Chapter 23 – Jordan
CHAPTER
TWENTY-THREE
JORDAN
Spending the night in my childhood home has me waking up early, anxious to talk to my parents. I think they know something about my feelings for Mack, but I’ve never actually said it out loud. It’s time they knew. Honestly, I’m ready to shout it from the rooftops—if she’ll let me.
When I walk into the kitchen, I find my mom and dad locked in an embrace that softens my heart.
If this were even a year ago, I’d make some snarky comment about being grossed out, but today it hits differently.
I’ve always wanted the relationship they have.
They’ve been together for twenty-five years and still maul each other like teenagers.
Okay, it’s a little gross, but the love is big.
Real. That’s what I want. It’s what I’ll have with Mackenzie.
I clear my throat, they jump apart, my mom gasping when she sees me standing in the doorway. “Jordan! I didn’t know you were here.” She pulls me into a motherly hug that always calms my nerves and reminds me of who I am. My mom has always been one to ground me and keep me humble.
“It was late when I got Mackenzie home, so I decided to crash here. Where’s Rea?” I figured my sister would be in the kitchen, but I didn't see her.
“She and Riggs are looking at wedding venues today.” It comes out so high pitch, both my dad and I laugh. My mom loves love. She’s been flying on cloud nine since Riggs popped the question over Christmas.
“I can’t believe she’s getting married,” my dad mumbles, and when I look over to him, I find a flash of sadness fall across his face.
It quickly fades into a smile. I know how protective he is of both of us, but he and I have always been on the same page when it comes to Reagan.
It took a bit before I was okay with Riggs, and even a little longer for dad.
We both know he’s the right guy for her.
He just hates seeing his little girl grow up.
“Speaking of that…” I rip the Band-Aid off and my parents both look at me slack jawed.
“I’m not getting married. Not yet at least. But I wanted to talk to y’all about something.”
“Oh, you mean you’re finally ready to admit you’ve been in love with Mackenzie Banks since summer camp when you were fourteen.” Dad wears a sinister smirk playing at his lips after ruining what I expected would be a surprise to them.
“W-What? You knew?” They both burst out laughing at my question and it’s my turn to return the look of shock.
“Oh, Jordan. You’re so cute thinking you could hide something like that from your momma.
” Mom pats my cheek and motions for me to take a seat at the table.
When I sit down, she sets a plate of eggs, bacon, and sourdough toast in front of me.
She adds a cup of coffee and an extra-large glass of orange juice. My favorite Mills family breakfast.
“Thanks, Mom.” I smile before I dig in, inhaling every delicious bite as my parents settle at the table as well, their own plates of food and mugs of steaming coffee in their hands.
I wipe my mouth with a napkin and fold my arms across my chest, ready to spill all the things I’ve been keeping inside.
“Well, Dad sort of ruined my announcement, but I do want to talk to y’all about Mack.
Of course I’ve always had feelings for her.
Apparently, I didn’t do a very good job hiding it.
We’ve had a solid friendship, but since she and Trey ended their relationship, we’ve grown closer.
I want it all with her and finally, I think she feels the same way. ”
My eyes dart between my parents as they look at me with neutral expressions. I was expecting more squealing and celebrating, especially from my mom. But right now, she looks concerned.
“Honey, I adore Mackenzie. She’s always been like a daughter to me and I’d love nothing more than to have her in our family, but this is going to be complicated.
I don’t want you to get hurt. She’s pregnant with another man’s baby.
A man, that while she may not be in a relationship anymore, she will be tied to for the rest of her life because they will have a child together.
That’s a lot for you to take on and I’m worried. ”
“I have to agree with your mother, Jordan. Where is Trey in all this? Sarah and Conrad haven’t said much, just that things were far more toxic between Mack and Trey than they ever imagined.”
“Mom, Dad, I get your concern. If I’m honest, I don’t know what’s going to happen with Trey.
Mack has been trying to reach out to him to tell him about the baby since she found out, but he won’t respond to her messages or calls.
She’s going to seek him out now that she’s back in the States.
He has a series with the Hurricanes this month and if nothing else, she’ll find his parents.
But she wants to tell him in person and I respect that. ”
Fisting his coffee cup just a little tighter, my dad blows out a breath of frustration. “So, he doesn’t know she’s pregnant? I always knew that boy was bad news, but what if he wants to step up? What if they decide to try again as a family? Where will that leave you?”
“I hear you, Dad. I’ve thought about all of this and Mack and I have had a lot of tough conversations.
I know Trey could be in her life permanently for their kid.
But what I do know is that she and I are it for each other.
He was abusive and toxic. She’s not taking him back, not in that way.
I know it might sound naive, but I wouldn’t be jumping into this without careful consideration.
I’ve been waiting eight years for her and I won’t let her go again.
That kid may not be mine biologically, but I’ll love them like they are. ”
A grin spreads across my mom’s lips as she hears me declare my love and intentions toward the girl that I’ve loved my whole life.
“Sweetie, you make us so proud. To hear you say those things puts my heart at ease. You love her so much and to be prepared for fatherhood along with it is a lot for this momma to take in. But we will support you and love both of you through this. Is it too early to say I’m excited to be a grandma? ”
That lightens the conversation as Dad and I laugh at her. I shake my head, peace and resolve flowing through my veins. The course is set and while we might have obstacles to face, I’m going to stand beside Mackenzie every step of the way.