I nod. “I worry about that too,” I agree. “But Morgan’s got a good head on her shoulders. Good judgement. She wouldn’t have started seeing him if she had an inkling he was still a shit-disturber like he was back in high school. Like she said about Colton and Noodles years ago—he’s a good boy, maybe just a little misunderstood. He’s been nothing but a perfect gentleman to her, from everything she’s told me.”
In the years since that fateful cookout at my parents', Gordy and I have reconnected a few times, whenever I’m back in Ternbay. He had Taryn formally apologize to Colton and Nikolas for his behavior, and then Gordy confided in me that he felt like he’d fucked up as a parent. He’s still working on navigating through his own past trauma, but he found a different therapist to work with so that there wasn’t a conflict of interest with Brooks.
He sometimes acts a little apprehensive around me, though, which I guess I can’t fault him for. I neither pry nor do I give him the cold shoulder, however. He’s on his own healing journey, and I know better than anyone that years of torment can take a long time to recover from.
I grab my phone and text Morgan to let her know we might be a little late. She replies quickly, telling me her and my mom are just fine to wait. They haven’t even headed to Portside yet, since they’ve been playing in the sprinkler with Tallulah. I peer down at Brooks, still soothingly running my fingers through his hair.
“For the record, I don’t think she’s pregnant. We’re probably overthinking this. It was a bad joke. I’m sorry, babe,” I tell him.
He shakes his head. “No, it’s fine. I guess I still just can’t reconcile that she’s all grown up,” he murmurs, still gently stroking me. “Tally’s growing up so quickly on us too.”
“S’gonna happen, no matter what we do,” I muse. “We did good though. We did really friggin’ good.”
He nods, smiling wistfully. “We did. Weare.”
I reach down and tap the compass on his wedding band—the perfect match to my knuckle tattoo, now hidden beneath my matching band.
“Gonna keep reminding you of that every day, until you believe it,” I assure him.
When Brooks and I finally get to Portside, Morgan comes rushing out to greet us in the parking lot as we hop off the bike.
“Dad! Evster!” she hoots, hugging us both. “Come on, come in! We’ve got a huge surprise for you,” she adds, patting her belly.
I feel Brooks tense up beside me again. I squeeze his hand for reassurance. “Can you just tell us out here first, Morgs?” he pleads.
Morgan’s brows furrow in confusion. “What? Why would I? It’s not my news to share.”
“What do you mean?” I quiz her now.
She tugs my hand, yanking me and Brooks inside. When we get inside, there’s a huge spread of food. It’s bigger than I’ve ever seen before at Portside, which usually isn’t even open at this time on a weekend. Morgan pats her belly again. “Isn’t thisamazing?” she gushes, licking her lips.
Brooks and I are both slack-jawed in front of the packed house, staring at the buffet.Thiswas the big surprise? I mean, I know Morgan’s usually ravenous, but I didn’t expect such excitement aboutbrunch.
Morgan’s gaze flicks between Brooks and I, who are both equally confused as each other. Rolling her eyes, she huffs, “Well?”
“I mean, it looks delicious, Captain Morgs…” I drawl. “But this—”
“Oh! You’re here!” Cutting me off, Taryn comes striding out of the back kitchen, hair net on and wiping his hands on his apron. He’s the spitting image of his dad, although I’ve never seen a smile on Gordy’s face quite as wide as the one Taryn’s sporting right now. He approaches us and holds out his hand, offering it up for a firm handshake.
“Glad you guys could make it,” he addresses Brooks and I cordially.
Morgan leans into him, wrapping her arm around his waist. She peers up at him, then proudly says, “You’re looking at the new owner of Portside Pub.”
“That’s right. Worked my ass off, saved up, and bought the place off my dad,” Taryn agrees, beaming. “Starting today, new things are coming for the old place. But don’t worry, it’ll still be a favorite local watering hole, though I plan to make it a little more family-friendly and less like a dive bar.”
Brooks whooshes out a breath. “Well, that’s amazing, Taryn,” he tells him. “Congratulations! Evan and I are so proud of you!”
I nod in agreement. “Yeah. I mean, you really have been working hard. I’m sure whatever new ideas you have will only serve to make this place better.”
Taryn still grins toothily. “Thanks! I wouldn’t have had the guts to take over the place if it wasn’t for my girl though,” he adds, giving Morgan a squeeze. “She’s been my biggest cheerleader.” He kisses the top of her head.
In the door next comes Colton and Petro. The whole dang clan is here, I finally notice.
Taryn hops over to greet them. “Hey! Thanks for coming guys! Welcome, welcome!” he cheers, escorting them in. Then he leans towards Colton, waggling a finger between him and Petro. “Aaand, I heard you two lovebirds had some news of your own. Congrats!”
Colton chuckles, running a hand through his still shaggy hair. “Thanks, man.”
“We’re excited,” Petro croaks, stroking his little bump. “Thank you.”
