“Potato salad.”
“Yum. I wanted to make something else but brownies are my signature. Rox won’t let me bring anything else,” she said as they walked up to the front door.
They entered the house and made their way into the living room. Sadie was sitting on the couch next to Stone and John was standing by the fireplace.
They all greeted each other, Kenzie standing off to the side. She liked his family but was in no way completely comfortable yet. She watched the group exchange hugs and handshakes. When John made eye contact his smile grew to a grin and he walked over to her. He was extremely attractive. His silver hair was thinner but still a full head, and while his face was slightly wrinkled, he was handsome in a rugged sense. He was also in great shape. She blushed as heapproached. The last thing she needed was to be checking out Bogs’ dad.
“So glad you could make it, Kenzie.” He rested his hand on her back and leaned in to kiss her cheek.
“Thanks for inviting me.”
He winked. “It’s an open invitation, come over anytime you like. You don’t even need Bogs.”
“Yeah, in fact, next time, leave him at home, Kenz.” Stone laughed. There was something in the way he used her nickname. There was a familiarity. It was bringing her into the fold amongst the Garrisons.
“Hey, girl.” Roxanne walked through the door and immediately embraced her. They had gotten close in the last month. While she spent time with all the girls, she saw Roxanne the most. They constantly texted, and met for lunch once a week.
“I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve seen you.” Roxanne smirked in Bogs direction. Kenzie laughed looking over her shoulder to see him glaring at his sister. Roxanne had made a habit of dropping by his place when Kenzie was there.
“I’m gonna put this in the kitchen.” She carried the tray and walked through the door. She was placing it on the island when she heard footsteps. She assumed it was Cassie. She turned to see T with the brownies. She tightened her lips to a smile and moved out of his way.
“Hey.”
“Hey,” T said, turning around to face her. He stared back at her with his usual harsh scowl. Then the awkward silence. She shifted on her feet and glanced down at the floor. T was intimidating and although she saw a softer side in the truck that night, it was brief.
“You good?” he asked.
She jerked her head and nodded. “Yeah.” He wasn’t just asking about her current status and she knew that. “Thanks again. I know you said it’s over and done but…” She swallowed and shrugged. “Thanks.”
He stared at her. “You’re welcome.”
She cleared her throat and blurted the first thing that came to her mind. “You make me nervous.”
T raised his brows and burst out laughing. She stepped back and widened her eyes. This was the first time she’d seen him smile at her or heard his hearty laugh. It completely changed the way she saw him. T folded his arms and leaned back against the island. “I make everyone nervous. You’ll get used to it.”
Everyone filed into the kitchen and Kenzie stepped back making room. Emory was the last in the room and scanned until her eyes landed on Kenzie. She smiled and walked over. “When are we doing another girls’ night? You need to host it at Bogs’ place.”
Kenzie giggled nervously. “If it’s alright by him. I mean, it is his place, not mine.”
“Yet.” Emory winked. “I give it another month before he’s got you moved in.”
Bogs wrapped his hands around her waist landing on her stomach and tugged her into his chest. “See, everyone thinks it’s a good idea you move in.” He whispered in her ear then kissed her temple.
Kenzie clasped her hands over his and smiled.
****
Bogs rested back in the dining room chair completely stuffed from the meal. It hit him a few times how their family was expanding at record speed. Soon enough, a kid’s table would have to be added. As he glanced around the room, his heart ached slightly. Only one thing was keeping this from being perfect. He tightened his lips. His mom would have loved this, seeing her boys settle down, starting their own families. He glanced over at Cassie who was rubbing her stomach and laughing atsomething Emory said. She would have loved being a grandmother.
He lifted his head and caught sight of Roxanne smiling at him.
“What?”he mouthed.
Roxanne grinned and shrugged her shoulders. He wasn’t a mind reader but if he had to guess, his little sister was sharing in his thoughts.
Bogs excused himself to go find Kenzie. She had left the table and hadn’t returned yet. He walked past the kitchen meeting up with his dad.
“You see Kenzie?”
