A Beautiful Thought (The Beautiful Series) by Alicia Rae Read Free Book Online Page A

over here?” Jason asked, setting his hand on Pearl’s shoulder as he smiled down at her.
    Pearl lovingly hugged her dad.
    “We’re making s’mores,” she informed Jason. “And Uncle Damon said Gail is just his friend.”
    Jason replied, “That’s great, Princess.” Stepping closer to me, he tilted his head in my direction as he raised a brow at me. “Perceptive for a seven-year-old, isn’t she?”
    “I’ll say.” I laughed, watching Pearl take a huge bite out of her s’more. “But Gail and I are really just friends.”
    “Uh-huh.” Jason snickered. “Let me know how that works out for you, buddy. Since you arrived, you haven’t been doing a very good job at keeping your eyes to yourself.” He gave me the look. “And neither has Gail.”
    I was intrigued to hear that Gail couldn’t keep her eyes off of me, but I facetiously glared at my brother anyway. “I would say something to you right now, but I can’t because kid ears are listening,” I threatened.
    Jason threw his head back, laughing. “That look of yours only proves my point!”
    Abbey and Gail started walking toward us with Kyle and Lily following right behind them. Kyle handed a beer each to Jason and me before stretching out next to Lily on a blanket. They snuggled while watching the logs burn on the fire.
    Pearl walked up to Gail and extended her hand that was holding a s’more. “Would you like one, too?”
    Gail tenderly smiled at her and hugged Pearl, careful not to get chocolate remnants on her clothing. “Yes, please,” she answered before taking a bite of the gooey chocolate treat. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
    I took a seat on the log again. Gail chose a green chair at my right, and Pearl hopped onto her lap. I felt my pulse spike, wondering if Pearl would bombard Gail with the same question as she had done with me.
    Instead, Pearl asked, “When can I have another sleepover at your house?”
    I had no idea that Gail even spent time with Pearl, but I guessed that made sense, considering she was Abbey’s best friend. The endearment made my chest swell. I let out a silent breath. This woman had me all out of sorts.
    “Hmm…very soon. I miss you,” Gail replied.
    She shifted Pearl up higher on her leg, and Pearl nestled into her.
    “How about not next weekend but in two weeks?” Gail added.
    Pearl gasped. “Okay!”
    Jason sat down in a yellow lawn chair and pulled Abbey onto his lap. “Did you hear that, baby?” Jason exclaimed to Abbey. “We get a date night in two weeks.”
    “Mmm…” Abbey purred at him. “How should we make use of our free time?”
    “Whoa!” Kyle cut in, startling Lily. “Jason, I will fucking kick your ass if you answer that question with me right here.”
    Jason yelled, “Language!”
    “Sorry, man,” Kyle said with sincerity to Jason.
    “I’d kick it again because I don’t want to hear that”—I caught sight of Pearl and controlled my language—“ stuff about my own brother, either.”
    Jason nodded and then lowered his head to nuzzle Abbey. “Damn, baby. I guess we’ll have to finish this conversation later.”
    The seven of us all sat around the bonfire for another hour, talking among one another and listening to the fire crackle. Pearl stayed by her parents, laughing and having a good time with them. After a while, Abbey took Pearl inside the house to watch a Disney movie with her.
    As the rest of us all hung out for a little longer before calling it a night, I could not help but feel this was exactly where I was meant to be. There was no better company than being surrounded by family and friends and laughter.

    After Gail and I walked into her apartment later, we each strolled toward our own bedroom door.
    She stopped at her doorframe and turned to face me. “Good night, Damon,” she softly murmured.
    “Night.”
    I smiled as I watched her amble into her room before she gently closed the door. I stared after her briefly as I pondered over how I’d ended up right here,