The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 4

Grace's POV.

That night, Rory and Lydia serve us a delicious meal of flatbreads, minted lamb and a side of roasted vegetables.

We eat on the balcony because the sunset is beautiful, and the air is still warm.

Instead of playing drinking games, because the two of us can't drink, we play eating games. For dessert, we are each given a big bowl of sweets.

We play Never Have I Ever, a game that holds a special place in my heart because Axel asked me out when we played it at a house party five years ago.

We adapt other drinking games into eating games, too. There's one where you have to vote for a person after someone reads a statement like 'who is most likely to…'. Whoever was voted for by the most people, couldn't eat any of their sweets for that round.

Games are played until we all feel sick and can't eat anymore. Just before midnight, we head up to bed.

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On Sunday, we go for a hike in the woods. The weather is warm and there's a gentle breeze. It's the perfect temperature.

'What do you think it will be' I ask Axel as we walk together at the back of the group.

I gesture down at my stomach, and he grins.

'I don't know. Most parents usually have a slight preference, but I'm really not bothered either way. I just want it healthy.'

I nod in agreement.

'I'd like one of each, maybe,' I reply. 'I don't mind which comes first. But then, you don't know if maybe the sex they're given at birth is who they will stay as.'

Axe nods. 'Very true. We'll support them no matter what.'

Axel and I start discussing baby names. I know it's far too early, but it's a long hike and I'm just too excited.

The gang overhears and starts chipping in their ideas. Xaden and Noelle share their favorites. They have two to pick…I don't know if that makes it harder or easier

When we get hungry, we stop for a break in a pretty clearing. I take some pictures to post on my social media and get ripped for it by Axel and Xaden.

'Hashtag at one with nature,' Xaden mocks me.

I shoot him a glare and throw a cocktail sausage at him. He catches it in his mouth, chews and grins, his mouth full of sausage.

Him and his damn quick reflexes.

'Hashtag so peaceful,' Axel pipes up and I scowl.

'Hashtag weekend away,' Xaden adds.

'Hashtag tree hugger.' I glare at my mate.

'Hashtag wish this was a girls—only trip,' I retort, and the girls laugh.

'Amen,' Noelle mutters and Xaden gasps in fake horror.

'I am the father of our unborn children! Don't pretend you don't love me being here,' he pouts.

Noelle snorts. 'Sorry baby, I love you being here.'

Xaden nods, satisfied that she was joking. Noelle looks at me and sends me an 'I'm not joking' look, making me laugh. I force myself to keep a straight face when Xaden looks up.

We eat the picnic that we brought with us in the backpacks and they're a lot lighter when we pack the rubbish back up in them.

We hike back to the house, singing old camp songs on the way. We're all tired by the time the lake house comes into view.

'I say we do pizzas tonight,' Xaden says, gesturing at the brick pizza oven around the back.

'Definitely,' Lydia agrees and we all nod.

'I'm so down for a pizza,' I reply.