19. Maci
19
MACI
“M aci, babe. You have no reason to be nervous.” I’m fiddling with the ring on my index finger again while sitting in the car, trying to calm my traitorous stomach. I can’t even blame it on morning sickness since that happened earlier this morning, much to Tysen’s chagrin. I didn’t care for it too much, either, since he insisted on being in the bathroom with me, holding my hair out of the way and putting a cool washcloth on the back of my neck. The tricks we were using didn’t work today, and I reluctantly took the medicine I’d been prescribed. It also made me tired, so after a shower, I took a nap.
I felt like a new woman a couple of hours later and got to work whipping up fresh salsa with the ingredients I picked up at the farmers’ market yesterday with Samuel. My car, which is now parked next to Tysen’s in the garage as of the day after he moved me in with him, allowed me to make the short trip into town. I suggested that Tysen could come, but he gave me the look that said thanks, but no thanks and headed to the gym instead. I almost canceled with Samuel just to follow my man around to watch him get hot and sweaty.
We went our separate ways, being apart for the first time since we reconnected. It felt different, weird almost, and when he came home hours later after I’d been home by myself a little bit, I let my intrusive thoughts take over. I ran full on toward him, jumped up, wrapped my legs around his waist, and kissed him as he held on to me. It ended up with our clothes being ripped off and him taking me on the kitchen counter.
“I know, but I still am. Talking to them via text is one thing. In the flesh, well, that’s totally different.” Tysen takes my hand in his, calming my fidgeting fingers, which is a task in itself, seeing as how he’s carrying the plater of broccoli salad in one hand, and in the bag on his forearm is everything we need for the appetizer.
“Babe, Samuel is already inside. He’s been blowing your phone up the entire way here. You’ve got your best friend, but you also have your girls.” I grumble beneath my breath.
“I hate it when you’re right.” He helps me out of the car. I grab the one bag I’m allowed to carry, which weighs nothing and holds our towels, bathing suits, and sunscreen.
“You love me regardless.” He laces our fingers together, further proving that he’s not letting me go. I close the door, and then he’s pulling me up the front walkway to Jagger’s house, a last-minute change of plans due to Asher’s work schedule. The fire station needed him for half the day today, and he flat out refused to have it at Lennie and his place. He didn’t want his pregnant wife with twins to do everything on her own, cooking, cleaning, and moving pool furniture around.
Basically, he doesn’t want her on her feet all day long; neither does anyone else. Even though Lennie sent a message in our group chat stating Asher is taking things too far on what she can and can’t do. The doctor hasn’t given her any restrictions, but her husband sure has. Her words, not mine, except I get where she’s coming from, and I also get where Asher is coming from. I’ve got an overprotective man of my own who would more than likely do the exact same thing.
Lennie went on to say that her next step is to cut Asher off from sex, which meant Kennedy, Asher’s sister, chimed in with her own reply, a gagging emoji, and proceeded to threaten to leave the group chat. Winnie simply stated ten out of ten don’t recommend, you’ll both be miserable, and orgasms are contagious, my friend . I didn’t really know how to reply at first, but then finally came up with, I don’t know about you, but there is no way I could hold out for an hour, let alone a day. There were mutual responses all agreeing, and Lennie finally let it go due to the fact that Asher, while being a pain in her ass, did it out of love.
“I do love you,” I reply, reaching up to kiss the underside of his jaw. Tysen dips down and snags my lips with his, then turns it into a light make-out session, soft and slow, playful yet passionate. When we pull apart, my nerves are calmer than before.
“I’m going to drown Jagger’s ass in his big fancy pool,” Tysen says when a high-pitched, two-note whistle, the kind that turns heads, carries through the daze of our kiss. I look up to where the noise came from and see Jagger standing on his porch, hands holding the wood balustrade.
“Let’s enjoy our time before you do that, okay?” I pat his chest, and we make our way toward what Tysen calls the jokester of the group. I’ve seen a picture in Tysen’s living room of the large group. Putting names to faces really helped with coming to the cookout, yet still, I’m worried that they won’t think I’m enough for Tysen. And part of that is on me not feeling like this is real. My pinch-me moments keep happening, and I’m not sure they’ll ever stop.
“Damn, she’s a beauty. I’m not sure how all of these ugly mugs keep bringing nothing but sheer perfection into their lives,” Jagger says as a way of hello, pulling me into a hug, and I see the wink he sends my way.
“One day, brother, one day.” Tysen pulls me back into his firm body.
“Nope, not happening. I’ll just keep pissing everyone off. It’s more fun that way,” Jagger replies.
“Alright, boys, I’ve got girls to meet and food to devour. Jagger, it’s nice to meet you, and I hear you have a killer outdoor space.” My confidence boosts a bit now that I’ve met one of the many others to come.
“They’re chomping at the bit to meet you, and Samuel is singing your praises, not that it’s necessary. Tysen wouldn’t go as far as he did to find you even though you landed on his jet. Fate loves the fearless.” My eyes drift from Jagger’s to Tysen’s. He shrugs his shoulders and mouths, “Later.” We follow him inside. The open floor plan allows you to see the living room, kitchen, and amazing view of his massive backyard.
