He stormed up to Reese’s home, relieved to see his truck parked out front. Serenity’s car was there, too. It was lunch time and hopefully they’d be available for an uncomfortable conversation.
Before he had a chance to connect his fist with the door, it swung inward. A grinning Tegan stared up at him. “Uncle Tripp! What are you doing here?”
With the family being so large and close nit, it had been easier to tell Serenity’s kids that all of Reese’s cousins were just more uncles and aunts. Tripp would be lying if he said it bothered him. Serenity’s boys were great. They were adventurous and strong. One day they were going to make good, strong men.
Tripp ruffled Tegan’s brown locks. “Is your mom here?”
The boy nodded and a small frown flickered across his expression. Tripp smiled despite himself. The kid loved it when he made time for him.
“Let me talk to Reese and your mom for a bit then we can go out for a ride, what do you say?”
Tegan immediately brightened and stepped aside to allow Tripp access.
Already, Tripp could feel that he’d cooled down. Serenity’s kids did that for him. Once upon a time, he had thought kids were a nuisance and he was never going to put himself through that sort of situation. Fatherhood wasn’t for him.
Even after meeting the kids, while he’d warmed up to them, he hadn’t considered himself father material.
Maybe he was right. But more and more lately, he could see himself settling down and having a few of his own. He could find someone like…
Well, not likeher, that much was certain.
And just like that, Tripp was back in a foul mood.
Tegan led him toward the kitchen where his aunt Sonya sat at a table with Reese. Serenity stood by the fridge with her other son, picking out a drink for lunch. All gazes turned to him when he entered.
“Tripp, what a nice surprise,” Sonya beamed. “It’s been a while since you’ve stopped by. To what do we owe the pleasure?”
He glanced around the room, his eyes lingering on the boys. They didn’t need to hear this. Jerking his chin toward the door, he asked, “Can I talk to you guys? About the wedding stuff.”
Reese and Serenity exchanged a look. Tripp hated how they could have a complete conversation in one look. Already he knew he was in for a fight. It was a good thing Wendy had primed him for one, because he wasn’t going to back down.
Tripp paced the back porch, digging his hands into his hair. “I can’t do it anymore.”
Reese looked utterly amused as he reclined on a chair, simply watching Tripp unravel. He hadn’t given any advice thus far. Serenity on the other hand was gracious enough to look concerned for his mental wellbeing.
“She’s not so bad, once you get to know her,” she said softly.
“Oh,” Tripp let out a deprecating laugh, “I’m pretty sure I know her far better than I should at this point.” He pointed toward the front of the house even though they wouldn’t be able to see what he was gesturing to. “She had my truck towed!”
At that, Reese lifted his brows and sat up straighter. “No kidding?”
Serenity glanced between the two of them. “Was it parked somewhere it shouldn’t be?”
Tripp and Reese laughed though one was angry and the other was amused.
“Heck no,” Reese answered for Tripp. “He’d never risk his truck getting taken off by a tow. That thing is his baby. I’m surprised your friend is still standing.” He laughed again.
“It’s not funny!” Tripp snapped. “And that’s not even the half of it. She’s trying to make me go insane.”
Reese chuckled again, lacing his fingers behind his head. “Are you sure you’re not already there?”
Tripp shot his cousin a warning look. Then he turned to Serenity. “I’m sorry, but I only came here to tell you both that I think it’d be best if I back out.”
The bride-to-be looked almost stricken. Reese caught sight of her expression then scowled and shook his head. “It’s too late. You’re in it for the long haul, cuz.”
Incredulous, Tripp’s head reared back. “What? You can’t just?—”
Serenity moved toward him, slowly, almost like she would a wild animal. “I know you two haven’t exactly been getting along, but maybe this is your chance to change that.”
