Chapter 19
Monday
Matt
“This is ridiculous, Matt,” Brooklyn said as she pulled out a tin of muffins from the oven.
“Muffins are never ridiculous.” I tried to grab one but she swatted my hand away.
“You know I’m not talking about the muffins. If you already know who you’re going to ask to be your best man, shouldn’t you just tell everyone?”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
She laughed and shook her head.
“Besides, we wanted everyone to come over anyway for the game tonight.” The Giants were on. It seemed like the perfect time to finally have all my friends over at the same time. I’d never hosted one of the game nights before. I’d always been worried someone would find my art studio.
“Muffykins!” Jacob yelled and ran into the kitchen.
“Not until you put a shirt on…” Brooklyn’s voice trailed off because Jacob was already fully clothed. “Oh. Well. You can have one then. Are you excited to see Scarlett?”
“Oui.”
She lifted him onto the counter and handed him a muffin.
I never knew when Jacob was going to be speaking Spanish or French. But I should have known when Nigel had been over here all afternoon. I turned to Brooklyn. We’d wanted to wait to tell everyone she was pregnant, but with Nigel, Justin, and apparently Tanner loose with the information…we didn’t think we had that long before the news came out with or without us. We were visiting my parents tomorrow night to tell them the good news. And tonight we were telling all our friends.
But we’d agreed to talk to Jacob before everyone came over tonight. Jacob needed to know first. We’d gone to the doctor this afternoon. Brooklyn was definitely pregnant. And if I was being completely honest, I wasn’t sure I could have kept it a secret either. She was lucky I wasn’t screaming it from the rooftops already.
“We need to talk to you about something, kiddo,” I said.
He swallowed a mouthful of muffin. “What’s up, Coach?”
This was a lot of information within the span of a few days.
I thought Brooklyn might jump in, but she was just staring at me. I cleared my throat. “You know how the other day when your mom told you that I was joining your family?”
“Oui.”
“And you were wondering if I was going to be your brother? Is that something you want? A little brother?”
He shrugged. “Not really.”
Oh. Okay.I wasn’t expecting that answer. I didn’t really know what to say. I hadn’t expected him to say no.
“But you like Scarlett’s little brother, right?” Brooklyn asked.
Jacob shrugged again. “Liam’s okay. But he cries a lot. I like Mr. Nigel better.”
What did Nigel have to do with any of this? I turned to Brooklyn.
“Nigel?” Brooklyn asked.
“Yeah, can he be my brother? He’s as good at playing as my abuelo. But he does the car noises better.”
All I could think about was Jacob calling Nigel “brother Nigel” now. I laughed.
Brooklyn put her elbows on the counter to get on eye-level with Jacob. “I love that you think of Nigel as a brother. But I think there’s still room in our family for one more sibling. A little brother or a little sister. It’s always good to have more playmates. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
“I guess,” Jacob said. “As long as I don’t have to share a room. I like that Mr. Nigel has his own house. Can my new brother have his own house too?”
Jacob really did not like the idea of sharing his room. He’d said something similar to Brooklyn when she asked if I could move in. That it was fine as long as I had to share a room with her instead of sharing one with him. But I valued my privacy too. I understood that.
“You won’t have to share a room,” I said. I didn’t need my painting studio anymore. Because I had the real Brooklyn back.
“Okay,” Jacob said. “Did you already order the baby? It seems like you already ordered one.”
Order? What?“We didn’t order a baby. But we made one.”
Jacob stared at me for a moment. “How?”
Oh fuck. I really hadn’t thought this conversation through. “We made one because we love each other.”
“But how?”
Brooklyn laughed but did not offer any help.
So I said the first thing that popped into my head: “Magic.”
Jacob’s eyes grew round. “With a wand?”
I mean…that was one way to put it. “Yes. With a wand.”
“Wow. I can’t wait to tell Mr. Nigel!”
At least he hadn’t called him brother Nigel.
“Tell me what, Mr. Jacob?” Nigel asked.
I jumped. Jesus. He needed to start knocking.
“I’m going to have another brother.”
“Or sister,” Brooklyn said.
“Another?” Nigel asked and hoisted himself up onto the counter.
“Yeah, he’ll be one of us,” Jacob said.
Nigel smiled.
I knew he’d been listening to that whole conversation. And he looked very pleased. And for some reason, for the first time ever, I realized just how young Nigel looked. I wasn’t sure if Tanner had told me Nigel was in his twenties, or I had just assumed. But he could easily pass as a teenager. And Brooklyn kind of treated him like a kid.
There was a knock on the door.
“You boys behave,” Brooklyn said and hurried over to answer it.
“Shhh,” Penny said as she walked in trying to calm a crying Liam. She started bouncing him on her hip.
I’d been so happy just being an uncle and soon-to-be-step-father. But if I was being honest with myself, I’d always wanted more. I walked over to Penny and lifted Liam out of her arms. I’d always been good at calming him down. I didn’t know whether I was going to have a son or daughter. But either way, they wouldn’t be that far off from Liam’s age. Or R.J.’s. Rob had just walked in carrying little R.J. in his arms.
