“So she’s going to talk to them.I just don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.Otherwise, the second we show up, they’re going to start asking when the wedding is and all that shit.”
Casey smiles but tries to hide it.I can’t think about any of that, even though somehow, deep inside, I can imagine a wedding with Casey.
In an alternate universe, where I’m not terrified that love can only lead to loss.
“Well, I guess I’ll go.If she wants me there.”
“Great.She’ll be so happy.Then we can demolish my brothers in euchre.”
Casey’s eyes light up.“I haven’t played euchre in years but I’m ready towin.”
“That’s my girl.”I give her another squeeze, liking the way she snuggles up against me.“Just promise me you won’t do this in front of my brothers.Or we’ll have a lot of explaining to do.”
She giggles, and I catch her lips in a kiss.I gently move her so I can stand up again.“You want coffee?”
“I needed some three hours ago,” she says on a sigh.“Thank you, you heavenly man.”
Her words settle into me like warm sun on chilly skin.She thinks I’m a heavenly man?She’s the heaven-sent one.
And she doesn’t even realize it.
The day melts by from youth league workshop and errands.By the time Casey and I are readying to go to my mom’s house, I feel like I could eat her alive from how much I missed her during the day.
And that doesn’t feel exactly healthy.
My mind is a swirl of conflicting emotions as we head to my mom’s.As we’re walking up to the porch, the front door swings open.And there’s my mom, with the warmest smile on her face.
“Casey!I’m so glad you could make it.”My mom hugs Casey first, and then she pulls me into a long hug.
“There’s my baby boy,” Mom says, squeezing my cheek before she lets go.Casey laughs and follows us inside.
“I’m six foot three,” I remind her, “and weigh two hundred and fifty pounds.You can’t call me a baby anymore.”
“You’ll be my baby boy forever,” Mom says.
“Even I know that,” Casey says with a serious look.
“Let’s say hi first, shall we?”Mom asks as we enter the kitchen, where everyone has already gathered.There’s a ruckus as we join the crew.Piper immediately pulls Casey in for a hug, and I make the rounds, hugging my brothers.Kru isn’t here tonight because there’s a private event at his restaurant.
“It’s good to have you back in Bayshore,” I catch Asher saying to Casey.Of course he’s saying that—he’s always been the fatherly one.Dane has Lia in his arms, who is showing Casey something on her necklace.Jett is looking at me with a shit-eating grin from across the room.And then Mom is ushering us all toward the table, intent on serving tonight’s dinner, meatloaf with scalloped potatoes.There’s a clamor as we all pick seats and settle in.
“Thanks for having me over tonight,” Casey says as she slides her chair in.“This is so sweet of you all to accept me for family game night.”
“Of course, honey,” Mom oozes, patting Casey’s shoulder as she walks past.“We love having guests for family game night.I’ll bring out the plates so we can eat.”
“We never have guests for game night unless they’re—” Jett starts.
“That’s enough, honey,” Mom sweetly interrupts.
“Smells great,” Dane calls.“Been too long since we had Mama Keegan’s meatloaf.”
I catch Piper’s gaze across the table.Her brows are slightly furrowed, and she jerks her chin toward me.I don’t know what she’s trying to tell me though.I don’t get much of a chance to deduce it because my brothers don’t let anyone rest.
From across the table, Jett says, “So you two are just friends.”
“Jett,” Mom says from the kitchen.
“I’m just asking a simple question,” Jett retorts.
