. He bows his head and nuzzles my neck, making goose bumps travel along my arms.

“Happy birthday,” he says in my ear.

My chest warms. “Thank you.”

“Happy birthday!” Kane yells, his larger-than-life personality on show.

The Hart brothers look similar with their signature whiskey-colored eyes, but their personalities differ. Kane is all smiles and mischief; Knox is broody and intense. While Kane is easygoing, Knox is distant and quiet.

Even their clothing sense is different. Knox is mostly in black and might wear something white for contrast, whereas Kane is usually dressed in bright fashionable T-shirts with matching-color, branded sneakers.

Knox’s arms slip away from me. I turn to see him pull a small jewelry case from his back pocket. When he places it in my hand, I touch the soft velvet material of the lid before opening it to see a large blue emerald-cut crystal surrounded by tiny diamonds. I clutch my chest as I suck in a breath through my teeth.

I feel a hand on my shoulder. I glance to the side and see Misty. She whistles.

My hands tremble. I open my mouth to speak, but I can’t. A deep chuckle comes from Kane. Knox gently takes the case from my hands, and I watch as he pulls the ring out and then slides it onto the fourth finger on my right hand.

I thought someone would purchase a ring for my birthday. Misty wasn’t very subtle in going to the jewelry store, trying on different rings, and measuring my size while we were there.

“Mom told me the band is platinum and the big crystal is a sapphire. The crystals around it are diamonds . . .” He rubs the back of his neck, suddenly shy. “It’s a family heirloom.”

A range of emotions strike me at once—happiness, appreciation—but I also worry that I’ll lose it. It looks expensive. I rise onto my toes and give him a chaste kiss on the lips.

“Where’s my diamond-and-sapphire ring?” Misty taunts Kane before elbowing him in the ribs.

He coughs, then caresses his side where she elbowed him. “Maybe you can get a ring next year.”

Mom and Iris hover around me, so I turn and hold my ring out to them, feeling giddy and spoiled.

“Oh my . . .” Mom says. She looks at Knox before looking back at the ring. “It’s absolutely stunning.”

Iris tugs on my hand, pulling it closer to her. “For heaven’s sake, child, don’t lose it.”

I bring my hand back to my side and lean into Knox. “Thank you.”

He kisses my temple. “You’re welcome, precious.”

“How about we go get changed?” Misty suggests.

On the way to our bedrooms, Misty halts and turns to me with a deep frown. “You don’t have to wear the necklace I got you. It looks so lame compared to the ring Knox gave you.”

My heart aches for her. I lift my hand and hold the necklace charm in my palm, as if I’m protecting it from Misty’s cruel words.

“Please don’t say that. I love it.”

Misty is an extrovert, but there are moments like this when I can see her insecurities.

Although my family is well-off, our wealth pales in comparison to what Audrey Knox, and Kane's mother, inherited from her family. I gather Misty paid for the necklace herself.

My dad is an accountant at Crown-Hart Casino, which was owned by Knox and Kane’s parents, but their dad, David, got it and the house in the divorce. Although Audrey kept all the assets she inherited from her family and their holiday houses, David got the casino on the condition that Knox and Kane would be a part of the business and inherit it once David passes, though I get the feeling Knox isn’t interested in it.

Misty gives me a small smile before she enters her bedroom.

After I get changed into shorts and a shirt, the sound of someone clearing their throat makes me hastily turn. Mom is standing awkwardly by my bed.

“You scared me.” After I get over my shock, I ask, “What’s wrong?”

Mom looks at the floor before staring at me. “Do we have to have the talk?”

My eyebrows furrow. “What talk?”

“The talk. Now that you’re eighteen.”

My stomach drops. “Mom, no! The talk is not needed.”

“Should I take you to the doctor to put you on the pill?”

“Mom!” I cringe and my cheeks burn from embarrassment.

“Well, I’m here if you ever want to talk about it or go to the doctor.”

I attempt to smile at her in thanks and wait for her to leave the room. I wait ten more minutes to ensure that I’m not bright red before I walk downstairs.

