Page 191 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 2

Natalie and I turn back to see Jackson stomping across the living room. “Hello?”

Laughing, Natalie goes to hug him. “Hi, little bro, and sorry. Tatum and I were excited to see Marlow. It’s been a while. . .” She turns to me. “You have exquisite fashion sense. I was planning to change but got caught up in the kitchen. Hope you don’t mind if I keep it casual. Nick had to run to the store for me and Harrison—have you met Harrison? Nick’s best friend. He and Tatum got married a few months ago.”

She heads back into the kitchen, rounding the large island. “It was the most stunning black-tie affair. Small and intimate, so beautiful.”

I glance at Jackson. “Didn’t you go to that?”

“Yes. It was nice.”Men.I laugh. You wouldn’t even know he and Natalie were speaking about the same event. He adds, “I went solo, for the record.”

I laugh even harder. “I can’t judge you by your past, but I appreciate the info.”

She finishes off her Crostini and offers us one. “Hungry?”

Jackson’s all over that. Shoving one in his mouth, he moans. As soon as he finishes chewing, he picks up another. “I haven’t eaten since this morning. I’m starving.”

“When he says that,” I start, moving to sit on the barstool on the other side of the island from Natalie. “He’s leaving out the fact that it was a huge omelet with homestyle potatoes and a side of fruit. I’m still stuffed, and I ate half the food he did.”

Natalie is laughing. “He was always a good eater. If I left my plate unattended, the good stuff would be gone from it.” She sets the platter in front of us. “I’m already seeing my son take afterhis father and uncle. James is a hearty eater for a toddler.” She wipes her hands on a towel. “What can I get you to drink?”

Jackson looks at me. I say, “Whatever you’re having.”

“I’m having a glass of sauvignon blanc.”

“That sounds perfect.” She leans down to grab the bottle from a wine fridge tucked inside the island.

“Jackson?” she asks.

“Beer. I can get it.” He moves around and pulls a bottle of lager from the fridge. He sits next to me again and rubs my knee. “Want to meet my nephew?”

Natalie says, “Make yourselves at home.”

The back door opens, and Tatum comes in with a little girl and a boy bundled like snowmen in thick parka onesies. She says, “It’s too cold to stay outside any longer.”

Coming around to greet her little man, Natalie kneels in front of James and kisses his rosy cheeks. “Did you have fun?”

He shakes his head and then spots Jackson, his eyes lighting up and a big smile. “Jack. Jack.” Jackson squats down and holds his arms out.

My ovaries are currently intact, but they’re on the verge of bursting watching this big hunk of a man embrace this kid.

Jackson swings him into the air and then catches him, settling him on his hip. Eyeing me, he says, “This is my friend Marlow.”

“Hello?” I say, holding out my hand.

He grabs my index finger. “Hi,” he replies shyly and then tucks himself against Jackson’s neck. I smile because it’s the sweetest sight. And because I get that same feeling of comfort from Jack Jack, too, kid.

Tatum comes around, and we finally hug. “It’s good to see you again.”

“You, too.”

Natalie says, “I could have had dinner catered, but I wanted to cook. I actually love cooking but don’t get to do it as much as I like lately with our family’s busy schedule.”

“What can I do to help?” Jackson asks.

“I’d love it if you could take James upstairs and get him out of that outfit. I have a sitter coming over to keep the kids while we have dinner.”

“I’m on it.” Jackson starts toward the stairs.

“How can I help?” I ask, knowing I don’t know anything about cooking or kitchen stuff in general. I shift, anxiety kicking up a storm watching Jackson leave and wondering if I’m about to make a fool of myself in front of his sister and Tatum.

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