Page 68 of Time for Change

My throat constricts as I give her a watery grin. “Me too.”

“Stevie, I’d like you to meet my wife, Reagan,” Garreth states, introducing me to the woman at his side.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she states, giving me a handshake.

“Likewise.”

“How do you like working at the restaurant?” she asks, taking her seat once more.

“I love it,” I answer honestly.

“Come on, Reagan. Let’s give BJ and Stevie a tour before dinner is served,” Madelyn suggests, placing a hand on my forearm. “Wait until you see the old ballroom on the top floor.”

My eyes widen as I take it all in.

She leads me out of the main living room, and as I glance back, I find Jameson, Garreth, and Isaac huddled together, most likely talking about business. And Estelle is keeping watch over the kids, while holding Jett as he chews on his hand.

Madelyn links her arm with mine as we walk toward the back of the house. “Oh, before I forget, we’re having Rose’s birthday party next Sunday. Garreth said he’d make sure you’re not working so you can come. I hope that’s okay.”

“Oh. Yeah. I’d love to come.”

She gives me a beautiful smile. “Good. I’m sure this is all overwhelming for you, so we’ll try not to smother you.”

Reagan snorts. “We’ll try and probably fail. This group is incredibly tight.”

BJ nods in agreement. “And you’re a part of that now, buttercup, so suck it up.” She flashes me a sassy grin. The same smile I see on my own face every now and again in the mirror.

All I can do is smile back and try not to burst into tears, feeling like I’ve finally found what’s been missing in my life.

Family.

I’ve finally found my family.

Chapter Twenty

Jack

“How was your day?” I ask, sliding onto the couch and kicking my feet up on the coffee table as I answer my phone.

“It was amazing,” Stevie replies, the smile in her voice bringing one to my own lips. “I had such a great time getting to know everyone, and when we were leaving, BJ’s oldest son, Rorik, ran up to me, gave me a hug, and called me Aunt Stevie. It took everything I had not to burst into tears.”

“I love that, Sweets, really.” I prop my elbow on the armrest of the couch, completely ignoring the college basketball game on the television.

“Plus, next Sunday is Rose’s second birthday party, and they invited me to attend. I’m so excited to go shopping. I’ve never bought a birthday gift for a kid before, let alone someone I’m related to. What do you think I should get?”

“Well, I’d be happy to accompany you to a few stores sometime this week. You could go to the clothing boutiques on Main or just hit up the super center. And at that age, I’m pretty sure anything that moves or has lights is a hit for kids.”

“I was thinking maybe a toy of some sort and possibly a book. I mean, I know she can’t read yet, but Madelyn seems like the type to read books to her children, right?”

I smile. “Agreed.”

She continues on, “They’re having the party at the community center, which is right down the road from her grandma’s house. Oh, by the way. Have you seen the inside of her house? That place isuh-may-zing! Seriously, the most beautifully decorated home I’ve ever seen in real life.”

“I have been in it,” I confirm, remembering the massive kitchen upgrade that happened there a few years ago, requiring several days’ worth of work on my part.

“So you know. Anyway, the party is taco themed. I think she said Taco Twos-Day. Isn’t that cute?”

“It is.”

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