I’d given up on that hope that one day all our kids could play together. Those longs summer days spent out by my parents’ pool. Or throwing around a football. Or playing videogames. I’d given all that up when Brooklyn died.
I rubbed my hand up and down Liam’s back as he quieted down. And for some reason, tears started welling in the corners of my eyes. I just felt so damn lucky. I watched my friends come into the house. It was the first time we were all together here. Brooklyn, Tanner, James, Penny, Mason, Bee, Rob, Daphne, Kennedy, Felix, and all the kids. This really felt like a home. And for 16 years, I hadn’t had that feeling.
“You okay?” James asked and lifted Liam out of my arms.
“Yeah, man.” I sniffed.
“Are you sure?”
“Honestly, I’ve never been better.” I patted Liam’s back.
“If you say so.” He looked concerned.
And I got it. I usually only cried when I was missing Brooklyn. Usually when I was wasted and missing her. But I wasn’t pissed off at the world anymore. I was just so fucking happy. And it had been a really long time since I was actually happy.
I cleared my throat, trying to get the emotion out of my voice. “We have some good news. Come on into the kitchen.”
James walked into the family room first to put Liam down into a play pen for the babies.
Jacob, Scarlett, and Sophie had already started playing in the family room. And all my friends gathered around the kitchen island. I wasn’t sure why I’d gotten a bottle of champagne, since Brooklyn couldn’t drink it. But we were celebrating and it was the first thing that came to mind. I popped the cork and started pouring glasses.
“What exactly are we toasting to?” Mason asked and lifted up his glass.
“Yes, what in the galaxy could we possibly be toasting to?” Tanner asked and winked at me. “Because I sure have no idea.”
But he did already know. Somehow.
“Well, Brooklyn and I have chosen a date for our wedding.” I smiled down at her.
“Friday November 25th,” Brooklyn said. “This November.”
Kennedy squealed. “I’m so happy for you guys!”
Brooklyn smiled.
Mason raised his eyebrows. “Congrats, sis.” He pulled her into a hug.
She laughed. “Thanks, Mason.”
“Moving fast, Sanders,” Rob said. “What, are you pregnant or something?”
Daphne elbowed him in the side.
“Ow, woman.” He tickled her side back in retaliation.
She almost spilled her champagne as she burst into a fit of giggles.
I smiled as I stared at all our friends. “Actually…yeah,” I said. “Brooklyn’s pregnant.”
Everyone was quiet for a moment.
“Oh my God, Matt!” Penny said. She ran around the kitchen island and threw her arms around me as Kennedy almost knocked Brooklyn over with a big hug.
I’d been a little worried to tell Penny. I knew she couldn’t have more kids and I knew how badly she wanted more. But I should have known she’d be happy for me. She was one of the kindest people I knew. And I felt those damn tears in my eyes again.
“And Brooklyn.” She turned around and hugged Brooklyn too. “I’m so happy for both of you.”
Rob was just about to take a sip of his champagne, but then stopped. “It is yours, right?” he asked.
“What the fuck, Rob?” Mason said.
“It’s a valid question. Sanders only just came back.”
I knew it was mine. When Brooklyn first told me she wasn’t sure she could have any kids, I’d been worried she was pregnant with Miller’s child. But she’d assured me that wasn’t possible. I hadn’t even let the possibility cross my mind.
Brooklyn cleared her throat. “It’s definitely Matt’s.”
“But like…are you 100% sure?” Rob asked.
James hit Rob in the back of the head.
“Why does everyone keep hitting me?” Rob shoved him away.
“I’m so happy for you guys,” Bee said.
“And I’m glad everyone finally knows now,” Nigel said.
Everyone turned to Nigel.
“Wait, you told Nigel before you told us?” Rob asked.
“Yes,” Nigel said. “As the best man I know everything first.”
Rob stared at him. “What the hell did you just say to me?”
“As Matt’s best man, I learned all the news first. I’m helping with the wedding. And I’ll be in charge of the little one once he or she is born. Probably a she. That’s what Tanner thinks.”
I don’t think we’d talked about him watching our new baby…
“Tanner already knew too?” Rob asked. “Seriously, what the fuck?”
Tanner held up his hands. “I just guessed.”
“Good.” Rob turned his attention back to me and glared. “Dude, is Nigel your best man?”
Definitely not.
“Yes,” Nigel said.
I ignored him. “That’s actually the other reason I invited you all over here. The game doesn’t start for another half hour. So I figured we could start the night with a different game. A little best man competition.”
“A best man competition?” Nigel asked. “Whatever for? I’m the best man in the room.”
“Maybe,” I said. “We’ll know soon. After a series of challenges.”
“Not a chance in hell, Nigel,” Rob said. “I’m the best man.”
Tanner laughed. “You young silly boy, Robert. I’m the best man. Right, Matt?”
“I’m not a silly boy!” Rob yelled.
“I told you this was ridiculous,” Brooklyn whispered to me. “Super ridiculous.”
“But fun,” I said.
She laughed and shook her head.
“Okay, to start,” I said and rubbed my hands together. “Tell me why each of you should be my best man.”