“Finally, she’s here,” Samuel says, capturing everyone’s attention. He has never in his life met a stranger. I’m bombarded by hugs from the women first, Lennie, Kenny, and Winnie, and yes, I’m now the fourth in this group with a similar ending in my name. That was one way to start the conversation when the group text messages started. Thankfully, Lennie helps a girl out and goes through introductions with the men, starting with Asher before going down the line with Trent, Johnny, Matthew, Jude, Crew, and Luke, whom I’ve already met.
Once that’s done, Tysen brings me in closer with arm wrapping around my waist, head dipping until his mouth is at my ear, “You good while I chat with the guys?” He checks on me once things have settled down. The girls and I are making room for the food I brought while we all take bites in between.
“Yep, I’m going to eat something, chat for a little bit, probably put my bathing suit on, and head that way.” I noticed the girls already have theirs on, and so does Samuel. “Hey, where are Sebastian and Briar?” I ask, realization hitting me all of a sudden.
“They’re in the pool. Once they’re in, getting them out is impossible. We all become their snack bitches,” Winnie says with laughter.
“I’m not even sure they get out enough to use the bathroom, so, you know, maybe stay five or so feet away from them when you’re in the pool,” Kennedy gives me solid advice, to which we all burst out laughing together over.
“See you outside, babe. Bring the sunscreen out. I hear when you’re pregnant, your skin has a higher tendency to burn.” I notice Trent and Johnny both kept a watchful eye when we went through our introductions, so it makes sense that they didn’t get out.
“Tysen Vaughn, I’m going to throw away every last book you bought and steal your phone from doing more research.” I do the air quotes on the word research. These men are getting completely out of hand with knowing this and that.
“Good luck. Did you forget what Luke’s occupation is?” He drops a kiss to the crown of my head and ambles his tall-bodied self to where the guys are.
“Men, am I right?” Lennie says, popping a chip with salsa in her mouth.
“You’d be complaining if they didn’t care and, honey, what I would give to have a man as hot as these men are and care a tenth of what they do,” Samuel says, bringing two glasses from the pitcher of what he calls summer cup mocktails. It’s filled with cucumbers, mint, frozen red berries, sparkling lemonade, and ice.
“Why do you and Tysen always have to be right, dang it,” I say with a pout.
“Because we’re cut from the same cloth, honey. Now, are you ready to put on your bathing suit and dip your toes in the pool?” I take my cup from him, noticing we all have different colors to differentiate which is whose. How very Samuel like, a hostess with the mostess, even when it’s not his home.
“Yep, I sure am.” I take a sip of the refreshing concoction and know this will be a repeat drink item for myself.
“Oh, that reminds me. Momma Katherine and my sister, Minnie, are coming down this month and are hosting a baby shower. I want you both there. No gift necessary, just bring yourselves.” Lennie looks up from her phone to make the announcement. “Sorry, pregnancy brain has me forgetting nine times out of ten, and the text I just received from what I call my adopted mom sent me a reminder.”
“I’ll be there, but I’m not coming empty handed, so someone please share the registry link,” I tell her.
“Ditto to what Maci said,” Samuel replies just as the door to the back patio opens and Jagger walks through, keys in his hand and a look I can’t decipher written on his face.
“Oh shit,” Kennedy murmurs quietly.
“Hey, Jag, want me to ride with you?” Winnie offers. From what Tysen told me, those two have a bond like that of a brother and sister. She moves toward him even though he walks at a pace that’s hard for her to keep up with; one stride is two of hers easily.
“Nah, Win, heading out for a bit. I’ll be back. Love you.” He stops, and she almost slams into him. Luckily, he steadies her with hands on the sides of her arms and drops a kiss to her forehead.
“I’m here, though, okay?” Jagger nods before taking off.
“I fear we have missed something, something big,” Samuel says beneath his breath.
“The guys told him?” Kennedy starts the conversation. My ears perk up. The man I met on the front porch is not the one who just walked through his own home and out the door.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s better than him finding out on his own, but still,” Winnie says on a sigh.
“I’m cluing them in. Otherwise, they’ll hear town lore, and you know they can’t ever get it right.” Kennedy looks from Lennie to Winnie. Both agree with a nod of their heads. “Lyric, a childhood friend of Jagger’s, is back. She’s been gone since he was seventeen. They kept in touch here and there, then one day, poof , it’s like she disappeared into thin air. The guys didn’t have the resources they do now, or I’m sure Jagger would have used them. The kicker is she bought her childhood home, which happens to be next to Jagger’s parents’ home, back where it all began.”
I’m about to reply when the guys start funneling in one by one. Tysen immediately heads for me, his hand touching my lower back. “Be back, babe. We’re all going to check on Jag.” I nod, lifting my lips to press them against his. Tysen holds steady a moment longer than I expected he would before saying, “Fuckin’ glad I have you, Maci. Love you.”
“I love you.” My eyes get lost in a sea of Tysen.
“No, babe. Love you.” His words are sharp and succinct, getting his point across. Whatever passes over my face, he’s more than okay with. His chin lifts the slightest bit, and then my man is following the others out the door to go after their friend.
“Well, looks like we’re on kid duty, which means we’re going to ply them with snacks until the men folk come back to man the grill,” Lennie announces.
“Honey, I may be gay, but I’m still a man, and I can grill the hell out of some meat,” Samuel comes in clutch. We all breathe a sigh of relief and head out to the patio.
“Well, you’re in charge now,” I tell him. Meanwhile, I’m worrying my bottom lip hoping that whatever happens with Jagger will all work itself out.