The grocery store hum fades to white noise, and emotion suddenly clogs my throat.Gooddoesn’t even come close to what I’m feeling.
I’ve missed my family more than I realized, especially Uncle Pete.
I focus on Andy. His tall, slim figure and greying beard. For a long time, I hated this faceless, nameless man for stealing my uncle away from me. And yet, I always admired him too. Andy gave Pete the courage to be true to himself, even if it meant hurting our family. I could never blame him for that.
I thrust a hand out. “I’ve heard about you too. It’s good to finally meet you.”
Andy exhales.
Jordan looks between us, still confused. “It sounds like you have a lot to catch up on, so why don’t you and Andy come to dinner tonight? I know Declan won’t mind.”
Pete and Andy exchange a look. “That sounds great. What time?”
“Whenever. Declan says food will be ready in about three hours, but we’re welcome anytime. Miles and I are heading there after we leave here.”
Andy nods. “Yeah, okay. We’ll see you soon then.”
Pete smiles at me, gives me yet another quick hug. He shakes his head. “See you, Miles.”
I walk away in a daze. I came here to meet Jordan and ended up finding one of my favorite people. If that’s not fate, I don’t know what is.
15
JORDAN
The smell of fresh-cut grass hangs heavy in the air, and a warm breeze flows from the south, carrying the scent of the ocean and hot summer days. The steady thump of beanbags landing on cornhole boards has somehow coincided with the music, and the one and a half plates of smoked ribs and pasta salad I’d eaten earlier has strangely felt like enough.
Is this what it feels like for others? This fullness from being around family?
Declan’s backyard is the perfect setting to invite Miles into the group. From the moment we arrived, Miles naturally melted into the mix as if he’d been here the whole time. It’s been amazing to watch, actually. I think running into Pete gave him an extra boost of confidence, because his nerves disappeared instantly. When we got here, Miles strolled right into the place like he’d been there a thousand times. Declan pulled out some yardgames while Seth finished grilling, and we’ve spread out some lawn chairs, passing around beers.
After winning a game of Ladder Ball, I tap Miles on the shoulder. “I’m done for now.”
“What? We were going to play cornhole with Uncle Pete.”
“Team up with Piper. She’s good.” I kiss his cheek, trying to tell him with my eyes I just need a break. Socializing is draining me.
Piper swoops in, thrilled to have a chance to play again.
Opening a cooler, I snag a bottle of beer before pulling out a patio chair. As far as anchors go, this is a pretty epic one. Watching my friends treat Miles like he’s already a part of the group has been pretty damn amazing, but seeing him reunite with his uncle too? That’s just icing on the cake. What are the chances that we knew someone in his family?
I take a drink, smiling to myself. If someone would have told me a few months ago that this is where I’d be today, I never would have believed them. It seemed impossible. Thisfeelingseemed impossible. Some far-fetched version of another person’s life. But now I know differently. I keep waiting for the feeling to fade, but it’s been lingering for over two days.
Somewhere behind me, Andy is arguing with Seth about whose recipe is better for the ribs, and Seth is threatening to disown him. Playfully, of course. Andy should know not to mess around with Seth’s Grill Master title.
I watch as Miles and Piper line up beside the cornhole board. “Aim low, babe,” I holler to Miles.
He grins at me, waving me off as if my advice isn’t needed.
Miles aims, tosses the beanbag, then throws his arms up as his beanbag flies right off the board. “Oh, come on!”
Piper claps Miles on the back, saying something I can’t hear while Pete and Declan bend over, laughing. Declan’s beer sloshes out of the bottle.
“Should’ve listened to me!” I say with a wink. “Low.” I swing my arm low and slow beside me.
“Why don’t you come play then, Mr. Cornhole?”
Everyone laughs.
