Page 87 of The Pass Protection
“Don’t you think I don’t know that? Huh?” I lean forward, turning my head to stare directly at him. “I said it was a long fucking story, and we tried to avoid things, but it just happened. Now fucking drop it, you dick.”
Reaching for his beer, he finishes the half-full beer. “I’ll drop it, but I’m telling you it won’t go over well.”
I watch Bret weave her way through the tables, her face beaming as she looks at our table. “What’d I miss?”
For the next hour, time seemed to slow as the three of us sat at a secluded table, laughing and telling stories. It was at that moment I realized how complete I felt. Of course, I wished the rest of my family were here, but there would be time for that. Right now, with my brother home, I feel hope. Hope for a future I’ve dreamed about since I was a little boy. A dream of running my family’s farming business with my own family and my brother by my side.
Tonight was a celebration of more than a game. It was a celebration of family, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that tether us together.
“Where do you want these?” I ask Chloe, holding up a stack of cardstock. Scanning over the cards, I chuckle as I read the questions.
‘Who will be the more fun parent?’
‘Who will be changing the first diaper?’
‘Who will be thrown up on first?’
‘Who will want more kids?’
I’ve been at the townhouse Chloe shares with Brynn for the past two hours, helping her transform their backyard into a surprise baby shower for Quinton and Brynn. Cody, her boyfriend, has been here, too. He’s been assigned to be the heavy-lifter/Mr. Fix-It, so whenever we need something moved or hung, we yell for him.
Chloe has rented plastic tables and chairs scattered around the backyard. Each table is covered in white fabric table linens with a strand of eucalyptus running down the center. Three tall vases are placed evenly down the center of each table, mixing greenery, baby’s breath, and faux orange picks. Places are set with white tableware with clear coasters resting in the center of each plate. The coasters read “a baby is brewing.” She wanted the party favor to be something cute that both the guys and girls could use.
With the help of her dad, Scott—who happens to be a Michelin-star chef, Chloe has prepared all of the food. When I offered tohelp, the three yelled “no” at me. Apparently, Chloe informed her dad about my lack of culinary skills. Scott offered to give me cooking lessons the next time he was in town. He’s been in Arizona working at a new restaurant he opened at a spa, one that he’s adamant all of us girls attend on him.
Did I mention that I love Chloe’s dad? He’s a lot like mine—cares a lot for his daughter.
“Oh, you can just set those on the gift tables.” Chloe is putting the finishing touches on the backdrop she made. It’s a foam board, and she cut the top in an arch and painted it white. A collection of ombre-colored orange balloons is attached to the foam board, creating the perfect backdrop for photos.
Turning around, I take in the backyard. “Chloe, this looks incredible.”
“It does,” Cody adds, carrying a wicker chair over to Chloe. She points to where she wants it, and he sits it down before kissing her temple.
Adjusting the chair to where she wants it, Chloe steps back, places her hands on her hips, and observes her work. With a satisfied nod, she smiles brightly. “Thank you both for all of your help. I seriously couldn’t have done it without you.”
“What’s up, my favorite people?” JP’s booming voice comes through the kitchen and out the patio doors. He walks through the open doors and pauses. “Holy shit, this place looks dope.”
And it does. The gender-neutral, “little cutie” theme is perfect. Shades of oranges, white, and green are scattered around as far as the eye can see. Real and faux oranges are sprinkled in with the decor to capture the whole ‘little cutie’ theme. Instead of a traditional banner, Chloe has hung onesies across the top of the patio door.
“Damn, no wonder you had to leave first thing this morning.” Tyler follows JP through the door and snags a handful of sliced green peppers from the veggie tray.
Crew comes through the door holding a stack of gifts. “Did you guys forget something?”
“Oh shit, totally forgot about the gifts.” JP laughs, grabbing a couple of wrapped gifts from the stack Crew is holding.
Chloe points to the table on the patio. “You can put all of those there. Let me go grab the appetizers.”
“Need any help?” Tyler asks.
She shakes her head no. “I’ve got it. You guys just mingle. We only have thirty minutes until Macy is supposed to have them home.”
“How’d she get them out of the house?”
Cody watches Chloe as she walks inside the door before turning toward us. The boy is smitten with his girl. “Gregg invited Quinton to golf nine holes, and Macy convinced Brynn to go too.”
“I’m sure Brynn loved that.” JP chuckles, popping a tomato in his mouth.
“She’s been texting me the whole time, letting me know she’s in misery, especially since she can’t partake in the alcohol portion of golfing,” Cody informs us.
