Page 121 of Crave

“Are you sure?” I ask her.

“I’m positive, but it’s your call. I support whatever decision you make.”

I take her hands and kiss them both. “I’m so damn lucky to have you.”

“And don’t you forget it,” she teases.

“Okay. Let’s do it.”

We turn back towards dad and Troy, who don’t even have the decency to look away when we catch them looking at us.

“We accept, Troy, but at a restaurant.” I can see the excitement and disbelief in his green eyes. He’s doesn’t speak but nods and looks from me to Sandy. Dad slaps my back, and we follow him to his car.

The following Sunday, in a private room at a local restaurant, we all share childhood stories, and between food, laughs, and jokes, a new family is formed.

Tracy and Tash find common ground and exchange stories of how their lives changed when they became mothers. Luke, who had spent quite a bit of time with Tracy and Troy when Tristan was born, shares his stories with us too. For the first time, I’m sorry I missed being around Tristan when he was a baby.

“You’re incredible, you know that?” I say to Sandy as we walk out of the restaurant. I kiss her cheek and thank the heavens that this woman came into my life.

I hoist Tristan on my shoulders as Troy brings up the bachelor party.

“Miami? I don’t want to go out of town.”

“Don’t be a wuss.” JD comes walking over. “This is a once in a lifetime event. We’re going to Miami. It’s already been arranged.”

“Can Sandy come?” Troy and JD exchange looks before turning back to me.

“No, your fiancé can’t come to your bachelor party. Jesus, grow a pair. It’s only for a weekend,” JD says.

“And since when is Troy allowed to cross state lines. He has three kids!”

“Whatever. Don’t worry about me. Sandy and mom will help Tracy, and when the girls do their bachelorette party, you and Luke will help me.”

“Well, when the hell was someone going to tell me all this? Sandy’s going out of town without me?” I pretend to be kidding, but I hate the thought of being away from her for any length of time. “And Tracy is going to Sandy’s bachelorette?”

Troy freezes and turns his green eyes on me.

Tristan starts to kick, so I put him down. As soon as I do, he runs across the yard and gets in line to get on one of the ponies.

“Why wouldn’t Tracy go?” he asks.

JD opens his mouth to say something, but Troy holds his hand up, effectively silencing him. He keeps his eyes on me, waiting for my answer.

I decide to be honest. “Because, Troy, I want Sandy to enjoy her weekend and not feel awkward.”

JD stands between us, ready to play referee if necessary.

“Why would Sandy feel awkward?”

“Really, Troy?” I ask, exasperated. “Why do you think?”

He steps closer and points a finger in my face. “They get along fine. If you pay attention, you’ll see they like each other, but this is about you punishing me. I thought we were done with this.” He puts his finger down and puts both hands on his hips.

“He’s not punishing anyone, Troy,” JD says in my defense. “You two better not start this shit again. Give your brother some credit, Troy. He’s come a long way.”

“I know he has. I thought we had all moved on.” With his hands still on his hip, dejected, JD looks at me, widens his eyes, and tilts his head towards Troy.

“I’m not punishing you. I spoke without thinking.” He looks at me, but he doesn’t say a word. JD puts an arm around our shoulders and takes control of the situation.

---