Chapter 28

Julie

When Julie pulled into Josh and Lisa's driveway, she shut off the car, but she didn't move to get out.

“You okay?” Cody asked.

“I want to wait for Jessie,” Julie answered. “She's so damn worried about seeing them again. I don't get it. She has to know that they'll support her. If our parents did, they surely will.”

“You're a good sister,” Cody said.

“So is she,” Julie replied, as she narrowed her eyes.

“What's that look for?” he asked.

“I know you two were talking the whole time,” she answered.

“She told you,” he said, as he shook his head.

“She sure did,” Julie replied. “We have no secrets.”

The look on Cody's face changed to one of concern. It was only there for a second, but she hadn't missed it. Before she had the chance to say anything, her parents, sister, and niece pulled in beside her, and she could see a look of worry on her sister's face.

“Are you keeping something from me?” she asked Cody, as she watched her dad get out and hurry to open her sister's door.

“I'm not,” Cody answered, as he swung his door open, got out, closed it, and came around to open hers.

Julie went right to her sister, who already had the baby out and in her arms. She held little Jackie so close to her chest, almost as if the little one was the only thing keeping her together.

“You ready?” Julie asked, as she put her arm around Jessie's shoulder. “You can do this. It's going to be fine. We're right here with you. They're going to love her. I promise.”

“Gavin and Nate first,” Jessie whispered. “I have to tell them first. Gavin is going to be pissed.”

“You're right,” Julie said, as she looked toward her mother and nodded.

Their mom walked into the house, and when the door opened again, Julie saw Gavin and Nate standing there. Next to Nate was Melissa, Kyle's daughter. She'd heard that they'd become best friends over the years. What she was looking at wasn't two best friends, but she wasn't about to question it. They were part of the crew. That wasn't something to be brought up around the parents.

Julie watched as her sister's eyes connected with their younger brother's. He stood still in the doorway, but it didn't take long for his feet to get moving again. Then he was there, right in front of them. Julie kept her arm around her sister, as she rubbed her shoulder over and over.

“It's okay,” she whispered. “He's one of us.”

“You're an uncle,” Jessie whispered, as tears began to fill her eyes. “Meet your niece.”

“My niece,” Gavin said, as Julie watched his jaw clench.

“Cool,” Nate said, as he turned to Melissa. “Come on.”

“Look at the baby,” she said. “She's so cute.”

“I guess,” Nate said. “Hurry up. I want to finish my game.”

Melissa shook her head, as she followed Nate back into the house. Before the door could even close, all of the ladies hurried out. The second they saw the baby, they were all cooing and talking baby talk.

“Can I hold her?” Lisa asked.

“Of course,” Jessie answered, as tears filled her eyes even more.

“What's her name?” Lisa asked, as she took the baby.

Jessie hesitated for a second, and Julie squeezed her shoulder, letting her know she was right there.

“Jackie,” Jessie answered, and Lisa looked at her with tears filling her eyes.

“That's so sweet,” Lisa said, as she held the baby tight. “You're beautiful, little one.”

Gavin stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Jessie, pulling her in close to him.

“You okay?” she asked him.

“Not sure yet,” he answered, in a rough tone. “The dad around?”

“He's gone,” Jessie answered.

“Then no,” he said. “It seems I have an ass to kick.”

“No, you don't,” Jessie said, as she wrapped her arms around Gavin and hugged him back. “It's not like that. I'm good. We're both good.”

After being outside for a long while, Gavin finally let Jessie go.

“Can I hold my niece?” he asked, and the ladies, who had been passing the baby around, laughed.

As soon as he had the baby in his arms, he held her so close to his chest.

“Hey there, Jackie,” he said. “You're pretty adorable, and you have an awesome name. Your Uncle Jack would love it.”

Julie watched Jessie's eyes fill with fresh tears, so she pulled her close.

“Let's face the rest of them,” Julie said, as she looked back at Cody, realizing that her brother hadn't even noticed he was there.

They followed Gavin into the house and walked through to the dining room just as Gracie was walking out of the kitchen. The second her eyes landed on the baby in Gavin's arms, she dropped the plate she was holding, and it crashed to the ground. A look of sadness crossed her face, followed by a look of anger.

“What the,” she hissed.

“My niece,” Gavin blurted out, quickly cutting off the naughty word that was coming.

“Your niece,” Gracie said.

