Page 70

Story: Perfect Deke

It’s been a half hour since I sat down with Jack’s family, but all it took was five minutes for my nerves to fade, replaced with laughter.

I only saw Jon Morgan a couple of times when he coached the college team, and he wasn’t someone Tyler particularly liked.

I can see why. Jon’s actually nice.

I look over at Darcy—aka pure sunshine. She radiates it from head to toe.

“English Lit.”

Forcing down a green bean, she reaches across and taps her brother on the arm. “No way! We studied the same thing. Ah, this is an absolute sign, Jack.”

“There’s a year between you two, right?” I ask.

“Just under. I fell pregnant with Darcy almost immediately after Jack,” Felicity answers with a smile. “Although this one here rules the roost—always has.” She points to her daughter with her fork.

A proud smile breaks out across Darcy’s face as she sits straighter in her chair. “He’s lost without me.”

Jack scoffs and sets down his knife and fork. “Based on what evidence?”

“Oh, nothing in particular.” Picking up her wineglass, Darcy takes a sip and smiles around the rim. Setting her drink down on the table, she bends down to grab something from the floor.

Standing from her chair, she holds a gift bag in one hand as she rounds the table toward me.

“I hope you like it. We didn’t find out it was your birthday until, eh … well, very recently.” Jon side-eyes Jack, and I watch as his cheeks flush.

“This is my favorite brand!” Darcy says as she hands me the bag. “If you like it, I say we sack Jack off and move in together.Happy birthday!” she squeaks and then gathers up the plates and starts taking them through to the kitchen.

“In all seriousness, we won’t be offended if it isn’t your thing,” Jon says, motioning toward the gift in my lap.

“It’s from all three of us,” Felicity adds as Darcy takes a seat back at the table.

With four pairs of eyes on me, I push back the soft white tissue paper, and my breath hitches in my throat.

Wow.

“This is, um …” Reaching into the bag, I squeeze the soft leather between my fingers and notice how it matches my nail color—something to do with Jack, I’m sure.

“A Mulberry!” Darcy bursts out.

Don’t get me wrong; my parents have money, as does my brother. Serious money. From time to time, they spoil me just like this, but to receive a Mulberry handbag from Jack’s family, whom I’ve only just met, that’s a whole new level of generosity.

“Do you like it?” Jon asks, leaning forward and clasping his hands under his chin.

His mannerisms and caring attitude are so much like Jack’s. If I didn’t know better, I’d be sure he was his biological dad.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” I whisper, still taking it in as I pull it out and turn it around in my hands.

The cost of this bag could probably pay for a month’s rent, maybe two.

“Here, let me.” Felicity takes the tissue paper and gift bag from me.

“Thank you,” I say, still in shock as I look around the table, my gaze finally landing on Jack beside me as he reaches across and squeezes my thigh. “I actually don’t know what to say.”

“You were right, Knucklehead. Olive is definitely Kendra’s color.”

I feel my cheeks heat as I set the bag down on the table next to me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at this color and notthink of him or the dress he picked out. But especially last night and again this morning.

Feeling some kind of way over the generosity and the memories of yesterday, I push back my chair. “I’m going to head to the bathroom.”