Chapter Seven

 

Parker stopped the passing waiter and grabbed a crab puff. She’d been running around like a mad woman all day and hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast. Wyatt and Avery’s party had been going on for an hour, and everyone was enjoying the food and having a good time. Seth and Morgan’s house was at full capacity, and there were still people on the way. It was well worth all the bustling around she’d been doing for the last few weeks to see the looks on the happy couple’s faces when they arrived. They’d settled on a wedding date, and all that was left to do was count the days until wedded bliss.

Parker scanned the room and found Riley talking to Tyler, Corbett, Wyatt, and Theo. He looked exceptionally handsome tonight, but then again, he always did. She liked that he was as comfortable in workout clothes as he was in designer duds. They’d barely had time to see each other the last two weeks, and it was difficult to get alone time when they were both free.

It may have been Wyatt and Avery’s night, but the real star was Derek Jr., who was causing quite the stir in all his adorableness. The perfect blend of his parents, he had thick dark curly hair and curious blue eyes like his dad. Everyone was waiting patiently for their turn to hold him but his godmother Morgan had other plans. Parker went over and joined the group.

“Morgan,” Isabelle said. “Are you going to let anyone else get in some face-time with Derek Jr.?”

“I can’t. He smells so good.” Morgan took a whiff of his hair. “He has that new-baby smell. I love that smell.”

“Me too,” Isabelle said. “I would buy a bottle of that smell if they sold it.”

Parker took a whiff and sighed. “It is a good smell.”

Parker held her arms out. “I haven’t been able to hold him all night. I promise I’ll give him right back.”

“OK.” Morgan sighed. “You can hold him for a few minutes.”

“Come here, little prince.” Parker gently took Derek Jr. into her arms. He did smell good, and he had on the cutest little outfit. “I hear you were given a very special present earlier.”

John Jacob and Teri-Lyn had given Derek Jr. a Blake property just liked they’d done with all the kids in the family. They’d also given Joy’s son Isaiah the same gift. Joy was so beside herself she’d been crying for the last hour.

Avery joined the group. “I was next in line to hold Derek Jr.”

“I can’t help it, I cut the line. I’m a sucker for those beautiful blue eyes,” Parker said. They were a different shade from Riley’s, but that cool, mesmerizing look was there. The tot was too cute for words, and when he nestled into Parker as she rubbed his back, her heart melted.

“No worries, you’ll get your chance to spoil him rotten.” Morgan smiled.

Avery sighed. “I visit the babies in the paternity ward at the hospital. I can stay in there for hours.”

“Ever thought about being a pediatrician?” Isabelle said.

Avery tapped her lips with her finger. “The thought crossed my mind. Heaven knows I’ve had my fair share of experiences with the kids in the family.”

“Pretty soon you’ll be having babies of your own.” Morgan winked at her.

Parker gently bounced the baby. “I heard Seth saying he wouldn’t mind having baby number five.”

“Why did you have to ruin the moment?” Morgan shot her a look. “He loves babies, but he always forgets about three-in-the-morning wakeups, diaper changes, and teething.”

“He doesn’t mind because Uncle Seth never sleeps.” Avery kissed Morgan on the cheek. “You loved every moment of it. I remember you being over the moon when Jake was born.”

“My contribution to the family tree has been noted. My time is over. Soon I’ll be Great Auntie Morgan. You ladies are the next generation to keep the family populated.”

“No time soon,” Parker and Avery said in unison.

Avery laughed. “Wyatt and I have been talking, and we have a plan. I’ll finish medical school and get a good two years into my career, then we’ll talk babies.”

“Riley and I are not ready for that conversation,” Parker said.

“I used to have plans too.” Morgan pointed to the kids in the family room. “Four of the happiest accidents I’ve ever had.”

“You didn’t plan the kids?” Avery asked.

“No. You can plan all you want, but you know in the moment when it’s time. And it’s going to be when you least expect, but you’re delighted about it just the same.” Morgan beamed. “Just you two wait and see. Life has a way of throwing you curve balls to upset the best of plans.”

Charisma wandered over and joined the group. She grinned at Derek Jr. “Uh-oh. Looks like someone likes your necklace.”

“He’s a curious little guy, isn’t he?” Parker looked down at Derek Jr., who was playing with the necklace she was wearing. “He’s such a good baby. Is he always this quiet?”

