Page 41 of Cherish

“I’d like nothing more than to finish our conversation and have my way with you for hours, but we can’t right now, angel. The groom needs his best man.” He kisses me, a kiss filled with longing and promises of what’s to come.

“Tonight?” I ask, breathless.

“Tonight, baby.”

While Mellie and Ananda walk around awestruck at the grandeur and beauty of the Clark vacation home, I take my time admiring the place. It’s situated just a short walk to the beach. The backyard, which looks rustic and manicured all at the same time, is huge and looks like a garden from the 1800s. Despite the ocean being feet away, there’s a clear blue pool on the side of the backyard.

Jason takes my hand and we walk over to Jake, who has an adorable little boy on his back.

Upon close inspection, the boy is an exact replica of Jake, right down to the dark hair and dark eyes.

“I didn’t know you had a son, Jake,” I say.

“I don’t. This is my nephew Tristan. He’s JD’s co-best man.”

I turn to my man.

“Co-best man? I thought you had the best man gig all to yourself. You didn’t tell me you had to share the honors. And he’s much cuter than you are, Jason.” I tap the tip of Tristan’s nose with my fingertip and he giggles adorably.

“Uncle Jake is my best friend. All of us men are going to the arcade and my daddy’s going to pay for all our video games. On Halloween, Uncle Jake said we can wear the same costume.”

“Well, you are one lucky little boy.”

Tristan agrees as he hugs his uncle tighter.

Troy comes out of the house with a baby boy in his hand, who he introduces to me as Travis. When he reaches us, Jason grabs the baby from him. He’s a happy boy who laughs as he grabs Jason’s nose. When Travis sees me, he reaches for me. Surprised by his actions, I take him, and he pounds on my chest. He’s pounding and laughing when a big glob of drool falls from his mouth into my cleavage.

The men are all oblivious as they talk about the trip to the arcade, which is Tristan’s version of a bachelor party for his uncle since he was not allowed to go with them to Miami.

When Travis drools some more, I hand him to Jason.

“He’s squishy, babe. And he drooled on me.” I wipe some of my drool stained hands on Jason’s shirt while he coos at Travis.

“Squishy?” he asks, amused. “Not a baby person?”

“Never really been around them. He’s cute, though. I’ll enjoy him better from a distance.”

Travis doesn’t seem to mind the change as he reaches for Jason’s collar and nibbles on it. More drool falls out of his mouth, which Jason is oblivious to. He snakes an arm around my waist and pulls me closer as he talks about plans with Jake.

I look around the beautiful yard just as Sandy walks out and approaches Mellie and Ananda. Mellie catches my eye and offers me a sheepish smile. I turn away from her, still irritated at her ambush in the car. On one hand, I admire her loyalty to Jason. It’s obvious he keeps a small circle and loyalty is very important to him, but I wish she would have talked to me first.

What I said in the car was true. The conversation was so insignificant, it slipped my mind. Besides, when I’m with Jason, the last thing I think about are other men. When we’re together, I want to focus on us, not talk about people or things that don’t matter. But I don’t expect my friend to ambush me either.

I step closer to Jason and ignore Mellie, but that doesn’t last long because she approaches me with Sandy and Ananda. After hugging me and Jason, Jake pulls Sandy to his side, kissing her temple tenderly. She reaches over, takes Travis from Jason and holds him on her hip, oblivious to the pounding he’s giving her chest.

“You girls want to join us for lunch? Use the pool? The guys are leaving, and Lil has a day of pampering planned. You’re welcome to join us.”

“Yes!” Both Ananda and Mellie talk at once, disregarding our plans to go to the beach. “The saltwater will wreak havoc on our hair.”

Mellie runs her fingers through her hair, which has been straightened within an inch of its life.

“Thanks, but we don’t want to be in the way,” I say.

“Don’t be silly. Come inside, and I’ll give you a tour.”

“Can we see your wedding dress?” Ananda asks.

Sandy nods with a happy smile.

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