Page 69 of Make it Real
“Jed’s got a big heart in there,” Pop said. “He just doesn’t always show it.”
“All right, enough talk about my internal organs.” I needed to steer this ship to safer waters before my poor heart expired from all the attention. “Start up some wedding talk.”
“That’s a really interesting change of topic.” June smiled innocently at me even as her meaning made my stomach flip. “Do you want to elaborate on that?”
Nope. I did not.
“I’ve been hogtied by conversations at this table a time or two,” Ty said. “I’ll have mercy on you, Jed. We’re planning that shed clean-out for Thursday. I’ll text you the details.”
“Bless you, future brother-in-law.”
“What shed clean-out?” Callie asked.
June explained about her reception plans for Ty’s vehicle barn. “After they clear it, Marilyn and I and the girls will get it ready for the weekend.”
Her eyes went soft, her shoulders relaxing, as if she’d forgotten she was getting married in a week. She looped her arm through Ty’s and leaned into him, resting her cheek on his shoulder. He looked like he had everything he could ever want. These two would give cavities to everyone in the county if they kept this up, but I couldn’t blame them.
“Do you need any more help with the prep?” Callie asked.
“She’s got a good eye for that stuff,” I said. “You want her on your team.”
“We’d love more help.” June nodded at her, but cut a look to me like I’d said something incriminating.
Probably had. When it came to Callie, pretty sure everything could incriminate me.
After dinner and cleanup, we all wandered out back, presumably to test the strength of Pop’s new bug zappers in the yard. A soft pink glow filled the sky as it crept toward sunset, giving the evening a hazy quality. Dylan and Beau tore into the trees, and Wade handed Maisie off to Callie so he could chase after them.
I leaned my hands against the porch rail, drinking in the sight of Callie holding a baby like it was the most natural thing in the world. Maybe it was. Maybe she should always hold a baby in her arms. Not a very enlightened way to think, but my brain had snagged seeing her cuddling my niece.
If I could nail down a future I could trust, something I knew wouldn’t break apart in my hands…I’d want that one.
June sauntered up next to me, anI told you sogrin splitting her face.
I shook my head at her. “I can’t look at you too long or I’ll come down with smugness poisoning. Shouldn’t you be sneaking off with your fiancé somewhere?”
“Oh, I plan to. The man is irresistible.”
I thinned my mouth, regretting I’d asked. They were cute together, but I wanted zero details.
She nudged me with her shoulder. “I’m happy for you two. It’s fascinating to see you so twisted up over a woman.”
Tried not to think too hard about all the ways I’d proved it tonight. “I’m glad you’re taking the high road and not gloating.”
“I never promised to take the high road. This is golden. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you so awkward before.”
“I’m not being awkward.” Would rather not define exactly what I was, but didn’t think that one suited.
She laughed. “You so are. And you’re so affectionate with her, it’s adorable. You couldn’t stop touching her all through dinner.”
My hands had wandered during the meal, I admit, but not in any inappropriate way. Just little nudges to reassure myself she was still there, still fine, still with me. Hadn’t thought anyone would be tallying up my touches to rub in my face later.
Although I probably should have.
“Is there a point to all this, or is it just payback?”
“It’s definitely both.” She quieted, following my gaze to where Callie stood with Maisie on her hip, talking with Pop. “Mom would have loved her.”
I tried to swallow, but the lump in my throat made it impossible. Mom had been a little quieter, a little more subdued, but June was right. She would have adored Callie. Her warmth, her eager storytelling, the way she found the best in everything, like she needed to love the hell out of life. Mom would have claimed her as her new daughter from the first day they met.
