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“Listen to Dad, Tuck,” Jen says. “Please.”
Tuck gives me one last evil look before releasing my shirt. I fall back to the floor with a dullthud. Jen rushes over and helps me to my feet.
“These two clowns apparently eloped,” Tuck explains. “Did you know?”
Joe glances at me. I expect him to be shocked. Maybe even angry.
Instead, his mouth twitches. “Really?”
“What does that mean?” Tuck asks. “Don’t tell me you’re?—”
“Happy? Why wouldn’t I be?” Joe smiles. “Two of my favorite people fell in love. What’s wrong with that?”
For handful of panicked heartbeats, I’m convinced I must be hallucinating. That, or I’m still asleep and this is some kind of nightmare-turned-dream.
Joe ishappyI married his daughter? If that’s true—if any of this is actually happening—that means...
My eyes are hit by a rush of heat. Joe really thinks I deserve Jenny? Why? His son clearly doesn’t agree. What does Joe know that we don’t?
ThatIdon’t? Because Joe holds himself to a high standard.He’d want a man who also holds himself to that standard for his daughter. Does he really think I’m up to snuff?
Apparently so, because he’s hugging Jen, and then he’s hugging me. “Congrats, y’all.”
Tuck scoffs. “You know, Dad, a lot is wrong with that. Starting with the fact that they want totally different things. They’re totally different people.”
“I disagree. I think they’re very much alike, and that they will make each other very happy.”
I don’t know what to make of this. I just stare at him, dumbfounded.
“Lying to y’all was a mistake,” Jen says. “I’m sorry. We should’ve never done it, but Dad?—”
“Leaned into his matchmaker role a little too hard.” Joe’s gaze darts between the three of us. “I think I may have had a hand in this too.”
My stomach heaves. “You did?”
Tuck’s eyes bulge. “What thehell?”
Joe grimaces. “I may have heavily hinted recently that I wanted Abel and Jen to get together.”
“I took the hint,” I say.
Joe clears his throat. “Wasn’t a big leap when you think about it. Whether you like it or not, Tuck, these two fell in love long before I nudged them in each other’s direction.”
The saliva in my mouth thickens.Joe knew?How? Was I that obvious?
And if he thinks Jenny was in love with me all this time too—I mean, I’m not sure I believe him, but still, the idea makes fireworks explode in my chest.
“Wow,” I say. “Just . . .wow.”
Jen lets out a breath. “Dad, you’re more shameless than I thought.”
“What can I say?” Joe shrugs. “I’d do anything to make my kids happy.”
“I’m sorry,” I manage. “Really and truly sorry we didn’ttell y’all. We were planning to share the news after the baby came.” I glance at Tuck. “Didn’t want to steal your thunder.”
“Too fucking late,” Tuck growls.
“Dad’s right. What you said about Abel and me being too different isn’t true.” Jen grabs my hand and leans her head against my shoulder. “Why do you think Abel and I became friends in the first place? We both like design, art. Real-estalking.”
