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“Mom, just go. I’ll explain,” Teagan commanded, steering her mother out of the kitchen. She wheeled around to face Jaxon. “I’m good at inspectingyour pipe? That’s what you were trying to say to my mother?”
He’d filled the kettle with water and placed it on the stove, but not turned on the range yet. Snickering, he turned back around to face her, folding both arms across his chest. “You are, though…”
“You’re going to send her to an early grave.”
“Do you promise?” he deadpanned.
“Stop it.” She held out her hand, and he took it, allowing her to pull him closer. “Or I won’t inspect your pipe or anything else for a long, long while.”
“That’s hasty of you to threaten such drastic measures,” he said. “Your mom could very well take this badly, and however will I comfort you if I can’t-”
“Didn’t say you couldn’t. Just said I wouldn’t,” she smirked.
He groaned and leaned over to peck her lips. “Killing me, Teagan.”
“That’skilling you?” she teased.
“None too softly,” he said with a wink, and she rolled her eyes.
“Come on, you reprobate. Let’s go get this over with.”
“Fine, but last chance to just escape with me. We can get to your car before anyone stops us if we run around the back.”
She gave him one last look, and he visibly acquiesced, going so far as to walk with her out of the kitchen and into the dining room, where everyone was talking quietly.
Chapter Forty-Three
They took their seats again, with Brad nursing his glass of water and glaring down at his half-eaten pork loin as if it had done him a great disservice. Britt looked absolutely fine, if a bit more demure than usual. Her hand was clasped tightly in Brad’s, and her eyes darted over to check on him regularly.
“Teagan says she has something to share with us,” Cassandra said, taking away their ability to start in their own time.
Teagan felt every eye around the table turn towards her and she took a deep breath before beginning. Britt gave her an encouraging smile. She knew what was about to be said.
Shea’s foot brushed hers, and she glanced across the table at her sister, who winked, but belied no other emotion.
Everyone else looked sufficiently curious, and for the first time since making this decision, Teagan realized she might hurt some feelings. Brad had no idea. Neither did Dave. Or her father. They’d lied to them. God, this was more complicated than she really wanted it to be. But a clean start. That’s what they needed.
“Right so,” Teagan began. Jaxon’s hand sought hers under the table and she clasped it. She wasn’t alone. He was here too. They were together. The simple thought was bolstering.
“So, I know the last time we came here, Jaxon and I sort of announced our relationship…” she said, her voice wavering a bit at the end. “And well, we were sort of… lying. We weren’t in a romantic relationship at that time…” she paused for breath and realized she shouldn’t have.
“Oh thank the God,” Mom sighed aloud.
Dad looked rather confused, as did Brad. And Dave. And Andrea. Seth and Nolan likely weren’t even listening. The former on his phone and the latter tearing a paper napkin up into tiny bits.
“But we are now.” Teagan continued, leveling a stare at her mother that she very much hoped would freeze ice.
“Wait…” Brad said slowly. “Wait, we walked in on you… and I’ve seen the two of you around each other… Jaxon… you can’t pretend you weren’t gone on her.”
“I mean, I am now,” Jaxon said, smiling at Teagan. “So far gone now.”
“No, but we caught you. Are you saying you weren’t boning my sister?”
“Oh, for God’ sake, Brad,” Teagan exclaimed.
“Brad! Language!” Her mother hissed.
Her brother rolled his eyes. “It’s the truth, Mom. Teagan’s a grown woman. It happens.”
