“Part of the reason I was so taken aback—” I start, but Dad interrupts.
“Is that what we’re calling it now?”
“Okay, let's call it hostile,” I admit, and Dad nods, gesturing for me to go on. “Is because I had already met her on my trip to the East Coast for that new club opening in Hartford. She and I had clicked, and if it wasn't for an emergency phone call asking her to return home, things would have gone... somewhere.” Dad’s wince and the quick way he glances down are a clear enough indicator that he’s getting the gist. I don’t want to make either of us more uncomfortable by spelling it all out. “I wasn't thinking clearly after that, and I let Jacinta get into my head, so when I saw her in our living room, I guess I overreacted.”
“You think?” Dad asks dryly.
“But I misjudged her. And I’m not the only one. I want to make it up to her, Dad. I want to get to know her, and I want to see where it might go.”
Dad crosses his arms and looks at me intently. “And if your brothers are interested as well? Would you be happy sharing her? Not to mention this is all on the chance that she gives her full consent to dealing with all of you. She might not be ready to handle all of that. Now, or ever. God knows I’m still hoping she’ll forgive all of you, let alone date you.”
I shrug, the motion relaxing some of the tension in my body. This question is much easier to answer. “We’ve all talked about it, and I don't have any problems with it. Surprisingly, I don't feel jealous at all. Just happy for both them and her. Let’s be honest, I haven’t really had much relationship success myself. I don’t think I’m really in a position to judge or decide what kind of relationship she should have or who would be best for her.”
Dad rubs a hand across his chin and sighs. “Who am I to get in the way of your possible happiness?” A sigh of relief leaves my lips at his words, but he holds up a hand. “But let me emphasize, and you make sure that the others know this, you better not break her heart. No cheating, lying, or sneaking around, and if I find out you have, Jacinta's punishment will look like a walk in the park compared to what I will do to you all.” Dad's growl holds a threatening promise that has us all assuring him before he’s even finished his sentence.
“Actually, Dad, I was hoping you could help me with something?” I change the subject slightly after he accepts how serious we are, wanting to get this ironed out with him before we leave for Hawaii. “I’m kind of in last place, or so Jacinta and Nana inform me anyway.” Oliver and Holden snicker like twelve-year-old boys, so I flip them off.Assholes.“I want to do something special with her, and I was wondering if I could get Emma’s number off you. I thought Harlow might like a tour of the house across the road, so I’m hoping I can convince Emma to let us in. Figured our Hawaii trip would give me a couple days to win both of them over. Gotta get Emma on board and make sure Harlow’s okay with being alone with me...”
The assholes stop suddenly.Yeah, not so funny now, is it, boys?I look at them and wink.
“Well played, brother, well played.” Oliver nods his head, while Holden scowls.
Dad smiles at our bantering, but that’s no surprise. So long as we don’t hit below the belt, he’s always found the little snipes amusing. “Emma is coming for dinner tonight. You can ask her then if you want. But I'm sure that Harlow will be thrilled with that. I think she was worried she wasn't going to be able to do it with the stalker around, but I don't have any problem with it if you go with her.”
“So Emma’s coming for dinner again?” Holden asks, smirking at Dad.
“Yes, she’s bringing her girlfriend. Apparently, the two of them get a little lonely in the caretaker’s cottage so far from the city. I thought it would be nice to invite them over.”
Damn, she has a girlfriend. I was hoping Dad might be in with a chance there. I know he’s happy, but it would be nice for him to have a lady in his life. It certainly hasn't been easy for him. Not many people wanted a man with seven adopted, somewhat troubled teenagers, but we’re all adults now. He’s still young, and it would be nice to see him find someone to spend the rest of his life with. Look at Nana and Poppy.
“But, Dad, I won't be here for dinner. We’re leaving as soon as Kai gets done packing.” I watch my brothers get calculated looks. “Oh no, you fuckers aren’t jumping the gun on this one. Please, Dad,” I ask him, practically begging.
“I’ll ask her for you, Jaxon. Let’s make it Thursday next week if she’s available. You all should be back from Hawaii by then.”
I shoot the other two a triumphant look, and it’s their turn to flip me off. “Look at that, you two are already doing coupley things again.” Oliver moves to get up to thump me, but Holden pats him on the chest.
“Ignore him, just think about our morning and know that he is mostdefinitelyin last place.” That has Oliver settling, and the smirks they exchange make my victory wither a bit.What the fuck are they talking about?
“I better get going. Kai wants to leave soon,” I tell them, standing up. Dad follows suit and comes around the desk to give me a hug.
“Make sure you and Kai look after her,” he tells me, sounding worried. “You don’t need to make a big production out of it. I want Harlow to be able to relax if at all possible, so some subtle eyes on her would probably be best. Unless she’s locked in her room, she shouldn’t be left alone, but maybe you guys can come up with some little reasons to check in with her, keep her company when you’re not out and about.”
“I will,” I promise, pulling away.
“And Jaxon,” Dad calls as I open the door, “make sure you spoil her. She deserves it.”
A smile crosses my face at the thought. “She does and we will.” Waving goodbye to my brothers, I hurry to my room to grab my bags and get back to the front before Kai starts bellowing at me, or worse, leaves without me.
* * *
Harlow
While everyone disappears, leaving me alone at the breakfast table, I decide to bite the bullet and make the call I’ve been dreading. I head out the large glass doors and sit down on one of the recliners facing the pool, pretending I’m ready for what I need to face now. Grabbing my phone out of my ever-present backpack, I open my contacts and hit the number I need.
It rings once before it's answered. “Harlow Stubbs, you have got some explaining to do.” Jesus, Melinda must have had Chuck's phone in her hand or something. I don't get to say a word, just sitting and listening to her rant as tears well in my eyes. God, I’ve missed her. I've been so bad, but in my defense, it feels like I haven’t stopped to really breathe.
Eventually, she runs out of air, and I wipe the few tears that escaped from my cheeks.
“Are you okay, Harlow?” Chuck's deep voice comes out of the phone, and an all too loud sigh sneaks out of me at the question. Melinda must have put it on speaker.
