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Drew

“Daddy!Wakeup!”Penny’s voice yells, way too loudly, as she jumps up and down on my bed.

Emily didn’t stay the night last night like she usually does. She’s distancing herself from me, and it breaks my heart. I never wanted anything to come between me and my sister, but I don’t know how to fix this.

Penny jumps off the bed and runs to the window in my room, throwing the curtains open. I throw one arm over my eyes, protecting them from the blaring sunshine.

Grabbing my phone from the nightstand with my free hand, I bring it to my face and see it’s already almost 9 a.m. I have several missed messages from Sophie, making me shoot up in bed to a sitting position. Penny notices I’m up and snuggles under the covers right next to me.

I pull up the texts from Sophie and read through them.

Sophie: Thanks for being my wedding date. It was amazing. :-)

Sophie: Odette had her baby late last night, so I’m heading to my parents’ to get Samantha. I’ll probably stay for the day since they’re watching Oliver. But let me know if you get called in and I’ll be back in a flash!

The last text is a photo of her newest nephew, Bradford. He’s a very cute baby.

Penny makes an “aw” sound next to me. “Oh my goodness, whose baby is that? She’s so cute!”

I chuckle. “He’s a boy. His name is Bradford, and he’s Madden and Odette’s new baby.”

“I hope I can hold him next time I see them!” Her eyes look excited at the thought.

“We’ll have to ask them.” I slip my arm around her and pull her into a hug.

With my other hand, I shoot Sophie a reply.

Drew:He’s a cutie! Enjoy time with your family. I’ll text you if I get called in. And being your wedding date was amazing, so no need to thank me for that. ;-)

The following evening, Penny and I drive over to the Windell’s house. They were insistent upon continuing to host a Labor Day BBQ, despite watching their grandson while Madden and Odette are at the hospital.

We ring the Windell’s doorbell and Sophie answers the door. Her bright smile is contagious and I can’t help but grin right back at her. Her hair is in a high ponytail and she’s wearing skinny jeans and some kind of wrap-top that ties at her waist. I definitely don’t imagine what it would be like to pull the strings on the tie and watch it unravel. Nope. Perfect gentleman over here.

“Hey you two! I’m so glad you’re here.” We step inside and she gives us each a hug.

She keeps it short, probably not wanting to seem overly affectionate in case someone in her family walks in. Penny runs off in search of Samantha, leaving Sophie and I in the entryway.

“We brought deviled eggs. Where should I put them?” I ask, holding up the plastic container.

She smirks. “Had to bring some protein, huh?”

I roll my lips together, trying to stay serious. “Well, I’ve been told certain ladies like my muscles. So I’ve gotta get enough protein in.”

“Is that right? Well, you wouldn’t want to disappoint said ladies,” she says before reaching for the container.

Her hands brush mine when she takes the container from me, and I wink at her. She giggles and then turns toward the kitchen, presumably to put the deviled eggs with the other food.

I swagger through the house, feeling a little manlier after flirting with Sophie over deviled eggs. What is my life? Two months ago I was totally cool—man-card still intact. Now I'm all amped up over brushing fingers while passing a Tupperware container. Who knew finger brushing could be so exhilarating?

Before heading out to the back patio, I peek into the Windell’s former office, now turned into a playroom for their grandchildren. Penny, Sam, and Oliver are busy coloring at the small table in the center of the room. I duck out before they spot me and walk out the back door.

“Drew! My man!” Brooks holds his hand out for a high five as I step onto the patio.

We give each other a high five, then pull each other into a brief one-armed hug while pounding each other on the back. The worldwide greeting between all men.

As I release myself from Brooks’ man-hug, I spot David behind him. He gives me a genuine smile. He’s looking at me differently than usual. I can’t put my finger on the look he has in his eyes, but I want to say it’s affection?

Despite the kindness in his eyes, he thrusts his hand forward for a handshake. He’s the only Windell that’s not a big hugger.