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Jackson wraps up, “Brinn changed my world in a matter of seven days. I knew I couldn’t live without her. We had only gone on a few real dates when I got her a ring. I prepared a picnic at my favorite spot, the bench down by the ocean at the back of our property. I brought out a dessert box for her to open. The ring was inside on a beautifully decorated platter.”
How is he making all this up on the spot?
“I got down on one knee and said, ‘Will you make my life even sweeter by marrying me?’”
One woman turns around and swats her husband, “How come you didn’t propose to me like that? That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.” Her husband just shrugs.
Jackson pulls me close, kissing my forehead. “The rest is history, right, Brinn?”
“Yes,” my voice croaks. I clear my throat. “Yes, it was magical.”
Mrs. Reed comes in for another breath stifling squeeze. “Your father and I couldn’t be happier for the both of you. Congratulations!”
I'm hoping the hardest part of the evening is now over.
“Let’s go find your cousin Trevor and share the news with him.”
Wrong again.
Chapter seven
Brinn
We find Trevor in a dining room that’s set up only for immediate family. The entire room is white, from the walls to the linens and curtains. The only color in the room is the pink roses in extravagant three-foot-tall arrangements on every table. It’s simplistic but exquisite.
Jackson’s mom motions to Trevor. “Come, Trevor, meet Jackson’s fiancée.” Trevor spits out the water he was drinking.
Wiping his shirt with a napkin, he approaches. “You’re joking, right?”
He pokes Jackson in the ribs. “I mean, come on, look at you buddy.” He points to Jackson’s cane. “It’s gotta be for the money, am I right?”
I officially hate this guy already.
Jackson clenches his fists, but he doesn’t say a word. I’m not sure how he has such restraint.
Mr. Reed chides his nephew. “That was certainly uncalled for, Trevor. I believe congratulations from you are in order. Thesame way we congratulated you when you got engaged years ago.”
“Oh, of course, Uncle Charles. Congratulations to you both. So exciting.” His tone drips with sarcasm, and a cynical smile plays on his lips.
“I apologize for my reaction. I was just in shock. I didn’t know old Jackson was in the market for love.”
“It was unexpected, yes,” says Mrs. Reed, “but we are over the moon about it!” She pinches Jackson’s cheek as she walks to the table.
"Let’s sit.” Jackson walks me to a chair, his hand now a constant companion of my lower back.
Trevor takes a chair across from us. “So, Jackson, how did you meet this lovely lady? Such a quick engagement. Tell me more.”
“No thanks,” Jackson quips.
“Trouble in paradise already?”
“Nope. Just have no interest in having this conversation with you.” Trevor has quickly fouled Jackson’s mood.
I reach over and squeeze his hand. His eyes find mine with an unspoken thank you.
“Brinn is Jackson’s physical therapist. That’s where they reunited, but they’ve known each other since childhood.” Mrs. Reed has no problem filling Trevor in on the story. “Seems like it was a case of love at second sight.” She giggles slightly. “It’s like one of those Hallmark romance movies. Don’t you agree, Charles?”
“Yes. Just like the one you made me watch the other day, dear.” He gives her a quick kiss on the cheek.