“Yes,” Gavin said, as he narrowed his eyes at her. “What else would you think?”

“Nothing,” Gracie said, with a smile, as she looked down at the broken plate in front of her. “Let me clean this up.”

“I'll get it,” Gavin growled out, before she even had the chance to bend down. “Hold my niece. Her name is Jackie.”

Gracie looked at Jessie.

“That's so sweet,” she said. “Thank you!”

Then she looked back at Gavin.

“Hurry up,” she snapped. “Hand her over.”

Gracie pulled the baby in close, as Gavin bent down to clean up the plate she had dropped.

“You're so beautiful,” Gracie said, before looking up at Jessie. “I knew something was up with you. You could have told us. We would have been there. Don't pull that shit again. Do you know how many cuddles we've all missed.”

“It won't be happening again,” Jessie said, as she smiled at Gracie. “Not ever.”

Gracie carried the baby into the other room, and just like that, everything was fine.

As soon as Gavin had cleaned up the last of the plate, he walked over to Julie and Cody.

“I'm sorry,” he said, as he held his hand out to Cody. “With everything going on, I hadn't even noticed you were here. It's nice to see you again. Seeing as Dad walked in and isn't growling and complaining, I'd say things have changed.”

“Working on it,” Cody said, as he took my brother's hand and shook it. “Now, I just have to get through Ethan and Kyle.”

“And Jason,” Gavin said, with a laugh.

Cody didn't respond, but Julie watched his whole body clench tight at her brother's words.

“There's nothing to get through there,” Julie said, as she squeezed Cody's hand and walked toward the living room with him.

Julie felt both Ethan and Kyle staring at her and Cody, but Cody didn't give either of them a chance to speak.

“I'm not the one you should be watching,” Cody said.

“Excuse me,” Ethan said, as he stood up from where he'd been sitting.

“You heard me,” Cody said. “I'm not sure I'm your biggest competition anymore.”

“You got that right,” Julie's dad said, with a smirk.

“What the hell are you two talking about?” Ethan asked, with an irritated tone in his voice.

“You know that big job you got outbid on a bit ago?” Cody asked, with a smile on his face.

“Still can't figure that shit out,” Ethan said. “We were careful with that one, and you still got us.”

“Wasn't me,” Cody said, as he pointed toward Julie. “It was this one.”

“What?” Ethan snapped out. “Not possible. She's teaching. Not to mention, if she's bidding for anyone, it's for her father.”

“Not true,” Cody said. “It was her, and she's kicking ass too.”

“Is it true, Julie?” Ethan asked, looking over at Julie with sad eyes.

“It is,” she said, with a smile. “There's a new sheriff in town, and I plan on taking over. So all you boys better watch your backs.”

“Seriously!” Ethan snapped. “You going to let this happen?”

“Oh, don't think I won't be trying to kick her ass just like I do yours,” Cody said sternly, “but I'm so damn proud of her.”

“So am I,” Julie's dad said, with a smile on his face. “We've taught her well, Ethan, but she's taught herself too. Better watch out. Our girl is no joke.”

“Shit!” Kyle snapped. “Not another one, and his ass likes her, so you know he'll be helping her out.”

“That's where you're wrong,” Julie said, as she narrowed her eyes at Kyle. “I don't need his help. I'll take you all down on my own.”

“Fuck!” Kyle blurted out, and they burst into laughter, everyone but Kyle.

Just as their laughter began to fade, another voice boomed through the house.

“Whose cool ass ride is out there?” Jason yelled out. “Where's my girl?”

Julie didn't miss the rumble that came from deep within Cody's chest, and she turned to him.

“Not his fucking girl,” Cody hissed through clenched teeth.

“We're in the living room,” Julie shouted.

“Don't meet me at the door anymore?” Jason joked, as he came around the corner.

The second his eyes landed on Cody, the humor left his features and his tone.

“Your car?” Jason asked.

“It is,” Cody replied sternly. “Julie wanted to bring it.”

“I drove it all the way here,” she said, as she wrapped her arms around Cody and pulled him close.

“No fucking way,” Jason laughed. “That shit wouldn't happen if it were mine. I've seen you drive.”

“Shut up!” Julie said, as she shook her head. “I drove just fine, didn't I, babe?”

“Sure did,” Cody answered. “Besides, it's just a car.”

