Page 120 of Crave

I let out a groan as the gate to my parents' yard opens, and Troy comes walking out holding baby Travis.

Travis is a perfect combination of his parents with tufts of red hair and Troy’s coloring and green eyes. Always happy, he has his father’s easy temperament. He kicks his little legs when he sees us. I reach over and take him from Troy’s arms.

“Even Travis knows his dad is lame,” I joke, as I kiss the top of my nephew’s head.

“It’s about time you two got here. Mom’s in full on wedding planning mode.”

“What? We just met with Nicole on Wednesday. We pretty much have everything under control.” Nicole is the wedding planner Sandy hired.

We step into the backyard and right into my mother, who ignores me but hooks her arm through Sandy’s.

“Jakey, when is JD getting here. Nicole should be here soon.” And the plot thickens.

“Well, hello, Mother. It’s nice to see you.”

“Hey, Clarks,” JD’s booming voice causes all of us to turn around as he waltzes into the yard, holding a large bouquet of flowers for my mom. She finally let’s go of Sandy and hugs JD, who lifts her off the ground.

“JD, I can’t wait to introduce you to Nicole. She’s so pretty. Isn’t she pretty, Sandy?” Lil doesn’t wait for Sandy to respond. “Wait until you see her. Come inside for drinks, everybody." Mom takes Travis from me, hooks her arm with JD’s and walks inside.

“The kids love your present.” Troy points to the kids waiting in line to take turns riding two ponies.

“Where the hell did all these kids come from?”

“Emma invited her entire class.” Just then, Emma comes running outside. She hugs my legs first and then grabs Sandy’s hand. She’s wearing a yellow dress with a pink, poofy bottom. The top of her dress has Clark Princess written on it in colors of the rainbow, and she has a floral headband on her head.

“You look pretty, Emma,” Sandy tells her as she hands Travis back to me.

“Thanks. Grandma Lil got me this dress. There’s someone inside giving manicures. Can I pick out your color? Grandma let me pick hers.”

“Sure, sweetie.”

“Come on!” She starts to pull Sandy towards the house, but not before I give her a not so chaste kiss.

“Get a room,” Troy coughs.

“I would, but we share our anniversary with mom’s birthday, and by default, all of you assholes.”

Despite our interaction, my relationship with Troy is still a work in progress. I meant what I said at the hospital. It was time for forgiveness, but I couldn’t forget a damn thing. The anger was gone, replaced by awkwardness. Awkward lunches the old man would spontaneously spring on us in the middle of the workday, where Troy would do nothing but talk about past events, all of which took place pre-Tracy.

The lunches weren’t enough for him, because one Wednesday, while Sandy was visiting the office, he made a suggestion.

“Hey, guys,” he says as we walk from my office and into the lobby. “Headed for lunch?” He pushes himself off the wall across from the receptionist, and I resist the urge to call him out at his attempt at being subtle.

“Yeah,” is all I say instead.

“Listen, I wanted to ask you two something. Are you free this Sunday? I thought we could all get together for brunch. Luke, Tash, Chris and their kids are invited too. I thought the siblings could all get together. I already texted JD and he’s in.”

Before I can tell him no, Dad comes walking into the lobby.

“Oh, good. I caught you guys.” This time, I do roll my eyes, because I know what’s coming next. “How about lunch?” He pulls out his phone, presses something and puts it to his ear. Within thirty seconds, the lunch I had planned with just me and my fiancé has turned into a family event. “Your mother and Luke are free and will meet us. Who’s driving?” he asks as if the whole thing is settled. Sandy does her best to hide her smile behind her hand. We’re stuck, and she knows it.

“You’re driving, old man. And you’re paying too, and we’re appetizers and dessert. Since you two hijacked my Dee time, would it be okay with you if I talk to her alone for a minute.” I grab Dee’s elbow and we walk out of their hearing range.

“He’s not giving up,” she says, rubbing my shoulders.

“I know, but I’m going to tell him no. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

“I promise you, any discomfort I had is long gone. You love me. End of story. I know you love your brother too, and he’s trying, baby. I won’t push you to do anything you don’t want to do, but don’t think I have any issues about this anymore.”

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