Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
“She’s mine.” I nod. What else is there to say?
“I like her.” He grins.
“Me too, Pops, me too.” I grab our bags from the back seat of my truck, and we head inside. I didn’t need his help, but it’s his way of checking up on me and on us, and I love him for it. I got damn lucky where my parents are concerned.
I find Corie in my old room, staring out the window. Closing the door softly behind me, I place our bags on the floor and move toward her, wrapping her in my arms. “Everything okay?” I ask her.
“Yes. Just admiring the backyard.”
“We’ve had lots of touch football games, barbecues, and bonfires in that backyard,” I tell her.
“Where is the wedding going to be?” she asks.
“At first, Everly wanted it in the backyard. Then she decided to have it during our bye week, and it’s cold in Tennessee in October. So, there’s a small venue. It’s actually an old barn that’s been renovated, not too far from here. The wedding and reception will be held there.”
She turns in my arms and smiles up at me. “Are there any events tonight?”
“Nothing official. Dad's got a pork loin in the smoker, and everyone will bring a side, and we’ll sit around and shoot the shit while we eat. Maybe play a game of touch football.”
“I love that,” she says, her eyes sparkling.
“Are you tired? We can nap before dinner.”
“We can’t just take a nap in your parents’ house,” she says incredulously.
“Yes, we can. I could use a nap with my girl.”
“It’s okay if I stay in here with you?”
“This might be my childhood home, but I’m a grown man, Corie girl. Yes, it’s more than okay. Come on. Let’s lie down.” I guide her to the bed, and we kick off our shoes and climb under the covers. We both wore comfy clothes for the trip, so sleeping in them won’t be an issue.
“No funny business, Knox Beckett. Your parents are downstairs.”
“We can be quiet,” I say, slipping my hand beneath her shirt.
“Knox!” she scolds, but I see the smile in her eyes.
“Fine.” I rest my hand on her bare belly. “We’ll sleep.” It’s not long before her body goes completely lax, and I know she’s fallen asleep. It takes me a lot longer because later tonight, I’m introducing the woman I’ve fallen in love with to my whole family. It's not that I’ve said those exact words, but I feel them. I get to introduce her to everyone who means something to me, and I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
Corie grips my hand as we make our way downstairs. We slept longer than I had planned, and from the sound of it, everyone is here. We clear the bottom step, and I slide my arm around her waist, pressing my lips to her temple. “Ready, Corie girl?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
We step into the kitchen, and all eyes turn to us. “Hey.” I wave at my family. “This is my girlfriend, Corie. You’ve met Mom, Emma, Everly, and my aunt Reagan. This is her daughter, my cousin, Bexley.” Corie will be meeting a ton of people tonight, and I know this will be overwhelming for her.
“It’s good to see you again,” Corie says.
“You, as well,” Aunt Reagan says. She nods toward me. “If you need help with this one, call any of us. We’ll help you keep him in line,” she teases.
Corie laughs. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I’m going to take her outside and introduce her. Is everyone here?” I ask Mom.
“Yeah, they’re all outside.”
“Can I help with anything?” Corie asks.
“Thank you for offering, but I don’t think my son is ready to let you go just yet.” Mom chuckles. “Go on and meet everyone. There are a lot of us. We don’t expect you to remember all of us in one go.”
“Okay, but let me know. I’m happy to help.”
“Thank you, Corie.” Mom smiles at her.
“Come on.” Moving my hand to the small of her back, I guide her outside. “Gather around!” I call out, and everyone stops what they’re doing and looks at us. “This is my girl, Corie,” I tell them. Everyone waves and mumbles hello, and a rightness settles in my chest. I look at her. “Crash course, baby?” She nods and smiles, and then we start.
“Okay, you remember my uncle Tyler. You met Bexley in the house, their daughter, and that’s Benjamin and Beckett, their twin sons.” I point them out. “Next, we have Mark and Dawn, and their daughters, Daisy and Ruby.”
“Nice to meet you,” Corie tells them, and I keep going.
“Next is Seth and Mara, their sons, Ryder and Jude, and their daughter, Finley.”
“He treating you right?” Uncle Seth asks her.
“He is,” Corie says, smiling up at me.
“Good, let me know if that changes.” Mark smirks.