Page 53 of Mr. Infuriating

“She wants kids.”

“Once upon a time, you wanted more, too.”

“And then I made peace with that not happening. Britt’s eleven now. Starting over would be stupid.”

“Why? You agreed that Mav’s never been happier.”

“Maverick doesn’t have to go to work every day, either.”

“What’s that got to do with it?”

I don’t know. It sounded like a good reason in my head.

“Just drop it, okay?” I needed to change the subject. “You still coming to Brayden’s lacrosse game this afternoon?”

Thankfully Derrick let it go and responded with, “Hell yeah!”

I slid off my barstool. “Make sure you bring a camping chair or you’re going to be sitting on the ground.”

“They don’t have bleachers?”

“No.”

My brother’s mouth turned down, prompting me to ask, “You don’t have a camping chair?”

“I mean, I’m sure I do. Somewhere.”

I rolled my eyes. Derrick was the quintessential baby of the family. Everyone always took care of him.

“I’ll bring an extra one.”

His face lit up with a smile, revealing his dimples, and I understood how he got laid all the damn time.

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I headed toward the door, then stopped and turned around. “Game starts at three. Get there early or you’ll be parking in the far lot and hoofing it to the field.”

“Eh, a little walk wouldn’t kill me.”

Meaning he was going to be late.

“They’re only twelve-minute quarters,” I warned.

“I’ll be there. I wouldn’t let Brayden down.”

When he said that, I knew I didn’t have anything to worry about. The Mitchell men were known for being true to their word.

~~

As I set up the second camping chair, not far from Becky and Britt this time, I heard my daughter shriek, “Uncle Derrick!”

A small smile escaped my lips. The fucker was even early.

I turned to watch him swing Brittany around before setting her on the ground and pulling her in for a giant hug. The joy on her face brought joy to my heart.

Although we’d fought like wildcats growing up, I knew my brothers always had my back, and by default, my kids’ backs. Even though Britt probably couldn’t express it, I think she instinctively knew it, too.

When he released her from his embrace, she grabbed his hand and led him to where I was setting up the chairs, not letting him get a word in edgewise as she peppered him with questions.

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