Chapter 3
Jaxon
Ishovemyhands in the pockets of my jeans as I wait outside the bathroom for Andy to finish up, trying to wrap my brain around this plot twist. My new neighbor is Finn’s sister-in-law? How the fuck didn’t I pick up on that? I think I’ll add that to my speech when I receive the worst-best-friend-ever award.
When I hear the toilet flush, I lean closer to the door. “Hey, make sure you wash your hands.”
“I know, Daddy,” his little voice shouts, but it’s muffled over the running water. I’m still not used to him growing up so fast. But I’m thankful to be out of the diapers phase of life.
Moments later, the door opens, and Andy walks out with a smile on his face—completely oblivious to the shitstorm around us.
“All set?”
“Yup.” He takes my hand, and I scrunch my nose at his still-wet hand in mine. At least there’s my proof that he did, in fact, wash his hands.
We follow the hallway back to Finn and find him and Lauren speaking in quietly in the kitchen. Lauren is the first to notice us.
“Hey, guys,” she greets us with a big smile, and I can’t help but return it.
Finn turns around with a matching smile but hesitation in his eyes. He quickly blinks it away, but I know his brain is going a mile a minute, wanting answers.
“Uncle Finn, I love your house.”
“Thanks, little dude.” He ruffles the top of Andy’s head. “I’m glad you think so.”
“It has the best-smelling soap.” He brings his hands to his face and inhales loudly. “Ah,” he exhales contently, and we all laugh at his dramatics.
“Well, that is this lady all right here.” Finn tilts his head toward his wife.
“Daddy just buys the boring stuff, and I don’t like the way it smells, so sometimes…” He glances at me before bringing his hand up to cup his mouth. “I don’t wash my hands.” He attempts to whisper, but I’m pretty sure his volume is louder. I smirk at his honesty. “We have a new house, you know, that has three bathrooms. Maybe you can buy some of those for our house?” Andy turns his focus from Lauren to me as if asking if that’s okay.
I nod, and he smiles.
“Of course. Maybe one day you can come to Target with me, and we can pick some out. What do you say?”
“Awesome.” He beams and throws his hands in the air. “I want that cupcake one.”
Lauren crouches down to Andy’s height. “Speaking of cupcakes, what do you say we go get one outside and let your dad and Uncle Finn catch up?” There’s an ease and calmness about her that I’m pretty sure she could convince anyone to do anything.
All eyes are on me. “Sure thing. Make sure you listen.”
She pushes to stand. “You two have a lot to catch up on. I’ll have Ky manage the grill, and I’ll let you know when food’s ready.” She leans in to kiss Finn’s cheek, but he pulls her to his lips.
I clear my throat so they remember they have an audience at the same time Andy says, “Yuck! Kissing is gross.”
Lauren and Finn quickly break apart and chuckle. He wraps his arm around her shoulder and kisses her temple quickly.
“One day, you might change your mind.” Finn smiles as Lauren holds her hand out in front of Andy, and he takes it without a second thought. She looks over her shoulder with one last smile before they exit the kitchen and head back to the backyard.
“Wanna sit in the living room?” Finn’s voice breaks my gaze from where I watch him bond with Lauren effortlessly. Andy’s never had a constant female influence in his life. This move will be good for him.
“Sure.”
He extends his hand toward the other room. “Go ahead, and I’ll grab us some beers.”
I head into the living room, but before I reach the couch, photos on the mantle catch my eye—well, two in particular. The first is a photo of a younger Lauren and Finn from what I assume is high school. They’re wearing football and cheerleading uniforms. I can’t help but laugh at how young they look—yet they still look exactly the same as they do now.
The second image that draws my attention is from their wedding day, not that long ago.
Finn had planned a sort of spur-of-the-moment proposal. Well, no, not spur of the moment. It was ten years in the making, and he put a lot of work into it. However, the day he proposed, he had also planned for them to be married that evening. He rented a beach house for them and their whole family and turned it into the perfect oasis. Or so I’m told. I would have given anything to be there.
“That was a good day,” Finn says from behind me. I look over my shoulder and find him approaching with two beers.
“I can’t believe you’re married and that I wasn’t there beside you as your best man.”
Finn places his hand on my shoulder. “How many times do I have to tell you it’s okay? You were there in spirit. So much was happening at once—me getting married, you uprooting your life to here. Which, speaking of, why didn’t you tell me about the house?”
I take a swig of the cool liquid and move over to the couch.
“I don’t know. I didn’t want to burden you with my shit. I remember what newlywed life was like.”
“That’s bullshit. We’re here to help anytime. It’s why I asked you out here, Jax. You help me, I help you. Just like when I flew out to see you and Andy, I meant what I said. We’re all here to help—me and Lo and all those crazy fuckers out there. They’re good people.”
“They seem like it.”
“I guess at least I don’t have to ask what the house is like. I’ve seen it plenty of times when at Kate’s. I hadn’t realized it was available, but it’s perfect for you guys.”
“Yeah.” I snort. “Even comes with super-nosy neighbors.” I try to hide my rising irritation by taking a quick sip of my beer.
Finn bellows out a boisterous laugh. It’s good to hear him laugh. Finn has overcome some dark times, so seeing him like this makes me happy.
“Kate is, well…” He twists his lips, searching for the word as he takes a sip of his drink. “Kate.”