“I’ll go first,” Tanner said. “I got the two of you back together. I did that.” He tapped his chest. “And who’s the one that’s been hanging out with you the most these past few years while all these guys have been married?”
James laughed. “He has a point.”
“And Brooklyn and I are very close too. Right, Brooklyn?”
Brooklyn smiled. “Yes. But I’m staying out of this competition.” She held up her hands.
“We’re all close with Brooklyn,” Rob said.
“You call her by a last name that she hasn’t had in years,” Tanner said. “You know the old her. Not the new her.”
“Sanders is a term of endearment. And I’ll keep calling her that even after she’s a Caldwell. Because that’s our thing. Right, hot stuff?” Rob turned back to her.
Brooklyn held up her hands again.
“Okay,” Tanner said. “One final point. I’m Matt’s best friend.”
“Son of a bitch,” Rob said under his breath. “False. My turn. I’m Matt’s best friend. I know literally everything about him. And I’ve known him much longer than that creep over there.”
“I’m also a kind person,” Tanner said.
“False,” Rob said again. “You’re a liar who prances around town in weird suits and elf shoes!”
“It’s not nice to call people weird, Young Robert. Stop being a fascist.”
“Yes, don’t be a Wizzy,” Nigel said.
“I’m nothing like Isabella and I’m definitely not a fascist,” Rob said. He shook his head like that insult truly offended him. And then he shuddered. “Back to my point. It’s always been us, Matt. The four of us really.” Rob smiled. “And it’ll always be us.” He shrugged. “I love you man. You know that. And nothing will ever change that.”
Brooklyn put her arm around my back.
Yeah, I’d felt that straight to the heart too.
Mason cleared his throat. “What Rob said. Minus being a fascist.”
Rob groaned.
“Also, I’m your brother,” Mason said.
“We’re all brothers,” Rob said. “We always have been.”
Mason ignored him. “And you already asked me to be your best man the first time the two of you were engaged.”
“Because we were feuding,” Rob said. “That hardly counts. You were his last resort.”
Tanner laughed. “Ah, see? Just because you’ve known Matt longer doesn’t mean you were a good friend to him that whole time.”
“Matt kissed my brother’s girlfriend. What was I supposed to do? High five him?”
“See,” Mason said. “Rob’s just admitted that he doesn’t think of you as a brother.”
“I didn’t…” Rob’s voice trailed off. “You tricked me.”
“I think you should pick whoever you want to pick,” James said. “And we’ll all be happy with that decision.”
“Unless it’s not me,” Rob said. “And stop sucking up to him.”
James shook his head. “I’m not sucking up to him. We both know that I’m not Matt’s best man.” He pressed his lips together. “I wasn’t always there when you needed me. And I’m sorry for that.”
I shook my head. “You tried. Actually, you tried more than anyone else. I knew you’d be there if I needed you.”
James lowered his eyebrows. He never took a compliment well.
Brooklyn held on to me a little tighter.
I cleared my throat and turned to Felix. “What about you?” I said, knowing he’d say something funny.
“I don’t think I’m a part of this,” Felix said with a laugh.
I shrugged.
“Um…well…we’re friends. But I’ve kissed Brooklyn so I’m pretty sure that means I’m out of the running.”
“A million years ago,” I said. “Besides, the past is in the past.”
“Exactly,” Rob said. “The past is in the past. Not that you stand a chance here, Felix. No offense. I doubt you’re even in the wedding party. But back to the past thing. Tanner and Nigel don’t even have a past with you.”
Mason set his glass down. “I would also like to add the point that neither James nor Rob asked you to be the best man at their weddings. But you were mine at my wedding.”
That was definitely the best point that had been made.
“I only asked James out of obligation,” Rob said. “Because he asked me to be his.”
James laughed. “Really, man?”
“No,” Rob whispered. “But I’m trying to win here. Be cool.”
Nigel cleared his throat. “My turn. I should be the best man because I love you the most. I’m your manny and your security detail. I’m always at your beck and call. I’m your bath butler. I’m your wardrobe stylist. I pack your meaty lunches. I’m your waterboy. We go on top secret missions together. I got you out of that mess with Poppy. I saved the day with a hand grenade. I’m your muse. I’m your office assistant. Brooklyn loves me like one of her own children. I’m Jacob’s best friend. And I will do anything for you. Anything.” He smiled up at me.
A lot of that was true. Well, at least some of it. Huh.
Rob sighed. “Dude, I’m your best friend. Just tell Tanner and everyone else and let’s get this thing going. The wedding is in less than a month. We have things to plan.”
“Exactly. That’s the next part of the best man competition. If you were the best man, what would you plan for my bachelor party?”
Brooklyn laughed. “And with that, do you ladies want to go in the family room with me? I don’t think we need to hear about what horrible things they’re planning to do.”
“As fun as whatever this is, yes,” Bee said with a laugh. “It’s a little weird watching all these grown men kissing Matt’s ass.”
Daphne laughed and linked her arm through Brooklyn’s. “Well, if they plan anything like what they did for my bachelorette party, you’re in for a real treat.”