“No. He’s being nice because we’re around people. Otherwise, he’d be all over the place. He loves keeping track of Alexis. He goes nuts if she leaves the room.” Charisma smiled. “I think he likes all the attention the ladies are giving him.”

“I think you’re right,” Isabelle said. “Every woman in this room has held him since the party started.”

“I think this is the first time I’ve seen him since we arrived at the party.” Charisma shook the rattle in her hand at her son. “By the way, Parker, congrats on advancing to the semi-finals. Derek and I are cheering for you. What made you interested in competing?”

“Thanks. We were shopping, and Bridgette spotted the people who were recruiting for the show.” No need to throw Bridgette under the bus for flirting with Jeremy.

“How’s the living situation going?” Lisa, Bridgette’s mom, joined them.

“It’s going well. She knows the rules, respects most of them, but will complain about it anyway.”

“I worry about her,” Lisa said.

“As a matter of fact, she’s in charge of my social media accounts. She’s posting and tagging and all that other crap I can’t keep up with on the Internet.”

“Really?”

“Bridgette’s different when she focuses on something. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the change in her.”

Summer and Autumn approached the group.

Summer touched his hand. “Where do we sign up to hold Derek Jr.?”

“Ladies, we’re creating a monster.” Charisma sighed.

“Too late.” Autumn smiled. “I heard Grandma Reed is the biggest culprit.”

Parker looked at Summer and Autumn. She’d wanted to have a chat with them.

“Hey, ladies. I was wondering if you were hiring.”

“We’re always hiring,” Autumn mused. “Why? What’s up?”

“There’s a contestant on the show that I’ve become friendly with named Melissa. She just moved here because her husband got a new job, but she’s still looking. She’s in graphic design, but I don’t know her full resume. She’s really nice.”

“Why don’t you have her give me a call?” Autumn said. “Summer and I could have a sit down with her and see what’s what. We’re always looking for new talent.”

“Great. I’ll do that,” Parker replied.

“Uh-oh.” Avery pointed to the other side of the room.

Parker looked in the direction she was pointing to see Riley was talking to Derek.

“Looks like Derek is on his humanitarian mission to see if he can soften Riley up,” Charisma said.

Parker sighed. “Riley’s normally a pretty reasonable guy, but you know, it’s his sister.”

“Riley suffers from the same overzealous protective syndrome as every man in this family. He’ll come around,” Morgan said in a reassuring voice.

She hoped Morgan was right.

 

* * *

 

Riley did his best to be in a good mood, but it was pretty hard with Theo floating around the room. The young adventurer had been in a town just a few days, and he was already grating on Riley’s nerves.

“Derek.” Riley sipped on his scotch. “That’s a handsome boy you have. I think he’s captivated every woman in here.”

“It runs in the family.” Derek smiled. “But there comes a time in a Popovich man’s life when he has to retire a scandalous reputation for something with more substance.” Derek motioned across the room toward Aubrey and Theo. They were nibbling on food and chatting.

“Theo’s made a quite change since he met your sister.”

“Has he?” Riley drawled.

“I also hear you don’t like him.”

Riley set his glass down on the bar. “Don’t get me wrong. I love your family, but I don’t think your brother is right for my sister.”

“Based on?”

“He’s one of those slick-talking pretty boys who go through women like Kleenex.”

Derek let out a dry laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

“I wasn’t sure if you were talking about Theo or yourself.”

“That kind of behavior was a long time ago.”

“I know, and not so long ago you would have been describing me too. Look around this room. It’s former-bad-boy central. But each of these men knew love when it came calling and knew it was time to abandon the fun and games for something real. It’s the moment you realize all that fun and media attention was empty and ostentatious.” Derek sipped his drink. “Your epiphany is holding my son.”

Riley looked around the room. Derek was right. Most of the men here at one time had been notorious chick magnets until some wonderful woman entered their lives. His wonderful woman was over there smiling with Derek’s son in her arms. She was a natural with kids. Parker was the tough auntie who the kids adored because of the action-packed life she led. She’d been a great inspiration to Mackenzie, who thought Parker was some kind of superhero.

“You may have a point.” He shook his head. “But she’s my sister. It’s been my job to keep her safe my whole life. I can’t just turn it off.”

“I know how you feel. As a father, I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching myself. I don’t know what’s going to happen when Alexis gets older. I already know no one’s going to be good enough for her. I also know that will make me seem like a hypocrite.”

