Page 72 of No More Secrets
He pulled off his shirt and stuffed it in the bag.
Beckett and Jax followed suit. Joey gave her a thumbs up from across the table. Three shirtless Pierce brothers made for an impressive sight.
Summer had snuck a peek at tags for Carter and Jax, but she’d guessed for Beckett. Thankfully, they all fit.
Phoebe hugged her. “You’re a sweet girl. Look how happy you’ve made my boys,” she said, grinning at her sons. “Especially that one.”
“Thank you for being so welcoming. I’m going to miss you,” Summer said.
Phoebe hugged her again. “We’ll be seeing you again. I’m sure of it.” She moved to help Franklin pull his t-shirt over the polo he wore.
“Got one for Franklin, too, huh?” Beckett grumbled.
On impulse, Summer rose on her tiptoes and gave him a kiss on his cheek. “I’m going to miss you, Mr. Mayor.”
“Come back and see us soon,” he said, his face softening into a grin. He squeezed her arm. “And if you ever decide to upgrade your Pierce brother, give me a call.”
“Beat it, Beckett,” Joey teased. She held her t-shirt, logo up, in her hands. “Thanks for this,” she said to Summer. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“You’re welcome. I was thinking about getting you one that said Future Mrs. Pierce that you could wear around town.”
Joey’s eyes narrowed. “Very funny. I’ll be sure to send you a clip of the ‘I want to have six babies with Carter Pierce’ article that’s due out soon.”
“Appreciate that. I’ll frame it and hang it at work to remind me what real journalism looks like.”
Joey frowned, as if sensing danger. And Summer realized Jax was approaching.
“Well, I’ll see you around,” Joey said hastily. “I think I’m going to head home.”
“Say hi to the horses for me,” Summer called after her.
“Bring your boots next month. We’ll go for a ride,” Joey said over her shoulder.
“I should probably walk her home,” Jax said, watching her go.
Summer put her hand on his chest and held him in place. “What you should probably do is give her some space instead of stalking her like a jungle cat.”
“I gave her eight years of space.”
“Give her time to get used to you being here.”
Exasperated, he ran a hand through his hair.
“Jax, honey, will you help me pack up the leftovers?” Phoebe called from the table.
“Sure, Mom.” He turned back to Summer. “I’ll see you in the morning before you go, right?”
“I’ll be here.”
Jax leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll miss you when it’s just me and that bearded lug here.”
“Get your mouth off my girl,” Carter ordered, wrapping his arms around Summer from behind.
“What can I say, you’ve got good taste,” Jax winked.
“Carter, honey, we’re going to pack up the leftovers in the kitchen and head out,” Phoebe called, her arms full of plates and platters.
“Leave the dishes in the sink. Summer and I will clean up out here and take care of them later.” He gave Phoebe a peck on the cheek and shook Franklin’s hand.
