If people ask me about it, I’m just telling them Gabriel and Austin are on vacation with their mom and leaving it at that.
Maverick nudges me. “Just watch. I’m gonna get drafted, make a shitload of money, and pay you back for all of this crap.”
After I dry my face, I grab Mav in a chokehold and scruff his head. “Don’t worry ’bout us. You don’t need that pressure. Just do your thing and focus on the game.”
He breaks out of my hold and goes to tackle me, but Beau holds him off. “We don’t have time for y’all to go wrestling around on the floor, and Mav, the last thing you need is to break something being an idiot. Come on.”
I point to my little brother. “You think you’re all big and tough, but I can still whoop your ass.”
His chest puffs up, and he hops up and down. “Oh, yeah? I’d like to see you try.”
I laugh and pat his back. I’m just talking shit. My little bro ain’t so little anymore.
Jace drives Mav, and I let Beau drive me because I’m distracted and I need a minute to gather my thoughts.
As we head toward town, Beau lifts a finger off the steering wheel. “Just wanna give you a heads-up. Baylee’s mom rented that cabin off the lake for y’all this weekend. She said you and Paige needed some ‘special time away,’ just the two of you. She said it’s her wedding gift to you. She hasn’t told Paige yet. It’s supposed to be a surprise, so act surprised.”
“Christ.” I scrub my face. “I was hoping to relax with a few beers tonight after I set Paige up in the boys’ room. Thought she could sleep there until they get back, but now we have this damn reception. I can’t even think about that cabin.”
“You can still have that beer, but now it’s with the ultra-romantic backdrop of the cabin. So no one will hear you railing your little wife.”
I growl. “Paige is not getting railed, okay? Get that through your head.”
He chuckles. “Got it, chief.”
After I roll down the window, I tug at my collar. “Is it hot? I’m hot.”
“I have the air conditioning blasting in your face.”
When we park, Beau starts to get out, but I grab his shoulder. “I need a minute.”
“You gonna bolt?”
“I’d never do that to Paige. I just… I’m not sure this is a smart idea.”
“Coulda told ya that, but it’s kinda late now.” He points to Harlan’s Cadillac, which is pulling into a parking spot. He and his wife get out, and I watch them stroll to the courthouse.
I take a deep breath. “I don’t want to hurt Paige.”
Beau gives me a look. “Then don’t hurt her.”
“It’s that easy?”
He nods. “Yeah. Don’t be a dick. Treat her with respect, be kind, talk shit out, and you’ll be okay.”
I scratch the back of my head. “Where’d you learn all that?”
“I read it on a Hallmark card.”
“A Hallmark card said don’t be a dick?”
He chuckles. “It said don’t be rude, but I put it in my own words, okay? Anyway, if you treat her like a friend, you should be cool.”
“How’d you get to be so wise? And how come I don’t know that shit, and I’m older?”
Beau shrugs. “Just don’t forget your mutual goals and the timeline. You just gotta get through six months, and then you’ll be as free as a bird again.”
Six months. Right. Okay. I can do this. “Come on. I don’t wanna be late to my own wedding.”
