Chapter 18
Reece
Could I possibly pick a fight with anyone else today?
I stare across the kitchen and sunroom—which currently lacks any sun, thanks to the thick plastic covering the accordion doors—and contemplate my texts with Jax.
For five seconds, we got along, not just tolerated each other. I haven’t spent quality time with my parents, a term I use loosely, in nearly a decade. Do I want to jeopardize my future family for a family that’s dead to me? Other than my sisters?
Still, my sister, Sadie, deserves a perfect wedding. Any woman does.
“Were the twins here?” If there’s anyone who can pull me out of this sullen mood, it’s Aurora in candy cane flannel pajamas and her hair in a messy bun. “I thought I heard their voices.”
“Yeah.” I stand to intercept her before she reaches the coffeemaker. “You’re going to have some stories for Gram.”
She encircles my waist and narrows her sleepy eyes. “Are you blocking my once-daily dose of caffeine?”
I cup her nape and drop a kiss on her lips. “No, I’m blocking your sugar rush. Can I make you tea with honey instead?”
“Ugh,” she groans dramatically, a playful lilt in her tone. “Fine. I’ll have the cinnamon, but only because I know you’ll worry about me.”
Her choice doesn’t surprise me. The cinnamon tea has the most caffeine, though far less than coffee and without all that fake, sugary creamer.
While I prepare the kettle on the gas stove, she perches on a stool at the island.
“What were you saying about the twins?” She yawns.
Facing her, I rest my forearm on the granite surface. “They’re infatuated with Charlie—bothof them.”
She sucks in a soft gasp, and her eyes widen. “For real? I thought Desi might be, with how he teases him, but Dante too?”
I’m not into chitchat, but I love the way her face lights up when she’s enthusiastic about something, so I keep it going. “Yep. Charlie—well, his real name is Lucas—did the walk of shame this morning. Came in here withhickeys,”I raise my brows and pause for dramatic effect, “all over his neck.”
“Oh my God!” she gasps, covering her mouth with her hand. “This is so awesome, and I love the name Lucas. Did they all come over together?”
“No. Lucas snuck out to meet Bennett. The twins were here in a panic, demanding to know his whereabouts. I’m guessing possessiveness runs in the family.”
The whistle of the kettle drowns out her laughter, and a lull comes over us as I prepare her tea.
I set the mug in front of her, cautious not to spill it. My muscles are sore, and my balance is off from using only one arm.
“Thank you,” she singsongs with a happy little wiggle.
“We have to get groceries. There’s not much to eat unless you want leftover pizza.”
She scrunches her nose, shakes her head, and takes a careful sip. “I’ll order food. How about a movie marathon? You need to rest.”
“I ain’t gonna lie. The peace and quiet here is nice. I’ve missed this place.”
“We’re boring, aren’t we?” A tender smile curves her lips. “Like an old married couple. Gossiping, drinking tea and coffee.”
“I’ve had enough action to last a lifetime. I don’t mind.”
“Jax and Ethan will be traveling the world, and you and I’ll be on the couch, binging true crime docs with Gram.”
She lets out an infectious laugh, and I can’t help but join in.
“I’d have it no other way, angel. I love our life.” Decision made, I draw a deep, steadying breath. “Your husband is not happy about the wedding.”
