“Shut up,” I mutter.
He just laughs. “Sounds like someone’s softening where Juju’s concerned. Finally.” He grabs his chin between his thumb and forefinger. “Or probably not softening at all…”
I kick him in the shin, and he yelps and laughs even harder. I can’t be too mad. It’s a challenge to make my brother laugh this hard. He used to be a lot lighter when Mom was alive. Losing her and having a son without Mom around…none of us like to think about the fact that our kids won’t have her in their lives. I’m just grateful my dad’s health has turned around. I can’t even think about losing him.
“Oh, I’m so full,” Goldie groans.
“I can’t eat another bite,” Grandma Donna adds.
“I’d like to propose a toast,” Jackson says.
My God. This night is all over the place.
He motions to Bentley, who’s been swamped at the bar all night, and Bentley comes out with glasses of champagne. Katie follows him with another tray.
“To my wife, Dove, and family. To many years of happiness,” Jackson says.
We clink glasses and sip our champagne.
The round of goodbyes begins about ten minutes later, and like most Minnesota goodbyes, they linger on and on and on.
I catch Juju at the host stand.
“You keep running,” I murmur. “I keep chasing.”
She doesn’t look at me. “Just doing what you asked.”
“You okay?”
“Besides being gut-punched by my brother marrying someone he doesn’t even know? Sure.”
I make a face. “I don’t know what the hell he was thinking.”
“I have a pretty good guess,” she says, rolling her eyes.
“Office?” I try. “Five minutes?”
“Five minutes,” she finally agrees.
But her mom comes over then and puts her arm around Juju. “What a night.” She shakes her head. “I don’t even know what to think.” She laughs quietly. “Are you about ready to go? Goldie said you rode with her and Milo. We can take you home.”
Juju’s eyes meet mine. “That sounds good, Mom.”
“Good night, Camden.” Margaret hugs me. “This was such a lovely night, surprise announcements and all. I know it must have just felt like work for you, taking care of us and making sure everything else was running smoothly, but we all really enjoyed the night. I know Jackson appreciates the effort you went to.”
“I enjoyed the night too. Thanks, Margaret. And hopefully, it’s a good beginning for Jackson and his bride, having us all wishing them well.” I rub my hand down my jaw.
“Let’s hope you’re right. You’ll have to come over while we’re here,” she says.
I glance at Juju. “I’ll do that.” I tilt my head. “Juju, would you have a minute to––”
My dad pounds my back. “Son, exceptional food.”
Grayson’s arms wrap around my legs. “Night, Uncle Camden.”
Juju and her mom hug Grandma Nancy and Grandma Donna, and I stare after them as they walk out.
I go back to the kitchen once everyone’s left, and the next time I get a break, I call her.
