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JAMIE

T he next day passes faster than I’d like. From breakfast to a houseful of guests, including a dozen excited kids playing noisy party games, it’s all entertaining.

The funniest moment is when War arrives late with a big box that looks like a drunk on a bender wrapped it. There are three different types of wrapping paper, and they’ve been applied at an angle.

Sawyer and Trick both cock their heads as they examine it.

In a dubious voice, Sauce says, “Tell me about this.”

Trick laughs.

War rolls his eyes as he stalks past. “Store only had one of each kind of paper.”

Sawyer’s brows crinkle in mock confusion. “Is there just the one store in Massachusetts now? When did that happen?”

Trick’s head tips back, and he laughs so hard other people start to walk over.

“Fuck off,” War mutters under his breath, but not so low that the three of us miss it.

Shaking my head, I smirk. “It’ll be smooth sailing from here with my best mate and future wife such good friends.”

“Yeah, good luck.” To Sawyer, Trick says, “Bet that’s the last time you put him in charge of wrapping anything.”

She takes a sip of hard cider and shakes her head. Deadpan tone, she says, “Yeah, he’s fired.”

With a smirk, Trick winks at her and says, “Welcome to the family. You’re gonna fit right in.” Then he leads Sauce over to meet his older sister Kat, who lived with us in Ireland for a while. I can’t remember much of that time since I was so young, but I do appreciate never having to tone down my accent when talking to her.

War returns to stand next to me. “A ring already?”

“World’s in need of more Irish babies. Gotta do my part.”

His eyes narrow as he looks Sauce over. “You think the time’s right for kids?”

“Up to her.”

Ash joins them and puts her arm around Sawyer’s shoulders.

A part of me may always miss living in Ireland, but as I watch Sawyer with my family, I know I would’ve missed more if I’d taken C’s offer to leave.

No regrets.

The future is now.