Chapter 25
Maverick
By the time we get out to the hot tub, Peck and Sophia are already settled onto one side, leaving the other three sides empty.
My parents got an eight-person hot tub installed while I was in high school. I thought it was crazy to have such a huge one when only three people lived here, but I'm more than thankful for how big it is tonight.
The kids are waiting on the deck for Sydney to tell them it’s ok to get in.
I love how respectful they are of their mom, even though Rob never expected them to treat her that way.
Danny has his moments where he’ll be disrespectful, but he doesn’t get upset when I correct him.
Deep down he knows she deserves better and he always apologizes.
I'm happy it doesn’t become an argument.
“You can get in now. Thank you for waiting.” Sydney motions for them to get in.
The kids practically jump into the hot tub. I'm sure they were freezing standing out here and waiting for us. There are still several inches of snow on the ground from the last storm and I have a feeling we’ll be getting more soon. The air just feels like a storm is on its way.
As soon as Sydney dips beneath the water, I take the seat next to her. I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her into my side. I always feel like I need to touch her in some capacity.
“When are you moving, Uncle Peck?” Danny breaks the silence first. I don’t miss the moisture in his eyes. I'm sure he’s going to take it hard when Peck finally moves.
“We haven’t set an exact date yet, but probably in the next few weeks,” Peck says softly as he drapes his arm around Sophia’s shoulders.
“Mason wants me to start working soon. Sophia’s dad and uncle are working hard on the bakery and I don’t think it will be long before it’s ready.
Since I moved everything out of the house, it would probably be easier to keep it packed up for when we move. ”
Pecker’s shoulders deflate. I know he’s become really close to Danny over the last few months. I think they’ll both take it hard when he moves, but I understand his reasoning. He can't let Sophia move away without him, but she can't stay here.
They’re making the right choice for them, yet that won't make it any easier. I’ll do my best to help Danny through the loss of his uncle. I’ll make sure he doesn’t go off the deep end again.
“Do you know what you’ll name the bakery?” Sydney looks so excited about it.
“Mulberry Lane Bakery. I couldn’t imagine naming it anything else. Mulberry Lane means the world to me. It’s where all of my fondest memories are.”
“Hey, you have no memories of me there. I should be your fondest memories.” Peck scowls down at her.
“Sure, I do. I remember when you tried your hardest to make a gingerbread house. I remember picking out how we want our new house to look. I remember when you and Wyatt realized you were brothers. I have so many memories of you on Mulberry Lane, but more than anything, Mulberry Lane is home. It’s safe and full of so much love. ”
“Jeez, you’re making me want to go live there,” Sydney chuckles.
“Oh my gosh! I wish you guys would, but I know you won't. I don’t blame you either. You both have such amazing businesses and they’re so well established. I wouldn’t leave Maple Springs either. That being said, I expect you to visit us quite frequently.”
“I was thinking of seeing if we could alternate visits. One month you can come to us and the next we’ll come back here.” Peck runs his hand through his hair. I’ve realized he does that a lot when he’s uncomfortable.
“I think that’s a great idea.” Sydney smiles and nuzzles closer to me.
Even though the water is warm, the air is chilly and having the temperature of the hot tub lower than normal is making it feel even colder.
“Can we go to a baseball game while we’re in Philadelphia?” Danny asks.
“A hockey game too!” Bree adds with a massive grin.
“Why the sudden interest in hockey?” I frown at the little girl I view as my own daughter.
“Um… because I could watch Cody and Jax play.” She looks at me like I'm an idiot for even asking the question.
“Who are Cody and Jax? I’m lost.”
“Wait… Did Peck and Sydney not tell you who my brothers are… Or who their brother is?” Sophia blinks at me.
“No?”
“I have twin brothers, Jax and Cody Robinson. They play for the Philadelphia Pythons,” Sophia grins. “My brother-in-law is Wyatt Everson, the catcher for the Philadelphia Pit Bulls.”
“We recently found out Wyatt’s our biological brother, but he was put up for adoption before Sydney or I were born,” Peck adds.
“Oh, wow.” I blink in surprise. “I wasn’t expecting that. Do you have any brothers who play professional football?”
“No, but Wyatt’s little brother will probably go pro. He’s one of the best high school quarterbacks in the country. He already has scouts looking at him.”
“Jeez… Any other famous people I should know about? Rock stars? Actors? Maybe royalty?”
“No, that would be crazy.” Peck rolls his eyes.
“Well, I know the members of Operation Riot, but I'm not related to them, does that count?” Sophia wrinkles up her nose.
“I’m speechless.” I shake my head and chuckle.
“So… Can we go to the hockey and baseball games or not?” Bree asks.
“We can go, but only if you don’t wear a Robinson or Everson jersey to the games.” She wiggles her brows. “It drives them crazy when they see someone else’s name on your back.
“Jeez, I'm glad I'm not your brother. You were probably a terror growing up.”
“Eh, Cody and Jax deserved anything I did to them. They still prank me every time I go home.” She waves me off without a hint of guilt. “Though, I have a feeling you will be my brother-in-law sooner or later.”
“That’s the plan,” I mutter under my breath, but Sydney hears me. Her eyes snap up to meet mine and there’s so much hesitation staring back at me.
I think we’re on the same page, but she’s scared. I understand why, yet I'm not backing down. I’ll make her my wife one day. I just need to keep showing up and prove I'm nothing like Rob.