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Jasmine looked down and nodded. “I’m so happy you and Bently found each other, as well as Mikel and Remy. I’m happy my brothers and my friends are blissfully in love. Some days it’s just harder than others to go it alone. I feel like maybe I’m depriving Zoey of what she could have. Of what she needs.”
“You mean a father?”
“Yes. I want to give her everything I never had. Maybe it’s stupid, but I hate that I won’t even be able to tell her his name when she asks someday.” Jasmine took a long chug of the wine.
“I don’t know my father’s name either. I like to think I turned out okay, despite . . . everything.” Belle searched for any words of encouragement to lighten the heaviness in Jasmine’s eyes.
Jasmine glanced at her, drawing in a deep breath. “I’m sorry to dump this on you.”
“It’s really not a problem at all. We all need someone to listen to us . . . someone who can understand. Someone who knows from experience how overwhelming and hopeless things can feel.”
“Thank you.” Jasmine’s voice was just above a whisper.
“I’m here if you ever want to talk, or just to sit in the silence with you so you don’t have to be so alone.”
“I appreciate it.” Jasmine forced a smile, hiding her scars with false cheer.
A peal of laughter erupted from the other room, drawing both of their attention.
“We better get back in there,” Jasmine said, leading the way.
After the gifts were opened, they all sat around a long table sharing a festive meal. There was so much food and all made with love. The dessert table was filled with every cookie known to man, several pies, and tins of homemade fudge.
“I think if I eat another bite, I’ll burst.” TJ patted his stomach and pulled out his phone.
“Well, you certainly ate your weight in ham,” Bently teased.
“Hey now, he’s a growing boy. Don’t let this guy fool you.” Tilda pointed towards Bently. “He used to be the same way.”
Bently shrugged and TJ beamed.
“Are you all set for classes to start in a few weeks?” Mathew Stone asked TJ.
“Yes, sir. I got my books and the welcome packet. Bently and Belle took me to tour the campus already so I know where my classes will be.”
“Good. Make sure you stop by my office to say hi every now and then,” Mathew said.
“Yes, and you come to us if you need anything.” Tilda smiled.
Belle’s heart was about to burst. Truly, she could not handle any more happiness.
“Sure thing, Mrs. and Mr. Stone. I appreciate all the help.” TJ smiled.
“Oh, call us Gramma and Papa Stone. You’re a part of this family now,” Tilda said.
“Okay.” TJ’s phone pinged. He tipped the screen before he looked up. “Cam is here to get me. You okay if I go?” he asked Belle.
She nodded. “Sure.”
“Text when you’re on your way home,” Bently said, wrapping his arm around her on the plush couch.
“Who’s Cam?” Mikel asked.
“My friend’s sister,” TJ said, standing.
“The girl he likes,” Bently added.
Mikel elbowed Andre in the gut playfully as he said, “Ahh, best friend’s little sister, huh? Good luck with that, my friend.”