“How do you think you’ll handle it?”

“Charisma is going to have to reel me in before I take things too far. Because at the end of the day, my daughter’s happiness and independence are going to trump any fiercely protective feelings I have. Aubrey is a smart, beautiful young woman. She keeps Theo on his toes. It hasn’t been an easy courtship. It was at least a year before she started taking him seriously.”

“It was?”

“Talk to Alex. Theo went from the occasional visit to Harper’s Grove to scheduled monthly visits. Sure, he loves our brother and his niece and nephew, but I think knowing Aubrey would be at the house babysitting was his true motivation for the repeat visits.”

“I didn’t know he’d been making the effort.”

“Look. I’m doing my duty as a brother. He’s been miserable since he arrived a couple of days ago. He called me and asked if I would talk to you, but to be honest, I was going to do it anyway. I knew you had concerns because you’re a great big brother. Aubrey talks about you all the time.”

Derek’s eloquent words were packing a punch despite the soft delivery. It made sense, and for the first time, he saw Theo as a guy who was doing everything in his power to impress someone he cared about. And Theo cared about Aubrey.

“Thanks, Derek.” He gave him a pat on the shoulder and went over to the couple. “Aubrey. Can I talk to you for a moment?”

“OK.” She took Theo’s hand. “Whatever you have to say, you can say it to the both of us.”

“OK. Let’s go into the hallway.” He turned to lead them out of the room when he caught Parker staring at him. He winked at her, gave her a thumbs-up, and smiled. That seemed to relax her. He knew she’d join him if he wanted, but he knew he had to do this on his own.

As soon as the coast was clear, he opened his mouth to speak, but Aubrey started in on him.

“Yes, we are dating.” She held up a hand. “Before you give me the big lecture, I want you to know that I have my priorities straight. I’m still as focused on school as ever. I like Theo, but the sun doesn’t set on his ass. But he’s been making an effort, and I think it’s sweet. Somehow we’re making it work.”

Both men stared at Aubrey in amazement.

Who was this savvy woman he was talking to? His kid sister had a good head on her shoulders. “Well, that’s good to know. But I wanted to apologize to the both of you for being snide and dismissive. I thought I was just doing my due diligence as a big brother, but I didn’t realize I was hurting you both.”

“Apology accepted.” Theo extended his hand for a shake. “I know you have valid concerns.”

Riley shook his hand. “As long as we both want what’s best for Aubrey, I guess we’re on the same team.”

“Riley, you’re an awesome big brother. I know you’re just looking out for me.” Aubrey jumped into his arms and gave him a hug. “I expected nothing less.”

He gave her a firm hug back. “You may not need me as much, but I’ll always be here.”

“Are you kidding? I’ll always need you. I love you.”

“I love you too.” It was nice to see her smiling again. But there was still some unfinished business. Now that he was onboard the Aubrey-Theo train, he still had to do his brotherly duty.

“I have to say this.” Riley turned to the young man and gripped Theo’s shoulders. “She’s my little sister. If you hurt her, I will take you to the Tomcats Stadium and punt you over the goal post.”

“Fair enough.” Theo cleared his throat.

Just then, Bridgette came over. “Riley. Can you give me a hand with the boxes? Teri-Lyn is about to make the announcement.”

“Sure thing,” Riley replied.

“I can help,” Theo chimed in.

“Thanks,” he said as they followed Bridgette outside. It was time for Parker’s surprise.

 

* * *

 

The ladies were still fawning over Derek Jr. when Teri-Lyn moved to the middle of the living room and called for everyone’s attention. Parker searched the crowd for Riley. The last time she’d seen him, he was walking with Aubrey and Theo. She hoped he was making progress.

“Everyone, can I have your attention?” Teri-Lyn tapped her glass with a fork. “This is indeed a joyous occasion. My babies Wyatt and Avery are getting married. I knew it the day they met that they were meant to be, despite what every man in this family thought.”

The ladies laughed. The men did not.

“But like every other special occasion when this huge family gathers, there’s always room for more good news. As many of you may already know, Parker has become a television star.”

The crowd clapped.

“It’s not a big deal,” Parker said.

Teri-Lyn waved her over. “Sure it is. Come on over here.”

“Not a big deal?” J.J. called out. “Are you kidding? You’re a superstar.”

