Page 45 of Time for Change

Jack seems confused and looks between me and my brother. “Sister?”

I give him a quick apologetic look. “Yeah, new development. I was going to tell you about it,” I reply quietly, leaning over so everyone around us doesn’t hear.

Then, my eyes land on Jameson’s kids—my niece and nephew. I went from having no one to having siblings, in-laws, and nieces and nephews. It’s almost overwhelming. Jameson is holding a young baby, probably around five or six months old, while his petite wife holds the cutest little girl around the age of two.

Instantly, I smile.

“Hello, I’m Madelyn, Jameson’s wife,” the woman says, trying to extend her hand.

“Stevie,” I reply, awkwardly reaching over Jack to shake her hand.

“It’s nice to officially meet you,” Madelyn replies. “This little one is Rose, and that one is Jett.”

“You have a beautiful family,” I tell her, unable to stop myself from grinning.

Jameson and his wife seem like an odd couple. As different as night and day. She appears very regal and put together, while he’s a bit more edgy in his jeans, boots, unshaven face, andtattoos. But sometimes, I think opposites attract makes for a better story.

I feel Jack’s hand slide onto my upper thigh. It’s not a sexual move, but one meant to show support. I give him a quick smile as well before turning my sights on my brother. He’s glaring at Jack, his eyes narrow and jaw tightens, and I swear he growls.

Growls.

“What?” I ask, confused by the hostility he’s displaying.

“Oh, ignore him,” Madelyn says, trying to smooth things over. “He’s just—”

“You didn’t answer my question,” Jameson interrupts, his focus solely on Jack.

Before he can reply, I speak up. “We’re on a date.Don’truin it.”

“A date?” He seems genuinely confused by the idea.

“Yes, sir, a date. I’m seeing Stevie,” Jack informs him, with confidence.

“Seeing her.” Jameson’s jaw ticks. “Did you just call mesir?”

Jack holds up both hands in defeat. “I meant no disrespect, Jameson.”

“My God, what is with the whole protective big brother act?” I ask, waving my hand around toward him.

“Iamyour big brother,” he practically growls through gritted teeth.

Madelyn giggles and reaches over, placing a hand on his forearm. “I assure you, the protective bit isn’t an act,” she teases her husband, trying to defuse the situation.

I sigh, attempting to wrap my head around the whole thing. “This is so wild,” I mutter, mostly to myself. “I went from having no one to having an overprotective ape for a brother.”

“You’ll get used to it. Well, that or run him down with your car,” Madelyn jokes, making me laugh.

He just turns and narrows his eyes at his wife. Yet even as he gives herthe look, it’s brimming with love and adoration.

“Chip!” the little girl sitting on Madelyn’s hip hollers, pointing to the basket on our table.

Jameson reaches out and takes a tortilla chip and hands it to Madelyn. Not that I care he did that, but he clearly doesn’t give two shits either. She breaks off a small piece and hands it to her daughter. She glances at us and says a polite, “Thank you.”

“Of course.”

“Listen, our table is ready,” she replies, mostly to Jameson. “I’m sure you both have more to talk about, but we’ve interrupted your date long enough.”

Her comment earns another growl from Jameson.

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