Page 96 of Soaring Free
“If you overcook those steaks, I’m going to be pissed.” Jack hands me a fresh beer and scowls at my grill.
“Then it’s a good thing they’re resting, damn. I burn the steaks one time—the first time I ever used this grill in fact—and you act like I’ve done it a thousand times.”
Jack shrugs. “I think once was enough, don’t you?”
I ignore his question. “Weren’t you supposed to be in New York or Denver or somewhere far away this week?”
He hums and takes a drink before looking out at the chaos of the birthday party barbecue in our backyard. “Yeah, uh, Paris, actually. But some things came up and what’s a man if he can’t keep his priorities straight, right?”
“Is she coming today?” I ask softly, just in case anyone is listening, because ifsheis going to be here, that would be a big deal, especially to the preteen and little girls running around the backyard. Okay, and maybe to the mamas too.
Okay, fine, I listen to her music too, but I can play it cool.
“I don’t think so. I know Emily would have loved it, but we just couldn’t make time in her schedule.”
Before I can ask him any follow-up questions, Shane comes out with the tray of hot dogs for the kids. “Hey, Jack.” He nods at his former brother-in-law who returns the cordial hello. We may have worked things out with Shane, but I don’t think Savannah’s brothers will ever consider Shane a friend. Finn punching Shane in the face after the divorce probably didn’t help anything either. Sometimes there is too much history to overlook, and I can’t blame them; they think Shane neglected their sister in their marriage, but I think if they had an honest conversation with Shane about it, he would be the first to admit they were right. Today is not that day, though. Today is about celebrating Emily’s birthday.
And there is no way I’m going to allow any drama or fights to rain on her parade. She is the sunshine that can break through anyone’s rainy day, and she deserves to be celebrated and spoiled like a princess.
I knew I was a good dad to Gigi, but it has been so fun being a stepdad to Savannah’s girls. They all have various interests and our home is never boring, and rarely quiet. I’m proud to be a girl dad and I don’t think of Savannah’s girls as step anything, they’re my daughters and I will be the first in line to go after any asshole dick that breaks their hearts. I’ll have The Brigade at my back if that day ever comes.
After cake and presents, Shane and Lena say goodbye, and the girls and their friends all head down to start a movie in our theater room. Savannah stocked the snack bar with enough candy and popcorn to rival an actual movie theater. If anyone were to call Savannah extra, she would treat the potential insult as a compliment. She is unapologetically extra in everything she does when it comes to loving her people.
We knew when we built this house, we wanted to have the cool house to hang out at so we could keep a closer eye on our girls and have a good grasp on who their friends are. Our basement is more like a kid zone at a five-star resort. In addition to the movie theater, there’s a pool table, foosball, and shuffleboard tables. When Lucy discovered a new favorite hobby this last winter, we added the rock-climbing wall on the far side of the gym, which also includes an area for the girls to practice for ballet. Our backyard has a basketball court, fire pit, and pool with a water slide that winds through the rock landscaping. Most of the time, Savannah and I hang out on the deck, watching our girls play, and rocking side by side in the matching handmade chairs Murphy gave us for our wedding gift.
Our wedding was nine days after I proposed, and that was eight days too long for me. We had to wait for schedules to align so everyone from our families could come, and while I should be impressed we pulled it off that fast, I didn’t like waiting. As the sun set over the white sandy beach on a random Tuesday evening, I got to marry the love of my life and the feistiest kitten I’ve ever met. She still rolls her eyes at the nickname, but I think she secretly loves it.
As we sit with our family and friends on our deck, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I had a good life before I met Savannah, but now I have an incredible one.
“You look deep in thought.” Savannah pulls me back to the present as I pull her into my lap. I kiss her temple and wrap my arms around her.
“It was a good day. Do you think Emily had fun?” I ask.
“Oh, I bet she had so much fun that she passes out within thirty minutes.” We both laugh because she’s right. Emily’s speeds are either totally chill or full throttle with no in between.
“I still cannot get over how tiny your brother’s daughter is, and all that jet black hair! You forget how little they are at six weeks old until you hold one and feel like it’s a pile of blankets!” It seems like yesterday and forever ago that Gigi was small.
“I know, she is so tiny, and her hair is amazing! I’m so glad they were able to come. Once upon a time, I didn’t know if I would ever see the day that he would get his own happily ever after, but man, am I glad to see it. Plus, his wife is the sweetest and it makes it easier to add another sister to The Brigade when I like them so much.” Savannah looks around the deck and pool area. “Speaking of another brother of mine, did you see Jack sneak out? I meant to check in with him.”
“No, but he was counting down the minutes to get out of here earlier.”
She hums as she looks around at our friends and family. “He's so obsessed with her.”
“He mentioned, hopefully, this is the last tour for a while, and not so subtly hinted at them starting a family together.”
“Yeah, but I know she wants to be as present as possible for their kids, so that's a massive change in her life.”
“I don't know, she could find a way to have the best of both worlds, perk of being a superstar that's married to a billionaire.” I playfully tug on her ponytail, but it’s a true statement.
“Well, yeah, if I can end up with the arch nemesis of my first husband, anything is possible,” she teases as she boops me on the nose. “Plus, I wouldn't mind having her around more. I like her,she fits with us, and I really like her for Jack. He lights up when she’s in the room and I love that for him.”
“Time will tell, Kitten.” She rolls her eyes and I pull her closer so I can whisper in her ear. “How long do we have to play host until I can kick everyone out and take my wife upstairs for my favorite dessert before I make love to her?”
Savannah chokes on the water she was drinking before faking a large and exaggerated yawn.
Vivian looks over at us and stifles a laugh with one of her toddlers passed out on her shoulder, and his identical twin brother sleeping under her other arm. Eloise is with the big girls downstairs, but like she knew it was time, she walks out the patio doors with her own authentic and large yawn.
“Thanks for having us, but it’s time to get our kiddos to bed,” Vivian says as she looks to Walker with a nod. She won’t be able to carry either of the boys far without one of us stepping in to help. She can be independent when she’s not six months pregnant with their little girl. Walker and Vivian load up the kiddos and I help secure one of the twins in his car seat on their six-person golf cart. Our house is only a quarter mile from their house and the path between the two homes is used almost daily.