Sam nodded. “Yes, it’s time this family had a female superstar athlete in the spotlight.”

“It’s just a silly show,” Parker blurted out, not knowing what else to say. She was in a room filled with professional athletes. It was hard to compare herself to their amazing accomplishments. “I tried it on a lark.”

“Don’t be so modest,” John Jacob said. “It takes just as much mental strength as physical stamina to take on those obstacle courses. We’re so proud of you.”

“And to show you how much we support you, we have a little surprise for you.” Teri-Lyn gave a signal to someone. “Bridgette, you’re up.”

Parker turned to see Bridgette leading Riley and Theo into the living room with big boxes. “What did you do?”

“Marketing 101.” Bridgette set the box down and opened it. She then pulled out a black T-shirt with neon letters that said Team Bruiser and held it up. “I had a shirt made for everyone. We can wear them when we go to the next competition to cheer for you. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve also been hashtagging your posts the same way.”

“Wow. Whose idea was Team Bruiser?” She looked at Riley.

“Guilty as charged.” He grinned.

“It’s catchy, and people post about how cute it is that he calls you that.” Bridgette beamed. “I’m also going to put them up for sale on your web page. I thought maybe we could have the proceeds go to a charity like for lupus or multiple sclerosis.”

“Thanks, Bridgette.” She gave the young lady a hug. “You’ve done an awesome job.”

“You’re welcome.” Bridgette nodded, then called for everyone to be quiet. “Everyone, we’d like to get as much in-person support as possible. So I’d like to coordinate with anyone who can make it. Teri-Lyn says we can use the minibuses that take the kids to school to get everyone to the event.”

Parker and Bridgette began passing out T-shirts as Riley and Theo brought in more boxes. It was nice that the family would come together to support her. But Bridgette had totally gone above and beyond for her. It was awfully sweet for her to go through the trouble to launch a full-blown media campaign. She wouldn’t have thought of any of these things because she was still on the fence about being in the spotlight. But Bridgette had run with it and produced some amazing results. Giving her responsibility had given the college student a reason to focus. Maybe Bridgette wasn’t quite the wild child everyone thought she was. Maybe she was just bored and trying to find her way. Just like Parker had been not so long ago.

Parker opened another box Wyatt had brought into the room that was marked Special. The first T-shirt on top, a small one for a child, had the logo Team Bruiser but underneath it said Little Bruiser. That could have only been for Kenzie. Riley had given her that nickname. She picked up the next one; it said The Boyfriend. She had to smile at that one. She continued to pass out the T-shirts and answer questions about the show. A little while later, she suddenly looked around, realizing Riley was nowhere in sight. Where had he gone so fast? She felt a tug on her sleeve. It was Mackenzie.

Parker held up the shirt for Kenzie. “I think this T-shirt is for you, missy.”

“Cool.” Mackenzie smiled. “I’ll wear it every time you’re on TV.”

“Good to know.”

Mackenzie took the T-shirt, then held up a note. “This is for you from Riley.”

Parker bit back a smile and took the note. By the mischievous smile on Mackenzie’s face, she’d read the note. “Did you read it?”

Mackenzie’s eyes widened. “Um.”

“I have to teach how to have a better poker face.” Parker tapped Kenzie’s nose.

“What’s a poker face?”

“I’ll explain it to you the next time we have a girls’ weekend.”

“OK.” Mackenzie trotted off in the direction of her parents, waving the T-shirt in the air.

Parker opened the note and saw Riley’s familiar slanted writing.

Meet me by the tree house.

Bridgette seemed to have things under control here, so Parker went into the kitchen and opened the door that led to the veranda. She carefully walked down the steps in her heels as she made her way to the tree house. Riley was standing by the ladder.

“Hey.” Parker smiled. “I was wondering where you went. I saw The Boyfriend T-shirt. It’s really cute.”

“I was aiming for sexy, but I’ll take cute.” He held up a bottle and glasses. “I thought we could both use a little downtime.”

“I was thinking the same thing. We have been missing each other the past few weeks.” She put her arms around his neck.

They shared a kiss. “Maybe we should check out that tree house,” she suggested.

He looked at it critically. “Hmm. Looks stable enough. Let’s do it.”