An hour later, the limousine arrives. We travel through the suburban part of town, toward the amusement park on the main strip of road close to Crown Beach.

Excitement shoots through me—I love the amusement park. We’re always guaranteed a good time, and Misty and I both see it as our happy place. It’s where Knox and I and Misty and Kane had our first double date. The restaurant, with its ocean view, is where our families have celebrated special occasions over the years.

We walk to the available ticket booth. When the worker sees us, his eyes widen.

“I’m Zara. This is Misty,” I glance between the guys. “This is Knox and Kane. Their mother is Audrey Crown. We’re here to get the VIP passes.”

The employee blinks a few times, then pushes his glasses up his nose. He looks at Knox and shuffles back in his seat like he’s scared of him. His colleague, who has finished serving a family at the next window, looks over and says, “Billy, the Crowns own the amusement park. Just give them the VIP passes.”

The guy turns away, picks up the passes, and places them on the counter. He clears his throat. “Have a good day.”

As we walk through the clown-face entryway, I’m greeted by a variety of carnival music and laughter. In the distance is the top of the red-and-white Ferris wheel, and to my right is a large roller coaster.

As we walk toward the food shops, the scent of coffee wafts to me first, followed by the smell of something oily and deep fried. Then I smell popcorn and candy floss, which makes my stomach rumble.

“I want ice cream. You want some?” Misty asks, her eyes darting between the three of us.

“Yes, please,” I answer.

“Kane, come help me carry them back.” He moans under his breath but follows her to the ice cream stand.

Misty and Kane stroll back to us and hand us our ice cream.

“Can you hold mine for a second?” Misty asks me with a wicked glimmer in her eye.

She hands me her ice cream cone and glances at Kane. When he brings the ice cream up to lick it, her hand bolts out and she smashes it into his face.

Misty, Knox, and I burst out in laughter as Kane stands and blinks a few times with his mouth open wide. Chocolate ice cream is everywhere—all over his face, even in his eyes. It drips off his face onto his shirt.

The shock evaporates, and a slow, evil grin paints Kane’s face. Within seconds, he hurls himself at Misty, who screams. He rubs his head on her neck, spreading the ice cream into her hair.

It isn’t long before Misty’s in the bathroom cleaning herself up while cursing Kane.

I put my hand under the tap and then run my fingers through her hair to try to get the stickiness out. “You’re not going to get all of this out now.”

She whines loudly, still trying to rub her shirt with water. “I give up. I want to go on the rides before DJ Mesah starts.”

When we return to the guys, Misty checks her watch. “Okay, we have time to go on two rides. What to choose, what to choose?”

She wiggles her eyebrows at us, exaggerating the hard choice, but we know what she’ll choose. “Bumper cars to make the guys happy.” She gives me a pointed look. “And our favorite, the carousel?”

Kane groans. “What is with you two and the carousel? It’s a kids’ ride.”

Misty has been dragging me on the carousel since we were young kids. It’s our thing.

Misty snorts at Kane. “Funny, because you’re the biggest kid here.”

He rolls his eyes. “What about the sledgehammer or big dipper roller coaster?”

Both being thrill rides, I’m not surprised he chose them.

“No. Fair is fair. Bumper cars for all of us and then the carousel because it’s Zara’s birthday. Better watch yourself on the bumper cars, Kane,” she taunts.

Kane flashes her a roguish smile. “Bring it on.”

We climb into our bumper cars. My gaze cuts to the others and I grin at them in excitement. I grip the steering wheel as I focus in front of me. When the green light flashes, Misty and Kane ram each other. Misty cackles.

As I’m watching them, I see Knox aiming for me. I turn and go as fast as I can to get away from him while a woman and child in one car bump into him, which turns him away from me. I smile back at him in victory.

After our time finishes, we get out of the bumper cars. Knox takes my hand, and we take the steps down to the ground, where we make our way past the small kids’ roller coaster and the spinning teacups.

