Braden: What’s the name of the dating app you guys were telling me about? The one Poppy’s doing with no pictures? Warren is interested.
It’s a great excuse if I do say so myself. It’s not like I could tell him my plan. If anyone knew what I was about to do, they’d think I was certifiable. Hell, maybe I am.
Eli: Warren, your assistant? Weird. I’m not sure, but it had the word blind in it.
Braden: Thanks, that should be enough to go on.
Eli: Good luck.
Braden: I’ll pass it on.
Perfect. That gives me exactly what I need. The next thing I know, I’m creating a dating profile, focusing on the details I think Poppy will be looking for while being careful not to use anything that could blow my cover. I decide to go with my middle name, Owen, and last initial to make myself feel better about not lying… per se.
The tricky part will be making sure we match, which means we’ll have to choose each other’s profiles. Poppy comes up quickly because my preferences all point to her. Now that I’ve selected hers, it’ll be up to fate whether she chooses mine in return.
A week later, fate still hasn’t stepped in, and I’m starting to get nervous. I’m headed to Jackson’s for Thanksgiving as I do most years. My mom has her husband and his family to celebrate with. We talked this morning, of course, but stuffing myself with turkey isn’t enough of a reason to fly to the other side of the country, so I’ll visit at Christmas like I always do.
I’m looking forward to spending the day with friends. I’ve shared many holidays with the Solomans since Jackson and I met, and now that LilyandCici married the Dubree brothers, they’re all included. Lily’s practically one of their own, having lived with them throughout high school, and Sebastian and Eli’s parents are deceased. We’re just one big collection of misfits that they’ve graciously embraced into their family.
I’m the last one to arrive, as usual, and let myself in, greeting Mr. and Mrs. Soloman, who are busy in the kitchen, before headingout back, where the three couples are. Man, does it hit home that I’m alone now that they’re all married, two of them even starting a family. Holy shit.
“Braden, you made it. Glad you’re here, buddy.” Jackson’s the first to welcome me with a hug. His wife, Mia, is next. I inspect her stomach for the telltale sign of pregnancy, but don’t notice anything yet. I’m sure it won’t be long with baby fever running rampant.
Eli and Cici are next, along with Abby, followed by Sebastian and Lily with their days-old baby, Samantha, nestled in the crook of Sebastian’s arm. Man, is that a sight to see. He was probably voted the most likely to end up in the mafia in high school, and here he is, the doting dad.
“Congratulations, man. Fatherhood looks good on you,” I tell him as we lock arms in a bro hug.
“Thanks. Feels good, too.”
Then I turn to his wife, Lily, the last to greet. “Congrats, Lily. She’s beautiful. And so are you, I might add.”
“Careful,” Sebastian says, giving me the stink eye as I shake my head.
She slaps his arm, the one not holding their daughter. “Stop it. He was just being sweet. I gave birth a few days ago, so I obviously look like crap and six months pregnant still.”
“You’re more beautiful than ever,” Sebastian tells her with a kiss to the forehead.
“And that’s why I love you.” She looks at him adoringly enough to make me slightly envious.
“That and my baby-making skills.” He smirks at her.
Lily rolls her eyes, causing Sebastian to narrow his in return. I don’t even want to know what that’s about. But Lily ignores him and scoops up her daughter. “Don’t say those things around Samantha,” she chastises before joining the other ladies.
“See what you have to look forward to? You can never win with them,” Sebastian says, sipping his drink.
It’s crazy that it’s only been three years since we’ve been hangingout together. I feel like I’ve known these guys forever. Though Jackson and I go further back, and Mia joined us a year ago, they’re like family, and I couldn’t imagine a better group of friends.
“I’d say you’re pretty lucky in my opinion. It’s hard to find someone worthy enough to spend the rest of your life with, so you’re all winning in my book.” Shit, that’s not like me. I’m usually the one telling everyone that marriage is crap, but seeing my friends this happy is making me rethink that notion.
Eli raises his glass. “Cheers to that. Where’s your drink?”
“I came out to say hi first. I’ll get it in a minute.”
Sebastian jumps at the task. “Let me grab you one. I need a refill anyway.”
“Thanks,” I say as he walks off, leaving me, Jackson, and Eli.
“Speaking of finding someone worthy, did you find that dating app?” Eli asks.
