Chapter 3 #2
“Hey, Chels.” Mitch grinned at her. While her life was hard, it wasn’t without its good things. Mitch was one of them. He’d taken Brian’s place, and while she felt he took the big brother role a little too seriously, it was a comfort to know he was there.
“I brought leftover goodies from my classroom party today.” She held up the plastic container of cookies, cupcakes, and brownies. “And here are a few tulips from a student. They’re a bit droopy now, but maybe with some water they’ll perk up.”
“You survived another year.” He opened the door to let her in.
“I don’t survive teaching. I love it. It’s the diner I have to survive. But I took the rest of the week off before starting full-time over the summer.”
Mitch’s expression was sympathetic and, for a minute, she thought he’d offer to give her money again.
Lexie had done the same. But Chelsea didn’t want their money or pity.
She was strong and she’d find her way. Fortunately, Mitch seemed to know his offer was a lost cause, so instead, he smiled.
“We’re out back. Lex, Drake, and the babies are already here. ”
Chelsea followed Mitch through the kitchen to the back deck.
“Hey, Chels.” Lexie stood with one five-month-old baby on her hip and Drake held the other in his lap.
Chelsea hadn’t been surprised they’d had twins.
After all, Drake was a twin. Seeing Lexie so vibrant and radiant from the happiness of motherhood sent another tinge of jealousy through her chest. She pushed it aside to hug Lexie.
“They’re getting bigger every day.” Chelsea reached out and little Oliver wrapped a chubby hand around her finger.
Lexie grinned. “They’re finally sleeping at the same time too. I just had my first full night of sleep.”
“Hello, Chelsea. Can I get you wine, lemonade, iced tea?” Sydney appeared from the back door.
“Hi, Syd. Wine would be wonderful.”
“Coming right up.”
“So, how’d the last day of school go?” Lexie sat back in the chair.
Chelsea found another and sat next to her. “It was...different.”
“Different? How?” Lexie shifted Oliver so he could sit and play with a stuffed sea horse toy.
“Jagger Talbot was my teacher’s aide today.”
Mitch turned from the grill.
Lexie’s eyes widened. “Really. Why?”
“I’d like to say he took my stern talk about being involved in Kaden’s education to heart, but I think he was worried. Kaden’s mom showed up today.”
“Why would he be worried about the mother?” Lexie bounced Oliver on her knees.
“I don’t have all the details, but—”
“Rumor has it she had a drug addiction.” Sydney reappeared and handed Chelsea a glass of wine. “I remember hearing a couple of years ago when I was still in New York that she left the baby and Jagger’s grandfather for her dealer.”
“How could a mother do that?” Lexie pulled Oliver closer and kissed one of his chubby cheeks.
“I remember when G.W. married her.” Drake switched baby David from one knee to the other. “It was a cliché, but still surprising.”
“Why?” Chelsea turned towards Drake.
“First, she was about fifty years younger than G.W. and second, she was a Vegas showgirl.”
Lexie snorted. “Great day! That is cliché.”
“It’s got Jagger freaked.” Mitch turned back to his burgers, flipping them.
“Why?” Chelsea turned her glass in her hands, hoping her eagerness to know about Jagger was viewed as curiosity and nothing more.
“She showed up again this afternoon. He called me to turn her in as a trespasser. She’d left by the time I arrived, but he’s concerned.”
“I think he was afraid she’d abduct Kaden,” Chelsea said.
“He’s even more afraid she’ll take him to court and win.” Mitch flipped one of the burgers.
“Could she win?” Lexie’s tone was horrified. “I mean, I know she’s the mother, but a drug addict? Certainly, a judge wouldn’t give back a child to a mother like that. Isn’t Jagger doing a good job taking care of the boy?”
“She says she’s clean and ready to be a mom.” Mitch started putting cooked hamburgers on a plate.
Lexie pulled her baby closer. “I can’t imagine something like that. The possibility of losing a child.”
Drake reached over and rubbed her neck. Lexie leaned her head into his hand. It was a sweet gesture that caused a mixture of happiness and envy in Chelsea.
“I wonder if we should have invited him and Kaden.” Sydney took the plate from Mitch and set it on the table.
“It sounded like he’s having a hard time assimilating.” Chelsea started to feel guilty. It was hard to imagine a man with Jagger’s looks, money, and charm having difficulty making friends, but small, old, traditional Southern towns could be a tough place to fit in.
“Really?” Lexie moved to the table to put Oliver in a high chair.
“He’s a rich Yankee. That alone makes him suspect.” Mitch closed the grill lid.
Lexie laughed. “Well, yeah. But Drake and Sydney have fared okay.”
“But they had you and Mitch.” The guilt in Chelsea grew. “He made a comment about people staying away because of his reputation or getting close because of his money.”
