But the clawing at my ankles updates me that someone is getting restless. “Okay, we get the hint. You’re happy about this, want more cookies, and you’re ready for your car ride to your other uncle.” I scoop Bo into my arms and pretend to bite his nose which earns me a few giggles. “You’re going to be the cutest little ring bearer, yes you are.” My mom voice is out in full.
“Alright, let’s get you two in the car. Champagne will have to wait for later because we have a schedule to keep, and you have no sweater on.”
I suddenly remember that I have nothing covering my arms, and that causes a shiver from the realization. Then another one runs through my head. “Wait, champagne later? Does Keats know?”
Nash releases a short laugh. “Did you really think I was going to show up at his house with a ring around his sister’s finger and face his wrath? Yeah. Yeah, he knows. Seemed neutral about it.”
It makes me laugh, as I can only imagine how that conversation went, but then my laugh softens. “And yourparents?” Gail never had an issue with Nash and me, and Walter has slowly come around.
Nash touches my shoulder to put me at ease. “They’re fine.” My smile begins to etch on my lips again.
“Let’s go then. Seems everything is in place.”
“It is.”
Our delicate voices and our eyes catching are the perfect confirmation that we are exactly where we should be. Where we always should have been.
The car ridewas needed to gather my strength for balancing the testosterone between Keats and Nash. As he drives, we've been sharing pure puppy eyes and giddy looks. We’re nearly over the top, and I’m sure it will make my brother scowl a few times.
“Here we are.” Nash sighs as we turn onto my brother’s street.
I chuckle. “Enthusiasm to the brim,” I retort.
“Don’t get me wrong. It’s just… we haven’t really stayed in a family member’s house since we’ve been together. I’m not sure Keats should be our trial.” We decided to stay overnight, makes it easier if we want to enjoy wine.
I rub his hand where it’s sitting on the middle console. I find this entertaining. “We’ll be fine. Besides, I think he still has work to do, and it will be just a chill dinner. A BBQ maybe.”
Nash’s eyes seem focused through the front window of the car as he slows down. When he tilts his head and eyes squint, it causes me to wonder what’s happening. “Uh, looks like your brother is going to beona BBQ.”
My eyes snap forward as we come to a stop in front of hishouse. He’s in the front yard with a woman our age arguing with him, and Keats seems to be dishing it right back.
Hesitantly, I unbuckle my belt and open the door to hop out. They seem unaware of our arrival.
“You. You are the one who dragged me to that party,” she seethes.
“Really, Esme? Pretty positive you got an invite too, and it just so happens we ended up driving home together.”
She points a finger at my brother. “You are the worst neighbor. You are such a mind fuck.”
I stand there in awe and feel Nash arrive by my side. I’m not sure either of us blink, too engrossed in the scene.
“Do we interrupt them, let them know to tone down the language before I take Bo out?” Nash wonders.
“I’m not sure. I kind of want to see how this plays out.”
Nash’s eyes and my own nearly pop out when my brother steps forward and so does Esme. Ah, I know this scene. A reminder of Nash and I pre-reunion, which is why I smirk.
“It’s not my fault you voluntarily came home with me and then we?—”
“Whoa,” I speak up and wave my hand. “We don’t need to hear more.”
Both Keats and Esme whip their sight to us, suddenly aware of our presence.
Nash just smirks, clearly enjoying my brother’s shock or embarrassment, I’m not sure what it is.
“How long have you been standing there?” Keats asks, frozen.
“Long enough for me to enjoy this weekend’sroastedBBQ.” Nash has a cheeky smile—because he won’t let this go—right before he turns to open Bo’s door with vigor.
