It was time to make it all official.
Brianna
“YOU WON AGAIN!”My father turned his head as he raised his brows. “This kid has a gift.”
He winked at me before turning back to the checkers board. He was playing against Victoria on our new coffee table, and unless my dad was losing his eyesight, he wouldn’t have missed the two crystal clear shots he had down the middle. Victoria giggled and clapped as I did when he would let me win. My father would be an awesome grandfather someday, if we figured out how. But gazing at him and Victoria, maybe he was already easing himself into the job.
I laughed to myself and went back into the kitchen to put out the rest of the food. I planned a housewarming/Josh’s thirtieth birthday party in the matter of a couple of weeks. Having a kitchen that fit more than only me would take some getting used to. We kept it small and only invited my parents, his uncle, and Reid and his wife. We invited Josh’s dad, but he declined. I hoped someday he would attempt to try to do the right thing by his son, but that day wasn’t today.
“So, Reid.” Uncle Billy slapped him on the back. “When are you getting a cycle? I bet Josh would give you a good price.”
“How about never?” Missy shot her husband an angry glare as she ambled into the kitchen. “Bri, I can help you bring some stuff in.” She held out her hand as Josh snickered behind her.
“Thanks, Missy.” I handed her two trays of food. “Just put these on one of the side tables in the living room.”
“Guess that’s a no.” Josh chuckled as he reached into the fridge for a beer. Reid only shrugged.
“Hey, I married up. I don’t make any attempts to rock that boat.” He followed Missy back into the living room.
“This is a great place.” Uncle Billy came over to me and kissed my cheek. “Thank you,” he whispered.
“For what, inviting you? Don’t be silly.” I touched his arm. “Thanks for being here on such short notice.”
“No, for giving my nephew something to fight back for.”
My throat thickened. I was already an emotional mess and didn’t want to start crying this soon.
“He did the same for me.” I squeezed his hand and went back to the trays in the oven before I lost it.
Uncle Billy left the kitchen, and I was left alone with Josh’s puzzled stare.
“Everything okay?” He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.
“Of course. I’m trying to get everything together and you’re in my way.” My lips pursed as I moved him out of the way.
He leaned over and planted a kiss on my lips. “Just checking. You know, we haven’t christened the counter yet . . .”
I pushed my hands against his chest. “And we aren’t now. We have company, you animal.”
“I know . . . but it is my birthday, and if we could get Victoria to sleep after they leave . . .” He wiggled his eyebrows before biting my neck.
A smile tugged at my lips. “Maybe.”
He growled before pulling me in for another kiss.
“I won at checkers three times in a row!” Victoria bounced into the kitchen.
I giggled into Josh’s chest before turning toward her elated grin. “That’s awesome, Vic,” I told her. “And my dad is pretty good, so you must be a natural.”
She nodded and climbed on one of the kitchen stools at the counter.
“Okay, I’ll leave you girls alone.” Josh kissed the back of Victoria’s head before heading back into the living room.
“Think he’ll like my present?” We both had big plans for Josh’s birthday this year. The presents weren’t expensive, but they were priceless all the same.
“Like? I think he’ll love it.”
“What did you get him?” Her brow creased.
