His parents get up, looking stunned, and he introduces them to Dove.
Juju is slower to move toward him, and when he sees her standing there, he looks sheepish.
“It was a sudden decision. When you know, you know.”
“Apparently,” she says. “Hi, Dove. I’m Juliana, Jackson’s sister.”
Dove opens her arms wide and hugs Juju, rocking them back and forth.
“I am so excited to have a sister!” she gushes.
“Yes!” Juju says, trying to get there with her enthusiasm. “Me too,” she says softly.
She stares at me in wordless shock before excusing herself to go to the bathroom. I wait a solid minute before getting up. I’ve almost made it to the hallway when Jackson materializes with a fresh drink in hand.
“Hey, you need a drink?” he asks.
“I might. It sounded like you said you got married?”
He laughs. “Yeah. I know it was an impulsive decision, but look at her, man. She is unbelievable. We have had the best day.”
“Did you get married before or after you asked to get the families together?”
“Right after,” he said. “I thought it would be fun to surprise everyone. I’m more about the party than the wedding.”
“If I’d known, I would’ve cleared out the restaurant, and we could’ve really made a party out of it.”
“Nah, no need. Thanks for doing all this tonight. We won’t be staying too long. Got things to do.” He winks.
“Wow, you have…I can’t believe you’re married…”
He squeezes my shoulder. “Are you sure you don’t want to see her friend again? I’d love for you to be as happy as I am with someone you love.”
“I’m positive,” I tell him. “Do not think of setting me up with her friend.”
“Suit yourself.” He grins.
Juju walks past us, and Jackson follows her back to the table. I sigh and head back myself.
“Time for dessert, Uncle Camden!” Grayson says across the table.
“You’re right.” I signal to Hannah, who nods before moving toward the kitchen.
Within a few minutes, the tables are filled with several helpings of every dessert on the menu.
“Virginia has outdone herself,” Goldie says. “Wow, Camden, you hit the jackpot with her.”
“Her desserts aren’t quite as good as Juju’s, but it was as close as I could get,” comes out of my mouth without me thinking.
The whole table stops and turns to look at me.
I glance around and see Goldie cover her mouth with her hand. Juju’s face is flushed and her eyes are wide. Jackson looks confused.
Dad clears his throat. “Well, of course. We all know Juju’s desserts are superior to anyone’s.” He leans in like he’s telling asecret. “In fact, her sandwiches and soups are better than yours too.”
Everyone laughs, including me.
“Interesting,” Noah says under his breath. “Very interesting.”
