“What mistake did Wagner make?” I ask, circling back to where this whole wild conversation started.
“After ending things with Colton, he shut down. Pushed everyone away. That’s not healthy. I understand grief. I’ve had a lot of it in my own life. But I’ve learned that the best way forward is not to get over something, but to go through it. Face whatever it is head-on. Don’t bury your head in the sand just because it’s difficult. That’s the only way to genuinely move on from something…or someone.”
“That’s good advice,” I say, my fondness for her growing. “But I’m not doing what Wagner did. I’ve been going through it at all. Believe me. I feel practically hormonal.”
She smiles knowingly. “Love will do that to you.”
“It sure will.”
“So what are you going to do about Jackson?”
“I have an idea,” I tell her.
“Any hints?”
“Only that it’s going to bebig.”
37
Jackson
“I wish I could see her little fingers,” I coo, holding my precious niece in my arms, her tiny hand barely wrapping around my single finger. I insisted on sitting on the floor, petrified she might fall out of my arms if I were standing. “I wish I could seeher.” All I can make out is a dim shimmer of movement as she waves her little hand in the air.
“She’s so beautiful, Jaxi,” Sib says, nestled beside me on the carpet of her living room. “She’s got Clancy’s green eyes and your black hair.”
“Really?”
“Yep.”
“Rosy-red cheeks like Verity had when she was a baby. Tim’s nose, unfortunately. My mouth.”
“The poor kid.”
She lets out an amused scoff.“The world needs more girls with big mouths.”
“True,” I concede with a grin, carefully handing the cuddly bundle back to her mama.
The entire family is gathered at Sib and Tim’s place, celebrating the arrival of the latest addition to our family. Evelyn Charlotte McKeown, six and a half pounds of pure baby perfection.
I graze my nose over her slightly furry head, loving that she’s got the same hair color I do, and inhale deeply. “Man, I love new baby smell. Someone should bottle it.” A few seconds later, my nose twitches, and I reel back. “Ew. What’sthatsmell?”
“That’sthe real baby smell,” Sib says. “And trust me, no one wants to bottle that.”
Everyone laughs as Sibella and Tim excuse themselves to change Evie in the nursery.
“It sure has been an eventful few days, hasn’t it?” Clancy says. “First this little one, and now the rescue center talent show fundraiser tonight. Everyone is talking about it.”
“Who’s everyone?” Verity asks.
“There are posters for it all over town. Maverick has done a terrific job promoting it. I hear it’s sold out. Good thing I nabbed an extra ticket.”
That’sdirected at me.
“Too bad I’m not going.” I point at my eyes. “You know…”
“Don’t think I’ll let you get out of it that easily, boy. It’s a talent show. I’m sure there will be at least several musical acts, perhaps even a few people singing.”
Groaning, I say, “I’ve heard the Silverstone Sleigh Bells holiday carolers plenty of times. Trust me, I won’t be missing out on much.”