The next is the carousel, with its gold crest and range of horses and carts. Kane and Knox wait outside as Misty and I show our VIP pass to the man operating the ride. We step up to the platform and weave between the seats until she finds a horse rearing up on its back legs. I get onto one that looks as though it’s galloping. Misty swings her leg over and hops on. She holds on with one hand, peers over her shoulder, and smiles at me.

Soon after we finish the ride, we walk to the large event. We show our tickets to the ticket collector. Once inside, the noise is earsplitting.

“I want to get up to the front,” Misty calls out. Kane nods, grabs her hand, and pushes through the crowd. Misty clutches my wrist and pulls me along, while Knox steps to my side and helps me get through the bustle.

As we get closer, my heartbeat speeds up.

“Hello, everyone,” DJ Mesah says into the microphone.

People cheer, and we keep shuffling. We cannot stop bumping into the mountains of people crammed inside, though there’s a genuinely happy vibe in the crowd.

“I’d like to thank all of you for coming, and I hope you enjoy the set.”

Misty and I cheer. We end up in the center about five people back from the barricade near the stage.

The music starts, and people lift their phones, videoing. The intro of the song starts slowly as the lights around the stage flash. When the beat kicks in, green lasers flicker through the crowd. The atmosphere of joy and excitement sends a chill down my spine.

The tempo increases, and then the beat drops. The chorus makes the crowd erupt in yells and cheers. Misty and I jump to the beat, our arms up. The guys are flush against us, protecting us from the rowdy people.

Half an hour in, Misty freezes. When I look at her, her hands are covering her mouth and she has paled significantly.

“Do you want to go?” I yell over the music.

Her eyes stretch wide and she frantically nods.

I turn to the guys and tap them on the arms. “We need to go now. Misty looks sick,” I say loudly over the music.

Knox’s and Kane’s eyes flash with understanding. Knox walks ahead, creating room for us to move through the crowd. Once we make it through, Misty runs to the bathroom stalls.

My eyes flicker between Knox and Kane. “Can one of you call the limousine to pick us up? We’d better go home so Misty can get some rest before tonight.”

* * *

My heart races as I look in the mirror. I hate being the center of attention. I wipe my sweaty hands on my dress.

“Zara. Marie. Pratt,” Mom says. “For the love of all that is holy, do not wipe anything on that dress.”

I flinch, then straighten my back. “Sorry, Mom.”

When I saw this dress, I wanted it, but now I feel a sliver of guilt that it might have cost too much. I was so giddy when I saw it that I didn’t even look at the price tag. It’s a gold floor-length gown with a sweetheart neckline and sequins around the top half. I went with natural makeup and kept my hair simple by straightening it.

Misty steps into my bedroom and wolf whistles.

I stifle a laugh and swat at her. “You look pretty too.”

Rarely does Misty grace us in a dress. She’s wearing a floor-length green mermaid dress with a V neckline that makes her blue eyes pop. Her long blond hair is half up in waves.

“How are you feeling? You don’t have to celebrate tonight. I understand if you want to go back to bed and rest.”

“Actually, I’m feeling a little better,” she replies.

“My girls are beautiful tonight,” Mom says, her voice cracking at the end.

Misty and I may not share the same blood, but she is my sister. Our parents adopted Misty because they didn’t think they could conceive, but Mom fell pregnant soon after adopting Misty as a newborn, which is why we are so close in age.

“Don’t get too excited. Look at these bad boys,” Misty says as she lifts her dress, revealing socks and black-and-white Vans.

Giggling at her, I shake my head and sneak a peek at Mom. She’s glaring at Misty, but then her shoulders drop an inch, as if she’s defeated. She knows as well as anyone that when Misty has made her mind up, nothing can change it.

Mom sighs. “Can you at least keep the dress down so no one can see your shoes?”

Misty looks up as if considering her response. “I can do that,” she says with a smirk.

“The guests are arriving.”

I turn to see Iris by the bedroom door. She rarely works this late but offered to stay back and help. My birthday wouldn’t be the same without her here. She’s like family.

Iris’s eyes dart between me and Misty, and she fans her face like she’s trying not to cry.

