Jackson
“Hey, Mom.” I wrap her in a hug and close my eyes. I don’t get to see her often enough and I really miss her. She’s the best mom in the world and I don’t know what I would’ve done without her.
“Jacks,” she whispers, hugging me a little tighter. “It’s good to see you, sweetie.”
“You too. We need to be better about getting together.”
“Well, I understand how busy your season is.”
“Yeah… but it doesn’t matter. I can always make time for you.” I kiss the top of her head, making her roll her eyes.
As soon as I was taller than her, I started doing things like kissing her forehead or the top of her head. Anything to make sure she was well aware I was the tall person in this relationship. She used to get mad, but now I think she secretly loves it.
Mom releases me, but Dad pulls me into his arms immediately.
He might not be my biological dad, but he’s the best man I’ve ever met.
He stepped into my life during one of the lowest points I’ve ever been at and he didn’t hesitate to help me through it.
I owe him so much, I know I’ll never be able to repay him for the kindness he showed me and Mom.
“Man, you and little Harper,” Dad teases, the smile clear in his voice.
“Are you surprised?”
“Not at all,” he laughs as he takes a step back and smiles at us. “If anything, I'm surprised it took this long.”
He opens his arms and Harper doesn’t hesitate to give him a hug. He whispers something in her ear and she lets her head fall back as her beautiful laughter fills the air. I don’t know what he said, but they’ve always had an amazing relationship.
Even when Harper was in a bad mood, Dad could always get her laughing and smiling. I used to watch them and wish I could do that. I’d give almost anything to know I'm what makes Harper happy.
“Dinner’s ready!” Cali calls from the dining room.
We’re quickly ushered around the table and I'm not surprised to find we’re sitting in the center with all eyes on us.
“Well, this isn’t awkward at all,” I mutter under my breath, making Dad snort with laughter.
“Honestly, I feel like you should count your blessings. Everyone else was busy and couldn’t make it tonight. Cali invited everyone.” Maddox grins as he lifts his beer to his lips and takes a sip.
“Everyone?” Harper stares at her parents with wide eyes.
“The entire group. Summer and Jake had something with their kids, Derek and Hope are on vacation, and Faith and Jesse got called into work for an emergency.” He shrugs.
“I’ve never been so thankful in my life,” Harper mutters under her breath, only loud enough for me to hear her.
“I know, right?” I shake my head. If the other three couples were here, this would be ten times worse. They all feed off of each other and the comments would be out of control. We’d probably end up leaving early and upsetting some people.
Mason stands and says the prayer, then Cali, Kelsey, and Mom start bringing out big trays of food. There are so many different kinds of meat, salads, and side dishes.
“What is all of this?” I ask as my gaze roams over all of it. I’m starving. To be honest, I'm always hungry, especially during the season, and all of this looks amazing.
“I’ve been smoking meat all day.” Mason grins. “I assume you aren’t afraid of a little protein and I wasn’t sure exactly what type of foods you allow yourself to eat during the season. Meat and protein seemed like a safe option.”
“This is perfect. Man, I can’t wait to dig in.” I rub my hands together.
It isn’t often that I can eat somewhere during the season and go wild. Normally I need to pick and choose certain items to make sure I won't feel sick or sluggish on the field the following day.
I glance around as I place another chicken wing on my plate and find everyone watching me.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
Everyone glances around and though I can tell they all want to say something, no one wants to speak up.
“Well, I’ll say it. That’s a crap ton of food, Jacks!” Mom stares at me like I'm crazy.
“I'm a growing boy,” I murmur as I pout at my plate.
“Yeah, which way are you trying to grow?” She chuckles.
“Mom!”
“Is there even food left for everyone else?” Cali grins.
“I wonder how many whole chickens he could eat in a day…” Kelsey taps a finger on her chin like she’s thinking.
“I'm really happy I'm not paying for your food bill anymore, son.” Dad pats me on the back.
“Oh my gosh.” I roll my eyes and lean back in my chair, folding my arms over my chest.
“Ignore them and eat. I love these muscles and they need protein to stay like this.” Harper squeezes my bicep and I can’t help but smile. I’d do just about anything to make sure she’s more attracted to me.
“Jeez, they’re adorable together,” Cali says, placing her hand over her heart.
“I only have one question…” Kelsey watches us carefully. There’s an amused grin on her face and I know whatever she says next is only to try to embarrass us, but there’s nothing about our relationship I find embarrassing. “When’s the wedding?”
“Do you remember soon after we got married, when Harper came home from school and she made you guess what happened at school that day?” Cali glances over at Maddox, she’s already laughing and I can only imagine the story they’re about to tell.
“Yes,” he groans. “I never thought my sweet innocent girl would tell me she kissed a boy. I nearly died.”
“Excuse me?” I’m smiling, but I stare with shock at my girlfriend. “Who were you kissing?”
“Cody Robinson.” She shrugs like it doesn’t matter, but I can see how hard she’s trying to keep a straight face.
“Cody Robinson? Seriously? You’re going to make me beat up Cody Robinson?” I dramatically fall back into my chair like it’s the end of the world.
“I find it funny that you think you could beat up my nephew,” Mason chuckles. “He’s got more muscle. He isn’t afraid of protein.” He eyes my still very full plate.
“I'm not afraid of protein! I got criticized for taking so much!”
“Cody wouldn’t have cared. Are you afraid of protein, bro?” Kelsey asks, her eyes lighting up with amusement.
“Seriously, Kels?” I groan, scrubbing a hand down my face. She never hesitates to bust my chops.
“Well, don’t be hating on my nephew for going after your girl before you did.” She shrugs, taking another bite of her food.
“I'm shocked I’ve never heard about this before. Why didn’t you tell me, babe?” I stare at my beautiful girlfriend and can’t help but think how lucky I am to have her in my life.
I'm just teasing her, I couldn’t care less if Cody kissed her way back when. I only care about the here and now.
“Oh my gosh! How adorable is that!” Cali gushes. “You call her babe?”
“It was forever ago!” Harper giggles and snuggles up to my side.
I don’t waste a second, I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her into me. I press a soft kiss to the top of her head and enjoy the feel of her so close to me.
When I glance up, all conversation has stopped and the women are staring at us like we’re the most adorable couple in the world. The men are all smirking and I'm not sure what they’re thinking.
“So… Someone owes me money.” Mason grins. “I said when she finished college they’d start dating.”
“I forgot about the bet!” Cali shakes her head.
“Exactly how long has this bet been going on?” Harper arches a brow at her mom.
“Well… we knew when the two of you were younger, you were practically attached at the hip.” Cali smiles softly.
“We always hoped you two would start dating. I wasn’t sure it would happen.” Mom watches us.
“So, when did this bet begin?” Harper asks again.
“Ehh, a year or so after the two of you met.” Kelsey shrugs. I love that woman. She’s so unapologetically herself. She doesn’t care at all. She’s definitely the female version of Mason. They make the perfect couple.
“Seriously? I was like seven! He was literally double my age!” Harper glances from one person to another.
“Wow, way to make me feel like a creeper,” I groan, scrubbing a hand over my face. “This dinner has really made me feel great about myself. Thanks so much for inviting me.”
“Oh, stop it,” Harper laughs. She wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head against my chest. “I don’t think you’re a creeper. I love you.”
“I love you too, gorgeous.”