Hearing the back door creak, my mom jumps up and rushes me instantly. I put my arms around her, laughing because she saw me just over a week ago. She squeezes me the way that only Sarah Banks can and then pulls back to take me in.
“Baby girl, you look gorgeous. Absolutely glowing.”
“Thank you, Momma. How exactly did I get to bed last night?” I have a sneaking suspicion, but I want confirmation.
“That Jordan. I told you he loves you, Mackenzie. He called us so we could get your bed ready and the man carried you up the stairs and tucked you in.”
My cheeks flame, and it makes my mom’s grin grow as a knowing expression fills her face. It’s the I-told-you-so face that’s usually directed at my dad, but right now, it’s aimed in my direction.
“Oh. That was nice of him.” I then walk straight into my dad’s open arms, as he chuckles at my blatant attempt to avoid any more conversation with my mother.
“How’s my girl?” My dad is one of the most protective, loving people I know. He’s never raised his voice to me, let alone a hand. I think that’s the hardest to swallow about my relationship with Trey. He became the opposite of my dad, and I should have walked away long before I did.
“I’m good, Dad. Promise.” I give him a smile that I don’t have to fake.
He seems satisfied with my answer and gives me a kiss on the cheek before doing the same to Mom and walking inside the house.
“Let’s go in and get something to eat.” I nod and my mom links her arm through mine as she walks me into the kitchen and fixes me all my favorite comfort foods.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-THREE
JORDAN
Spending the night in my childhood home has me waking up early, anxious to talk to my parents. I think they know something about my feelings for Mack, but I’ve never actually said it out loud. It’s time they knew. Honestly, I’m ready to shout it from the rooftops—if she’ll let me.
When I walk into the kitchen, I find my mom and dad locked in an embrace that softens my heart. If this were even a year ago, I’d make some snarky comment about being grossed out, but today it hits differently. I’ve always wanted the relationship they have. They’ve been together for twenty-five years and still maul each other like teenagers. Okay, it’s a little gross, but the love is big. Real. That’s what I want. It’s what I’ll have with Mackenzie.
I clear my throat, they jump apart, my mom gasping when she sees me standing in the doorway. “Jordan! I didn’t know you were here.” She pulls me into a motherly hug that always calms my nerves and reminds me of who I am. My mom has always been one to ground me and keep me humble.
“It was late when I got Mackenzie home, so I decided to crash here.Where’s Rea?” I figured my sister would be in the kitchen, but I didn't see her.
“She and Riggs are looking at wedding venues today.” It comes out so high pitch, both my dad and I laugh. My mom loves love. She’s been flying on cloud nine since Riggs popped the question over Christmas.
“I can’t believe she’s getting married,” my dad mumbles, and when I look over to him, I find a flash of sadness fall across his face. It quickly fades into a smile. I know how protective he is of both of us, but he and I have always been on the same page when it comes to Reagan. It took a bit before I was okay with Riggs, and even a little longer for dad. We both know he’s the right guy for her. He just hates seeing his little girl grow up.
“Speaking of that…” I rip the Band-Aid off and my parents both look at me slack jawed.
“I’m not getting married. Not yet at least. But I wanted to talk to y’all about something.”
“Oh, you mean you’re finally ready to admit you’ve been in love with Mackenzie Banks since summer camp when you were fourteen.” Dad wears a sinister smirk playing at his lips after ruining what I expected would be a surprise to them.
“W-What? You knew?” They both burst out laughing at my question and it’s my turn to return the look of shock.
“Oh, Jordan. You’re so cute thinking you could hide something like that from your momma.” Mom pats my cheek and motions for me to take a seat at the table. When I sit down, she sets a plate of eggs, bacon, and sourdough toast in front of me. She adds a cup of coffee and an extra-large glass of orange juice. My favorite Mills family breakfast.
“Thanks, Mom.” I smile before I dig in, inhaling every delicious bite as my parents settle at the table as well, their own plates of food and mugs of steaming coffee in their hands.
I wipe my mouth with a napkin and fold my arms across my chest, ready to spill all the things I’ve been keeping inside. “Well, Dad sort ofruined my announcement, but I do want to talk to y’all about Mack. Of course I’ve always had feelings for her. Apparently, I didn’t do a very good job hiding it. We’ve had a solid friendship, but since she and Trey ended their relationship, we’ve grown closer. I want it all with her and finally, I think she feels the same way.”
My eyes dart between my parents as they look at me with neutral expressions. I was expecting more squealing and celebrating, especially from my mom. But right now, she looks concerned.
“Honey, I adore Mackenzie. She’s always been like a daughter to me and I’d love nothing more than to have her in our family, but this is going to be complicated. I don’t want you to get hurt. She’s pregnant with another man’s baby. A man, that while she may not be in a relationship anymore, she will be tied to for the rest of her life because they will have a child together. That’s a lot for you to take on and I’m worried.”
“I have to agree with your mother, Jordan. Where is Trey in all this? Sarah and Conrad haven’t said much, just that things were far more toxic between Mack and Trey than they ever imagined.”
“Mom, Dad, I get your concern. If I’m honest, I don’t know what’s going to happen with Trey. Mack has been trying to reach out to him to tell him about the baby since she found out, but he won’t respond to her messages or calls. She’s going to seek him out now that she’s back in the States. He has a series with the Hurricanes this month and if nothing else, she’ll find his parents. But she wants to tell him in person and I respect that.”