“Not you too?” I say. My family’s overly emotional today.

She holds up her palm to me. “I need a minute.”

Knox and Kane’s mom, Audrey, walks in past Iris. She claps. “Family photos. I have the photographer ready downstairs.”

Audrey’s wearing a long, elegant dark-blue dress and a necklace with large round diamonds, which glisten in the light.

The uninterested look on Misty’s face makes me laugh.

“Do we have to do photos too?” she whines.

“Misty . . .” Mom warns. “Before I know it, you two will be out of the house, living your own lives. It won’t kill you to smile for a couple of photos.”

Audrey steps closer to me. “Stunning.” She peers down at the ring on my finger, and her lips curve higher.

I smile back in appreciation.

Audrey glances at Misty, who pulls up her dress to show off her shoes to try get a rise out of Audrey. It works—Audrey’s face twists in disgust.

Audrey and I have always had a strong bond, but there’s been some tension between Audrey and Misty. They’re polite, but they’re not exactly best friends. Audrey doesn’t approve of Misty’s behavior and rebellious attitude. And because of that, she’s not thrilled about her son Kane dating Misty.

“Thank you. Are Knox and Kane here yet?” Anticipation at seeing Knox dressed up thrums through my veins.

“Yes, they are. Photos first!” Audrey warns. She knows me and Misty well.

Mom steps over to Audrey. “I can’t thank you enough for helping to make this a special day for Zara.”

“Helen, stop! I am your daughter’s godmother. Organizing this was easy.” Audrey shoos Mom away and swings her head toward us. “Girls, downstairs.”

We walk out of my bedroom and down the stairs to see Dad waiting for us at the bottom. When he sees us, a smile envelops his face. He spreads his arms wide, and when I reach the bottom stair, I step into them.

“Happy birthday,” he says when he pulls back out of the hug. “The both of you look beautiful.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Misty replies.

I peer around at the subtle mix of gold, black, and white decorations. The photo booth is adorned with 18 in gold balloons.

Iris walks past before Mom and Audrey arrive. Audrey steps in front of us and points to the man holding a camera. “The photographer will be taking photos all night, but we should do a formal family one before Helen gets into the wine.”

Dad laughs.

Mom scoffs. “That’s pretty rich coming from you.”

Audrey’s head falls back as she laughs. “I’ve got us some lovely bottles of champagne.”

“Can we get this over and done with? You alcoholics can get back to chatting about your wine afterward.”

I nod with Misty.

Audrey walks further into the center of the house. She points to a backdrop under the chandelier, where all the photography lights are set up. We follow her lead.

“Zara first, by herself, then Misty, Zara, and the family.”

I step into the middle of the equipment and follow the instructions, smiling and trying my best not to blink every time the bright light flashes.

After the family photos are finished, I pose for one photo with Audrey.

“Iris,” I call out. She’s talking to a server and looks up when she hears me call. “Please come and take a photo with me.”

Iris’s eyes widen. She says something to the server and makes her way to me. “I’d love to have my photo taken with you.” She’s beaming.

I wrap my arm around her and smile into the camera.

When we finish, I see Misty standing with Kane and Knox. I start walking toward them, but I hear Mom calling my name.

“Come and see your birthday present.” She tilts her head toward the front of the house.

My stomach flutters. “Where is it?”

“Your present is outside.”

My heart thumps in my chest, and all I can think is, Please be a car, please be a car . . .

Dashing toward the front door, I pass Audrey’s security guard, and Mom giggles behind me. I pull the door open wide, my eyes scanning the driveway. Dad is next to a small white Mercedes Benz. I squeal and rush to it. It beeps and flashes when I reach it, and I turn to Dad, who is holding out the key.

I jump into his arms. “Thank you.” I step to Mom and hug her.

“I hope you like it.” Mom beams.

It’s a hatchback, and it has a big Mercedes Benz logo in chrome on the grill.

“I love it!”

They smile at my eagerness, though Mom takes the car key from Dad. “You can have the key tomorrow. Now it’s time to celebrate.”