“I need to take these off.” She removed her heels and started to carefully climb up the ladder. It had been a while since she’d been up there. It had been officially sanctioned an adult-free zone by the kids, unless of course they needed snacks. She was almost at the top step when she realized Riley wasn’t behind her. He was still on the ground. “Aren’t you coming up?”

“I like the view from here.”

She squinted at him. “Perv. Stop looking up my dress and get up here.”

There was a blanket spread on the outer deck. Riley finally made the climb and sat down next to her.

“This is so sweet.” She sighed as she sat down on the blanket and set her shoes down next to her. “The dumbwaiter is new.”

“The kids finally figured out a way to get the dogs up. It takes like eight of them to pull up Rowdy, who howls the entire time until he gets a treat.” Riley poured them each a glass of champagne. “For you.”

“Thank you.”

“Let’s toast to an awesome engagement and our good friends, Wyatt and Avery, who are taking the journey to wedded bliss.” They clinked glasses and sipped.

“How are things going with Theo?”

“We hashed things out.” He set aside the glass and slipped his arms around her waist. “Derek and I had a nice long talk, in which he reminded me how not so long ago I was Theo but ten times worse.”

“You weren’t.” She tried to look sincere. “OK. You were just as bad, if not worse. But look at how much you’ve grown.”

“He also reminded me that you’re the reason for that.” He kissed her.

“You changed me too.”

“How so?”

“I didn’t trust men. There were so many out there who lied and cheated. Some guys had an aversion to dating a police officer. Then there were the weirdoes who thought it was cool that I was a police officer and saw handcuffs as some kind of symbol for sex games. Those are the ones who think every female cop is a dominatrix in her spare time.”

“I like the strength you have. It drives me crazy sometimes when you take risks, but I love that you’re true to yourself.”

“It helps to know you support me. I worried for the longest time that you would feel intimidated by that.” She sipped her champagne.

“Are you kidding? I get to sleep with my bodyguard. There’s no one I’d rather have with me in a bar fight or if there’s a there’s a whacko stalker chasing me.”

“You don’t ever think sometimes that I’m too much trouble?”

“Never.” He leaned in and kissed her. “Why do you think I got The Boyfriend shirt? I’m the loving, caring, deeply committed boyfriend.”

“Yes, you are.” Parker ran her hand through his hair and pulled him closer.

“Why am I not surprised to find you two out here?” a deep voice said.

Parker and Riley broke apart and looked down at the base of the tree house. It was Rafe.

“Making out in the tree house? Seth and Morgan are regular culprits. Don’t get me started on J.J. and Sam.” Rafe pressed his fingers on his eyelids.

“We were just taking a break.”

Riley laughed. “Believe me. It was only PG fun.”

“Avery sent me to find you. It’s time to open presents and eat cake.”

“Great.” Parker grabbed her shoes.

“I expect better from you two,” Rafe said.

Parker folded her arms across her chest. “You do know Leigh and I are friends.”

“Yes.” Rafe shrugged.

“And we confide in each other.”

Rafe raised an eyebrow. “Go on.”

“So I don’t have to remind you about that time you helped her close up the Bright Star and you thought it would be fun to—”

Rafe’s cheeks turned a bright pink. “Stop right there.”

Riley laughed. “Finish. I’d like you to know what happened.”

“Let’s just call it a draw. It’s cake time.”

Parker laughed as she and Riley collected their items and climbed back down the ladder. When they eased back into the party, Avery was waiting for them.

“Sorry, we were outside star-gazing,” Parker said.

“Uh huh,” Avery replied.

“Come on. Let’s eat some cake. It’s your favorite filling.” Parker put her arm around her and headed for the cake table.

An hour later, everyone had received a piece of cake and oohed and aahed at the neat gifts they received. Wyatt and Avery had set a wedding date. Riley’s demeanor had relaxed, like a load had been lifted now that he and Aubrey had cleared the air. She was proud of him for working through it. He was talking to Theo and Alex and seemed at ease.

They’d shared a moment sitting in the tree house. They had passion in spades, but it was in those quieter times when they were relaxing, barely saying a word, when they connected the best. He’d had that look in his eyes again. He’d wanted to say something but opted to keep quiet. She didn’t want to push because she knew that, in his own way and at the right time, he’d share it with her like he’d done before. But in the meantime, their hearts were connected and speaking to each other, even if they were hesitant to say the words. They’d have to have a talk soon. She was bursting to tell him that she was in it for the long haul.