Page 38 of Just One Look


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He’s not exactly seething, but it was obvious he balked at Clancy’s invitation for me to stay with the way he started snorting like an angry bull. But how was I meant to say no to Clancy without being rude? Wagner, Sammy, and I have plans to watch the fireworks together tonight, but my day is wide open. I didn’t want to lie to the old guy and make up an excuse, so I’ll have some food, stay for an acceptable but not too long length of time, then leave.

“How has your first month at the sanctuary been?” Sibella asks me. “I heard some of the staff there can be a real handful.”

I turn to catch the tail end of Jackson glaring as he mouths something to his sister across the table. Something loving and supportive, I’m sure.

“Oh, they are. But it’s nothing I can’t handle,” I reply, lifting an amused brow at Jackson.

He’s doing that angry-bull breathing thing again, and I grin. Being around family always reveals different sides of a person. I wouldn’t say what I’m seeing is Jackson’s softer side. From what I know of him so far, I’m not entirely convinced he has a softer side. But in the few minutes I’ve spent with them, and despite the teasing, it’s clear his is a close-knit, loving family. Something someone who doesn’t have one is able to spot so easily.

The conversation turns to the fireworks tonight. I remember it fondly from when I was a kid. The county spares no expense, putting on one hell of a show. I’m looking forward to Sammy’s reaction when he experiences it for the first time.

“You survivin’?” Jackson whispers, lifting his uneaten hot dog to cover his mouth.

I bring a napkin to mine. “I am. Your family is delightful.”

“Don’t speak too soon. They’re holding back.”

“I’m sure you’re exaggerating.”

Jackson scoffs, and I turn my attention to Sibella, who’s speaking. “So, anyway, I knew my vagina would stretch, but we had no idea about the perineal stretching and pelvic bone adjustment.”

Jackson drops the dog. “See?” He hisses out a breath through his teeth before turning his ire to his sister. “Can wepleasetalk about something else while we eat?”

“Why?” Tim asks, smiling adoringly at his wife. He’s been sitting dutifully by her side, doting on her the entire time I’ve been here. The woman can’t even reach for ketchup without him getting in first and handing it to her. “Childbirth is perfectly natural.”

“And beautiful,” Verity agrees with a Cheshire grin aimed squarely at her younger brother.

I try to bite back my smile, enjoying this way too much. Jackson’s family truly are delightful.

“Please excuse Jackson,” Sibella tells me. “He’s a total prude.”

“I am not,” he huffs adorably.

“Then why did you leave our WhatsApp group chat?”

“Because it was filled with…” He pauses, struggling to find the word he’s looking for. “Birth stuff.”

“See? Prude. You can’t evensaythe word ‘vagina.’”

“I. Am. Not. A. Prude. I just don’t want to be bombarded with graphic female anatomy stuff every time I open my phone. That doesn’t mean I don’t love you. Or that I won’t be in the delivery room like you requested all of us to be. It just means I don’t want to hear about that stuff all the freaking time.”

“Say it.” Sibella tries to fold her arms across her chest, realizes it probably won’t happen, then leans back in her seat.

Jackson tilts his head. “Say what?”

“The word ‘vagina.’”

“What? No. Sib, we have a guest.”

“You’re absolutely right, Jaxi. We do.” She pins her piercing green eyes on me, eyes that are the exact same shade as her brother’s. “Canyousay the word ‘vagina,’ Maverick?”

“Uhhh…”

If I say it, I’ll be betraying Jackson, which I don’t want to do. But if I don’t, I’ll appear weak in front of his formidable sister and his entire family.

“Vagina! Vagina! Vagina!” Jackson roars out. “There, I said it. Happy now?”

“Yes, I am,” Sibella replies with a self-satisfied nod as Verity lowers her phone. Oh, man, she got the whole thing on camera. I am so hitting her up for that footage later.