“I don’t know how to help him, Carter.”
“Me either. You have to watch out for him this season, okay?”
“Of course. I got him. How are you feeling about Atlanta?” A huge smile breaks out as Carter tells me about his new team, the Atlanta Flames. Carter was picked up as a free agent after the draft and he just made Atlanta a lot more competitive.
“Y’all just better watch out for your boy. I plan on taking ATL to the championship this season.”
“Dream on, Carter.”
The restof our time together goes smoothly and when we part ways, I see a little more life in Williams’s eyes. I don’t know what I’d do if I was in his shoes and Mackenzie decided to marry someone else. I wouldn’t be able to sit back and let it happen, that’s for sure.
Picking my girls up, we drive home and I say a silent prayer, thankingthe man upstairs for allowing me a second chance to get things right. Hopefully my friend will get his chance too.
CHAPTER
FORTY-ONE
JORDAN
OCTOBER
Crisp autumn air greets me as I open the door to our grey Jeep Wagoneer. Orange and yellow leaves crunch under my all-white Air Force 1s as I walk around the front and to the passenger side, opening the door for Mackenzie. I still wake up and have to pinch myself that I got to marry the girl of my dreams. She steps out, kisses me, then opens the car door where our sweet girl naps.
“I can’t believe she’s six months old.” Mack whispers as eyes well with tears and I pull her to me.
“Six months, two weeks, and three days.” She pulls back to stare up at me, as I use my thumb to wipe one stray tear off her cheek.
“That’s oddly specific, J.” Her eyes narrow, like she’s trying to figure me out. She will—later today.
“Well, I’ll always remember how old she is and how long we’ve been married. Which, if you were wondering, is six months and three days.” I kiss the top of her head, as I ease the car seat cover over London’sseat and pull it out of the base, praying we can move her without waking her up.
With London’s car seat in one hand, I hold Mackenzie’s hand with the other and we walk into the little white church just outside of campus at CTU. Riggs and Reagan found this place when they were looking at wedding venues and I have to admit, it’s perfect for them. The colors of fall, when they fell in love, and the timeless white chapel keep it simple, yet beautiful. That’s my sister’s style to a T.
I drop Mackenzie and London off at the bridal room and make my way across the building to the groom’s side. Entering, I find Riggs, Carter, Williams, Coach Hart, and my dad.
“The best man has arrived.” I announce as they all turn and laugh.
“Didn’t know if you were going to make it. I was ready to step in.” Carter beams and I punch him in the shoulder.
“You wish.”
“Where’s my granddaughter?” My dad looks behind me to see if I have London.
“Good to see you, too Pops.” I give him an embrace, knowing today is going to be hard for him. He loves Riggs, but Reagan is his baby girl. I’ve only been a dad for six months, and I’m already dreading the day when London comes home with the man she’s going to marry.
I find my future brother-in-law, sitting on the couch, an envelope in his hand.
“Hey, Riggs. How are you feeling?” I don’t think he notices me approach him as he startles at my words. I take a seat beside him, ready for whatever he needs.
“J, glad you’re here. I’m good.” I can tell I interrupted a quiet moment, but he shakes it off quickly. Riggs smiles and gives my shoulder a squeeze. He stands, taking the envelope and placing it back in a duffel bag. His eyes are now clear and full of excitement.
“Okay, fellas, let’s get ready so I can finally marry my girl.”
An hourand some change later, I walk with my dad over to the bridal suite. Not sure what to expect, I knock. My mom comes to the door and I can hear my dad gasp at the sight of her. He pushes me out of the way, taking her hands in his, giving her a once over.
“Princess, you are ravishing. How did I ever get so lucky?” My dad is laying it on thick, but honestly, I love that my parents are still obsessed with each other after twenty-five years of marriage.
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Mills.” She bats her eyelashes at him and I push past them before they start kissing.
