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I watched her walk toward the door, hoping that she accepted the olive branch the older members of the Lewis clan were offering by being here. We all knew that things had been strained in the beginning, with everyone harboring at least a little resentment at missing out on the first twelve years of Christopher’s life, but after spending time with Chloe and getting to know her, I knew they’d all grown to love her and accept her as much as they had Zoey.
She was an honorary Lewis now, whether she realized it or not.
After three hours of unloading and making sure everything was in the correct room, we took a break to enjoy the pizza and beer that Chloe provided as a thank you.
“So, six o’clock on Saturday, right?” Jed asked as he picked up another slice of pizza loaded with toppings.
“Yeah, we’ll have dinner first, buffet style, so totally casual, then we’ll begin the tournament,” Gabe replied, tipping back his beer. “Open bar all night.”
“Nice, what kind of games?”
I told them what Chloe and I had decided on, explained the prizes.
“Sounds fun, prepare to have your asses kicked,” Dillon said after I’d laid it all out.
“You wish, Carrot Top, you know you’ve never beat Rear or I at anything,” Gabe taunted.
“There’s a first time for everything, Jockstrap, so don’t let your guard down,” Dillon replied with a smirk. “Besides, since it’s your party, should you really be in the running to win?”
“Of course,” Gabe said, then looked to me and Chloe for confirmation. “I get to win, right?”
Chloe laughed and said, “Of course, everyone playing has a chance to win.”
I smiled at the easy way she was with him now, thinking how far we’d all come since that horrible first moment at camp. It warmed my heart to know that they were able to see past all of that and recognize what great people they both were, and what great parents they were for Chris.
“So what are the prizes?” Zeke asked, even though he and the rest of mine and my cousins’ parents had decided not to partake in the bachelor/bachelorette party activities. They’d said they’d leave it to the “young’uns”, but be out in full force for the wedding and reception. They’d also volunteered to be on call for anyone who needed a designated driver after.
Have I mentioned how much I love my family?
“I’m still working on them, but they’ll be great, I promise,” Chloe replied.
“Can a date with you be one of them?” Shane asked with a wink, and I felt the sudden urge to punch him in the throat.
Chloe just laughed and replied, “No, sorry, you have to do more than win a game to get that honor.”
Her cocky response set the men off and the room erupted with a series of shouts.
“Oh!”
“Damn!”
“Burn!”
“She told you, Outback!”
Chloe doubled over, she was laughing so hard.
“That’s right, Chloe dear, know your worth,” my pop said.
“None of these rascals are good enough for you,” Uncle Zeke added, then turned to scowl at the still-chuckling men. “Keep your eyes and paws to yourself where this one’s concerned, or you’ll be answering to me.”
“Yes, sir,” Dillon, Jed, and Shane answered in unison, causing everyone to laugh once more.
“Reardon?” my Uncle Zeke prodded, catching on right away that I hadn’t agreed to leave Chloe alone like the rest of them had.
“I’m not a rascal, Uncle Zeke,” I replied earnestly. “And I know Chloe’s not a prize to be won, but a woman to be cherished.”
Chapter Eightteen ~ Chloe
