Trust Me .(16)
“Someday, someone is going to snatch that one up. He’ll be a great husband and a wonderful father to a very lucky child.” Mom gives me a pointed look and I feel myself start to blush.
“He doesn’t want to get married, Mom. He’s just like Jake. A confirmed bachelor until the day he dies.”
“Oh, that’s hanky. Maddox does want all of that, he just doesn’t know it yet. He’s waiting on the right girl to come along and show him how to love and be loved. He’ll get there. And don’t get me started on Jake. That boy needs someone with a good, firm hand to smack some sense into that thick skull of his. He is the most stubborn man I know. I see things in Jake that even Jake doesn’t see because if he did, he’d turn tail and run the other direction. When he’s ready to find someone, to fall in love and settle down, he’s going to fall hard. Just you wait and see.”
“Don’t let him hear you saying that.”
We continue to chat and catch up about everything we can think of. After lunch, I lay Brooklyn down for her nap in my old room which mom outfitted with a twin sized bed for Brooklyn. I head out into the backyard to watch the wind blow through the trees and listen to the birds sing. It’s so peaceful and soothing to just sit here. I loved sitting in the backyard when I was growing up. It’s a large, spacious yard with plenty of room to run and play. There’s also a large patio with a fire pit which I love. As I sit and listen to the trees move and the birds chirp, the backdoor opens, and my brother Will walks out.
“Want some company?”
“Sure,” I reply.
He sits in the lounge chair next to me. We’re both quiet for awhile, enjoying the serenity of the outside oasis. “So, I heard you went out last night,” Will finally breaks the silence.
“How’d you hear?”
“Oh, you know this town. Everyone knows everything about everyone.” He’s quiet for a few moments. “Heard you and Maddox kicked Jake’s ass in pool,” he adds with a smug smile.
I laugh and fill him in on our evening of shooting pool. I leave out the tequila part and the part where Maddox drives me home. Will may be the brother that I’m the closest too, but he’s still my older brother. I’m wrapping up the story when the back door opens again. Jake steps out in his uniform and sits down in an empty patio chair.
“Heard you guys were out here,” Jake says.
“Heard you let your little sister kick your ass in pool again,” Will smarts off.
“Screw you! She cheated!” Will and I have a good laugh at his tone and instant defensiveness.
Mom pokes her head out the door holding a bag of food for Jake to take on the road, hollering for us to come in for dinner. I help her gather up the food in the kitchen and take it to the dining room where Maddox is standing in the entry way talking to my dad. He looks amazing in his uniform. The way the material conforms to his big body, curving tightly against his toned muscles. I could stand here and drink in the sight of him all night.
Maddox looks up and makes eye contact with me. I wish I knew what he was thinking. I can never tell. Is he remembering last night? Is he embarrassed or feeling guilty? Has he been thinking about the kiss all day like I have? He gives me his lopsided grin; the one I consider his flirty grin. I return his grin with my own flirty one before he turns his attention back to my dad.
Jake comes into the dining room carrying a big bag of food and leans down to kiss Brooklyn. “Who’s your favorite uncle, Bean?”
She doesn’t even have time to reply before Will yells, “Hey!” Brooklyn giggles at her uncle’s back and forth teasing. He leans down and gives her another kiss on the crown of her head. I hear her softly mumble, “You are my favowite, uncle Jake,” followed by a little giggle.
“That’s what I thought. Bye, Bean. I love you.” He turns and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before heading out the front door, Maddox trailing quietly behind. And just like that, he’s gone. Those two minutes I spent looking at him, being with him in the same room, and I’ll be thinking about him for the rest of the night.
Brooklyn dives into her lasagna like she hasn’t eaten all day, and I know that’s not true because I caught my mom sneaking her snacks from the counter all day long when she thought I wasn’t looking. All in all, today was a pretty enjoyable day and evening. It’s a smaller dinner since Jake and Nate are both working and no one brought friends this week. I love spending time with my family and am so glad that we are close so Brooklyn gets to experience this.
Now as I drive home with Brooklyn trying not to fall asleep in the backseat, I wonder what my dreams will bring me tonight. Will they be filled with those chocolate eyes I can’t seem to forget? I have a feeling my dreams will definitely be sweet tonight.