“Just a car,” Jason said, as he shook his head. “What the fuck ever.”

“Jason,” Heath snapped. “Watch your damn mouth.”

“Heath,” Tara snapped.

“Fine,” both guys said at the same time.

“Dinner is ready,” Josh said, as he walked out of the kitchen. “What happened to my girl?”

“Jessie had a baby,” Gracie said, as she looked toward her dad. “Her name is Jackie. She named her after Jack.”

“So I was traded in for a baby,” he said, with a laugh. “Congratulations, Jessie. Love her name, and she is adorable. I guess I'll let it go this time.”

Gracie handed the baby back to Gavin. Then she took off to help her dad.

Dinner was quiet and uneventful, and Julie soaked up every second of it. Her family was together, and the only tension left was between Cody and Jason, but that wouldn't last long. Julie wouldn't let it.

Time for dessert came, and Julie noticed a change in her brother. He jumped up to help Gracie carry each thing out. Then he hurried to help her serve it. There was cheesecake and toppings to go with it, and Julie couldn't wait to have a piece. Once everyone was served, Gavin handed Gracie her plate and they walked over and sat down.

“Guess it's still your favorite,” Gracie said, with a laugh.

“It's the best,” Ethan Jr. said. “Now this punk always gets the biggest piece. It's so unfair.”

Gavin burst into laughter, and Julie looked over at him. There was something going on. He seemed nervous, and she didn't like it. Her brother had been through so much. All she wanted for him was happiness. He seemed very happy with Gracie, so what was going on?

Julie watched as her brother's eyes moved to Josh's and then over to their dad's. Then he looked back at his woman, and he smiled nervously. Gracie took a bite of the cheesecake, and her nose scrunched up. Then she looked around the room. When her eyes landed on Julie's, she smiled and took a bite of her own. Something was different. It had been a long time since Julie had tasted one of Gracie's desserts, but it wasn't the same.

“Do you like it?” Gracie asked, and everyone nodded, including Julie. “Tell me the truth, Gavin. Is something off about it?”

“It tastes perfect to me,” Gavin answered, as he pulled his eyes away from Gracie's and looked down at his dish.

He was lying. Julie could see it.

“Take another bite,” he said, as he took another bite of his own. “Maybe there was something in that bite.”

Gracie shook her head and scooped up another bite of her dessert. It wasn't in her mouth for two seconds before she stopped chewing and looked at Gavin with a look of shock on her face.

“What?” he asked.

She reached up toward her mouth. Then she pulled something out of it. The second her eyes landed on what she was holding, tears instantly filled them.

“Gavin,” she whispered.

Julie watched Gavin reach forward, take the ring, clean it off in something he had next to him, and then drop to his knee in front of Gracie.

“There was a time when I was hurting worse than I'd ever thought a man could hurt. I was fighting as hard as I could, but I wasn't sure I could make it. You were there, and you were fighting too. We found each other and shared something that nobody else even knew existed. I know you say that I saved you, but it was you that saved me. That wasn't the first time either. When you wrote to me while I was gone, you saved me then too. It was your cocky letters and boxes filled with crazy shit that kept me going. I loved you then, Gracie Rose. I loved you when I came home too, even when I thought you hated me. Shit! I hated myself. Chasing after you and trying to keep you safe, I loved you then too. I tried to fight. I tried to push you away. There was no way I wanted you to see the broken man I was. I thought you were better off without me. You saw it though. You saw me at my worst. I thought you would run. I wanted you to run, but you didn't. Instead, you came closer. You sat with me. You held me. You stayed, and you fought with me. We fought together. I want to be the one next to you, fighting anything that comes our way, for the rest of our lives. I want to open my eyes to you each morning and close my eyes to you each night. I love you more than I ever thought I could love. You own my heart, Gracie Rose. Will you keep it forever? Will you marry me?”

By the time Gavin was done, Julie had tears flowing steadily down her cheeks.

“Yes,” Gracie said, as Gavin slipped the ring on her finger. “Of course I'll marry you. I knew there was something different about that cheesecake.”

“I made it,” Gavin said, as he laughed. “Your dad helped me.”

Julie watched Gracie wrap her arms around Gavin's neck, and she couldn't help the warm feeling that filled her. Her brother and Gracie had found love, and until Cody, she'd had no idea just how much that meant.

Julie turned, and that was when she noticed that Cody was no longer beside her.