Riptide (Book 1)

Independence Day

Tomorrow we are having a little party for the Fourth of July. Kookie and I are out getting all the supplies we need for the party. Blake's birthday was just last month and it's hard to believe that she is now a year old. Next month is Addy's big day and I can't wait. I'm so happy to see her get married and become part of the family. I just wish we could of meet under different circumstances. Although I'm still glad that everything we went through we went through it together. Her and her parents have been so nice to us since we met day one. They are like my family to me since my mother never was. The only real family I have left is my brother. I'm so happy for him and Addy and can't wait to see their happy future.

After we finish shopping, we head back to the house and start preparing the dishes. Addy and her parents are coming over along with all the guys. It feels like it has been so long since I seen them. Even though I just saw them for Blake's birthday.

Anyways, we prepare the food then go outside to put up some decorations. Kookie leaves to meet up with Brent to buy some fireworks which leaves me in the house alone. While the food cooks I play with Blake for a little bit then feed her. I check the food then grab the plates and utensils. I bring them outside along with some cups and napkins and place them on the table. The set up looks great and everything is set for tonight. I go back inside and do another check in the food before grabbing Blake and getting her ready for a nap.

Finally, Brent and Kookie return with arms full of fireworks for the night. I help them bring them out back and place them near the table. We go back inside and Brent leaves. For the rest of the afternoon, we chill on the couch and watch movies. Blake wakes up from her nap and plays with her toys in her playpen.

Around 5:00 we start getting for the party. I pick out a crop-top and jeans with rips in them. I curl my hair a little then put on some light makeup with red lipstick. I throw on a pair of white converse then do a full spin in the mirror.

"Perfect." I smile and look up behind me and see Kookie looking me up and down. I giggle and turn to face him. I walk over to him and he pulls me into a hug. His hands travel down my back and stop at my butt before giving it a tight grab.

"Totally perfect, baby." He says and roll my eyes. I give him a kiss on the lips and he smiles. "I love you so much, babe."

"Me too, baby." He lets me go then gives me a quick spin before heading into the bathroom. I go get Blake and bring her to her room. I pick out a cute little outfit for her and put her in it. I snap some pics of her then pick her up. Everyone will be arriving soon so I head to the kitchen. I put Blake down and start getting the food out the fridge. I put them in the oven to heat them back up. Blake follows me as I move around the kitchen.

"Blake, please watch following mommy. Mommy is carrying hot trays right now." She runs around the other way and I sigh. "Babe, come get Blake out kitchen please." I shout to Kookie and Blake laughs. Soo he comes and picks her up, taking her outside. I continue with the food, adding designs to the desserts and covering the rest with tinfoil before bringing it outside. I bring all the food out and soon enough the doorbell rings. I walk to the door and open it to see six familiar faces. I greet them all and give them big long hugs. We walk inside and head to the backyard. They tell Kookie hi and pick up Blake giving her lots of tiny kisses.

"Will Layla be joining us, Jimin ?" I ask him.

"She is with the real estate agent. We recently just bought the house we were looking at a few weeks ago. We are just doing a few more things then we will be ready to move it. And Jayden is with her mom."

"That's awesome. I can't wait to see the house once it is done." He smiles and I see his cheeks turn red.

"You will be in the top five of the people who want to see it." We both laugh.