Page 77 of The Biggest Secret
Mom is busy prepping the dogs and burgers at the counter. “Sure Adam, sounds nice.”
“What are you doing?” Francesca talks through her teeth at me.
Shrugging. “Just pouring you a glass. Jackson brought it for you, didn’t he?” Her face holds a look of contempt and I bark out a laugh. “What’s wrong Chessy? Looks like you could use a glass. Rough night last night?” I raise a brow.
She snatches the glass from me and turns on her heels heading for the backyard. Mom jumps as the door slams.
“Oh! Adam, leave your sister alone.”
Shaking my head, I watch through the window as Jackson stomps right over to her and takes the glass from her hand. They put their heads together and whisper, my sisters’ hands waving around a mile a minute. Then Jackson looks up through the window and sees me watching their exchange. I flip him the middle finger. He breaks out into a laugh and blows me a kiss, throwing his arm around my sister. She turns to me, too, and gives me the matching finger back.
That fucker thinks he’s gonna steal my show tonight. I’ll make sure he’s in the scene, but he’s not taking center stage.
A while later, we all piled into the dining room to eat. I watch as they all dig in, plates and glasses being passed around the table in organized chaos. I’m the last to sit, having made a plate for Dominic, I place him in the highchair that’s sitting at an angle. Standing beside Chelsea, I run my fingers up her neck and into her hair, threading my hand through it and giving a slight tug. She turns and gives me a soft nod.
“Mom, this table is getting a little small for all of us. You should think about getting a bigger one.” Jackson gives me a ‘what the fuck are you doing’ look? I raise a brow and shrug. “Should’ve been faster, bro.”
“Adam, the table is fine. Sit down and eat.”
Jackson stands and I chuckle to myself. This guy won’t let me outshine him tonight. I don’t know if they were ready to announce or not, but I’m going to draw it out of him. Serves the guy right for knocking up my little sister.
He looks nervous as he says, “Wait, no he’s right. We do need a bigger table.” Francesca looks horrified as she tugs on his arm to sit down.
“Jackson, honey, the table is fine. I have a leaf we can slide in if you’re uncomfortable and need more room.”
“Mom, how about an addition? I bet we could blow out the back wall here and add another room.” I push again and Jackson eyes me with a tight lip. “Or two.” I tilt my head, drilling him a look, hoping he catches my meaning. I see the moment recognition hits him. His chest inflates and a smile spreads across his face. His lips roll in and I swear I see his eyes begin to water.
“No fucking way!”
“GAGE!” my dad’s booming voice bounces around the room. “Language, son.”
“What is going on? Why are you two trying to change my home?”
“Because your two girls are preggo, Ma! Damn, keep up!”
“Billy!” Chelsea and Francesca both yell his name. Forks hit the plates and Jackson let’s out a ‘woop’ as he just about jumps over the table to get to me. He’s an inch shorter than me, and about twenty-five pounds of muscle lighter but that fucker picks me up like it’s nothing and swings me around the room in a bear hug.
“Francesca? Are you serious?” Mom asks through happy cries.
“How did you miss it? Neither one of those wino’s had a drink in hand tonight,” he shakes his head. “And they say I’m oblivious.” Both Chelsea and Francesca stand, and Mom comes around the table to hug them, as Dominic laughs from his seat. “Wait. Francesca? Chelsea, too!” Billy watches my mom. “You knew! Damn, maybe I am oblivious. Always a show with these two.” He stands, grabbing Dominic from hishighchair. “Come on kid, let’s break out the good shit tonight. Tom, grab some shot glasses. Dad, I’m raiding your liquor cabinet! This family has a celebration to begin!”
* * *
Dinner is long forgotten and us men are on our way to getting trashed. I lean back in my Adirondack chair, the firepit burning and I take in my family sitting around enjoying this moment together. Mom and Dad are sitting on the swing with Dominic between them. Farrah stopped by and is now seated next to Tom. Billy is pouring more shots and drinks. Jackson has Francesca on his lap and for tonight, I’ll allow it. Smiling to myself as Chelsea walks by, running her hand over my shoulder, I reach out and snag her wrist, pulling her to a stop by my side.
“Sit down, babe.” I pat my lap. She gives me a smirk but lets me pull her down onto me.
“In a few months, I’m going to crush you if I sit on your lap.”
I wrap my arms around her, nuzzle her neck. “It’ll be worth it.” She swats at me but lets me give her a quick kiss.
“So, due dates? What are we talking here, kids?”
“Late July.” CJ and I reply at the same time, earning us a chuckle from everyone.
“Well, I wasn’t ready to spill the beans yet, thanks Billy.” Francesca flashes him a dirty look, then breaks out into a smile. “But the doctor said early September, I’m just over seven weeks right now.” I watch as Jackson pulls her close. “You’re stuck with me, Coach Gage.” Francesca strokes his cheek and I fake gag as my best friend nuzzles into my sister’s neck.
“Fuck, Gage, go home and do that shit where I can’t see it.”