Mitch stopped midway to the table. “When did you get so chummy with Jagger?”
Chelsea shifted in her seat, although she didn’t know why. She had nothing to hide. Still, the protective glare in Mitch’s eyes made her hesitate. “Kaden was in my class this year.”
“I heard that Dana Dalton came onto Jagger and he turned her down.” Lexie took baby David from Drake and set him in another high chair.
“It’s good to know he’s discriminating,” Chelsea murmured.
“I’ve got one better. Jagger went out a couple of time with my former friend Julia.” Sydney took the plate from Mitch and set it on the table.
“The one that tried to kill you and Mitch?” Lexie said.
“Wish he’d mentioned how screwy she was earlier.” Mitch ran a hand down Sydney’s back. Chelsea sighed at the love she saw between them. Then Mitch turned his attention back to his guests. “Normally, I’d have no problem inviting Jagger to one of our gatherings, but this is for family only.”
Biologically, Chelsea wasn’t family. But she’d known Lexie and Mitch since they were in diapers and, after the death of Brian, Mitch had taken on the role of big brother. So she was considered family.
“Where are your parents?” Chelsea stood to go sit at the table.
“They’re off on one of their retreats.” Lexie waggled her brows.
It was common knowledge that the McKenna parents had a very active love life.
“Before y’all sit, I want to make a toast.” Mitch picked up his beer. Everyone else held up their drinks. Sydney moved to stand with Mitch.
There was a gleam, a happiness in his eyes that made Chelsea hold her breath. He nodded to Sydney and after grinning up at him, she turned to her guests. “Mitch and I have some news.”
“Oh!” Lexie brought her hands to her heart while Drake smiled.
“We’re expecting.”
Tears sprang to Chelsea’s eyes. She was so happy for them, but as always, Mitch’s happiness also brought feelings of grief. Brian would have been so thrilled for them. He was missing this. It was a reminder that he’d never have kids of his own.
Mitch looked at Chelsea. “We’ve already decided, if it’s a boy, we want to name him Brian. If that’s okay.”
The full waterworks sprung, and Chelsea launched herself into his arms, pulling Sydney into the hug too.
“I’m so sad he can’t be here, but I’m so happy for you.” Her voice filled with a bittersweet happiness for them.
Mitch’s arm tightened around her. “Me too.”
The dinner commenced with a buzz of questions.
When was the baby due? December. Had they been planning it?
Yes. Chelsea watched her two closest friends who’d found what everyone wanted: True love and happiness.
It didn’t seem like she’d have that in her life, but she could witness it.
Live it vicariously. As they finished up their meals, Chelsea gathered plates and took them to the kitchen.
“Since when are you so in the know about Jagger Talbot?” Mitch set plates on the countertop.
There was no mistaking the disapproval in his tone. She wanted to remind him he wasn’t her mother. Or her brother. But she knew that would hurt him. Brian had asked him to look out for her so he was. She couldn’t take that away from him. “I told you. Kaden was one of my students.”
“He was your student all year, but you’ve only mentioned it now.”
She blew out a breath. “Great day, Mitch. He was at Kaden’s conference and helped me in class today. It’s nothing. I don’t know why you’re having such a fit about it.”
“I’m not having a fit.” He stepped back, his face pinched in annoyance.
“Who’s having a fit?” Lexie came up beside him, setting more plates alongside the ones he’d brought in.
“I’m not having a fit.” Mitch frowned at her.
“You should go. We’re going to have girl talk.” Lexie pushed him toward the door. “Go get Oliver from Drake while Syd takes David. Y’all need the practice.”
Still annoyed at Mitch, Chelsea turned back to doing the dishes.
“So. What’s up with you and Jagger?”
Chelsea groaned. “Not you too.”
“No, not me too.” Lexie sounded offended. “If Mitch is hassling you about it, it’s because he’s trying to protect you. Me? I think you deserve some fun and excitement, and Jagger seems like a guy who could give it to you.”
Chelsea laughed. She had no doubt Jagger could give her those things. Her hormones jumped in excitement at the thought. Her brain knew it wouldn’t happen. And even if it were a possibility, she knew it wouldn’t be wise. “There’s nothing up.”
“That’s a disappointment.”
Chelsea agreed. At least her hormones did. “He’s got his hands full caring for Kaden.”
“What if he didn’t?” Lexie picked up a pot Chelsea had cleaned and started to dry it.
“Didn’t what?” Chelsea scrubbed a pan.
“Didn’t have his hands full.”
Chelsea shrugged, not quite sure what Lexie was getting at.
“What if he walked in here right now with that sexy, sinful smile of his and offered to give you a good time?”
Chelsea snorted. “Like that would happen.”
“Why wouldn’t it?”
Chelsea looked up from her scrubbing. “You know why.”