Page 121 of Second Chance

49

House Rules

[Mati]

Announcing my new job and my plans to sell the family home after twenty-five years of living in it went exactly how I expected—rough.

“But you love the high school,” Jordan reminds me. I do love the high school girls, but I’m ready for more of a challenge. Fortunately, Jordan understands the financial aspects of selling. I’m taking a job forty minutes away, and I’ll have a new place to call my own. I don’t need the expense of upkeeping a house.

“We have a guest room any time you want to come home,” Jordan offers, patting my hand like I’m the prodigal mother running away.

Jaxson, on the other hand, says nothing. He doesn’t glare at Denton, who sits at my side, his hand on my lower back as I explain the details of my job and my decision to sell the house. I expect Jax to blame Denton. He’s already cussed Denton out for leaving and hurting me again, reminding him of their conversation.

What conversation? I asked as Denton and Jaxson stared at one another outside my mother’s home before the Harrington family dinner a week before the championship.

You promised you wouldn’t do it again, Jax accused.

And I’m not, Denton reminded him.

“This is my choice. Remember? My life. I’m tired of being alone and feeling like I’m underwater. I want to swim.” Denton glances at me, not understanding the metaphor, but I only look from one son to the other. Jax doesn’t meet my eyes. When he does look up, he glances directly at Denton, nods once, and then excuses himself from the dinner table where things were discussed as a family for most of my boys’ lives. I’ll miss these moments, but they were moments already lived, and new moments need to be made.

+ + +

It’s ridiculous what kind of stuff you accumulate over twenty-five years in a house. A few days after my announcement, the boys come over to help me go through their old rooms, the basement, and the garage. Denton offered to help, but I told him I thought it would be better if it were only the boys and myself for a bit. He’s been surprisingly patient and understanding. I think he’s also relieved. It’s not as if he doesn’t recognize my life with Chris, but he doesn’t want to witness it, and he doesn’t want to feel like he’s replacing it. Together, we’re taking a new step.

“I’d like to buy the house,” Jax says after a day of filling boxes and trash cans.

“What?” Jordan and I say in unison.

“My apartment isn’t big enough for a family.” He chews his lip as he speaks, his eyes darting everywhere but at his brother or myself. “I love this house.” His voice cracks as he offers this truth and I reach for his arm.

“Honey—”

“I’ve been to the bank, and I’m waiting on approval for a loan.” I swallow a lump in my throat. I don’t know what to say. It isn’t like I want to take money from my son, but I did plan on a little nest egg from the sale. I look at Jordan for an explanation. He and Maggie already own a home on the other side of town. They selected a large, older home with multiple bedrooms for all the children they planned to have and haven’t yet.

“I’m assuming you two have already talked.” I release Jax and shift my attention from one son to the other.

“I think it’s a good move for Jax,” Jordan defends his brother.

“Does this mean you and Hollilyn are getting married?” I want to swallow the question after I ask it, as I promised myself I wouldn’t pressure him anymore about his relationship. Hell, I’m the one practically living with a man.

“Momma,” Jax drones. I raise a hand in surrender.

“Fine. Sold.”

“Really?” Jax and Jordan say together. It’s uncanny sometimes how twins work in sync.

“Yours. I’ll talk to Charlie. I haven’t selected a realtor, so this saves us both any fees there. I just want a fair market price.”

Jordan’s smile fills his face as he claps his brother on the back. He’s proud of him like he’s finally growing up and acting responsibly. Jax’s grin comes slowly, his eyes filling with realization.

“I’m gonna be a father and own a home.”

“You’re going to be a wonderful dad,” I say, reaching for both his hands and giving them a gentle squeeze. “And a great homeowner.”

Jax nods as he steps into me, and I hold my son like I haven’t in years. Another pair of arms encircles us both.

“Family hug,” Jordan mumbles, and my heart warms. I love my boys, and they love me.