Page 129 of The Other Guy

“That I am,” she says, giving me a hug. “And, honestly, quit worrying about tonight. They’re having a barbecue at their house. It’s casual. It will be fun. Just enjoy!”

“Okay. I will.”

* * *

“I might throw up.”

“You’re not going to throw up.”

“I might.”

Kyle leans his head between us from where he’s sitting in the back seat. “She might.”

“Thanks, Kyle. Appreciate the support.”

“Anytime,” he says, chuckling and sitting back.

“Why aren’t you more nervous?”

“I’m not the one they’re going to be judging. This is all you.”

“Remind me why Rebecca isn’t coming along?”

“Had that meeting for the Summer Splash thing the church is putting on next month.”

I face forward in my seat. “Sure wish I had a meeting to go to.”

Jack chuckles and grabs my hand, kissing the back of it. “Careful, sweetheart, you’re gonna give me a complex about meeting my family.”

“I’ve just never met this many people at once before.”

“They’ll fawn over you for a few minutes then leave you alone.”

I give him an incredulous look. “Okay, so that was a lie. They’ll bug you all night. But at least they’ll be bugging Harper, too.”

That does make me feel a little better, actually. The rest of the ride is a little more relaxing. As we drive through Liberty, I’m reminded how much I love this little town. It’s quaint and… lovely. That’s the best way to describe it.

By the time we pull into the driveway of a beautiful older home, I’ve forgotten to be nervous because I was so caught up in looking around. But then I see all the cars parked around the house and the reminder is right there in front of me, causing an explosion of nerves to riot in my stomach.

“Holy crap,” I whimper.

“Ready?”

“No.”

“I’ve been there. I know what you mean, but I need you to understand that it’s not nearly as frightening as what you’re thinking it’s going to be. Yeah, every single one of them will be in your face but not in an aggressive or pushy way. I promise.”

I blow out a breath and look back at Kyle. “You’re with me?”

“I’m with you. Unless you want me to call your folks and see if they wanna come. Maybe bring some of those special brownies Samantha’s so famous for.”

“Oh, hell no.” I laugh and Kyle smiles, reaching up to grip my shoulder.

“Let’s do this.”

“You mean let’s get this over with,” I mumble and climb out of the Jeep. I don’t know why I’m so nervous, but it’s been my parents and Kyle my whole life. I don’t know what a big family is like. I can’t even fathom it. But in about six seconds I’m going to get myself a lesson in family and I need to embrace it.

Jack grips my hand in his, and I hold on like he’s a lifeline.

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