Chapter 38 Jude
JUDE
DEACON: Those girls are brutal
JUDE: What girls?
DEACON: Arden’s friends
DEACON: They rejected almost all my ideas for the shower
JUDE: You had ideas for the shower?
DEACON: Why are you surprised by that?
JUDE: There’s not enough time to answer that
DEACON: I have good ideas
JUDE: I know
DEACON: The little one that makes the lotions is scary
JUDE: Bea? I don’t think that’s right—are you sure it’s not Nessa?
DEACON: Pretty sure
JUDE: Well, regardless, I appreciate you doing this
DEACON: Dude it’s brunch with bottomless mimosas—there’s no downside
JUDE: Sometimes I can’t believe the shit that comes out of your mouth
DEACON: Because it’s so awesome?
JUDE: Let’s go with that
DEACON: I’m going to do everything I can to make sure Arden has a good time
JUDE: I know
After Arden cried in my arms over the shower, I asked Deacon if he’d be willing to be a part of the event. I just didn’t realize he’d want to be involved in the planning. But Deacon never does anything small.
I hate that my presence alone won’t be enough, but I’m thankful my brother’s might be. Their relationship has gotten stronger over the last few months right alongside Arden’s and mine. It’s something I never knew I needed, my fear of losing my brother fading with each day that passes.
Because our lives might be changing but it’s all for the better.
There will be no shortage of love.
No shortage of happiness.
And never any question about where we belong, because we belong together and it’s all I’ll ever need.
ARDEN
Reading Takes the Stage this Summer!
By Arden James
Colt Harrington might be the darling of the Illinois Blues, but his sister Kat Harrington is taking the country by storm with her fun and inventive children’s books.
Her book tour is ending at Wandering Pages.
Clementine Creek’s first bookstore is hosting Kat for a special story time signing and meet and greet.
Kat said she’s excited to visit Tennessee as she spends most of her time in Chicago during her brother’s season. “Colt and I have always been close, so it’s pretty magical to watch him live out his dreams while I’m living mine.”
When she’s not writing, she’s active in her community and hopes to have a big announcement early next year. If you’d like to reserve a book, please go to the website at the bottom of this article…
“What are you huffing for?” Cal asks as I scan the article before hitting send, dropping into the chair across from me at the Kettle & Kiln.
That’s someone else’s problem now.
“It just took me way too long to write and it’s frustrating that some days I’m on and I feel like myself, and other days, I walk into a room and forget why I’m there.”
“I think that’s just your age,”—he grins like the Cheshire cat—“not because you’re pregnant.”
“Why are you here again?”
“Because you find me endearing,” he deadpans before shaking his drink from side to side, “and I needed my I made it through the school day coffee.”
“Debatable.”
“Oh, come on. I thought we bonded.”
“Uh-huh,” I tease and he rolls his eyes. “What are you doing today?”
“I have to go home and get ready for my run.”
“That sounds terrible.”
He snorts but I don’t miss the blissful expression that paints his face.
Not a chance in hell.
“I love that journey for you.”
“Pun intended?” His eyes widen to comic proportions. “I have a half marathon coming up, and I don’t ever get enough miles in the morning when I run with the team.”
“The team?”
“Yeah,” he says, confused. “I’m coaching the boys’ varsity cross-country team.”
“How did you get roped into that?”
“Honestly, I have no idea but I’m actually loving it.
The kids are great and it fills a different kind of outlet, I guess.
I love art and teaching at the elementary level, but this is something else.
They’re figuring out who they are and so they’re awkward and weirdly insightful. ” He shrugs. “It’s pretty cool.”
“Well, in that case I do love that journey for you. It sounds like you’re a natural.”
“I’m meeting with Sorren and Tanner next week to see if we can maybe take some of the dogs with us when we run.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I read an article about another program that does it and I figure we can do that here as long as the dogs are vetted and the parents approve.”
“Wow, that’s incredible.”
Tilting his head to the side, a knowing grin slides over his lips as he takes an exaggerated sip from the straw in his cup. “Make a pretty good article here too, huh? You wouldn’t happen to know anyone who does that sort of thing, would you?”
“Very funny. And very smooth.” Laughing, I shove my laptop back into my bag as Cal grabs my trash and waits for me to stand. “Keep me posted, and we’ll work out a time once you get everything approved.”
“Have I mentioned you’re looking radiant today?”
“Ugh. Move it before I change my mind.”
“Seriously, you and your sister ruin all my fun.”
“That makes me oddly happy.” I preen and he chuffs out a laugh.
“Why am I not surprised?”