Page 99 of Johnathan

“Katy,” Nellie scooped Jack up into her arms. “Can you come inside with Grammy? You can hold the beaters for the mashed potatoes.”

“I lick them?”

“Yes, I think you can do that, too. You might have to share one with Jack Jack though.”

“Otay.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Jackson kissed their mom on the cheek as she walked by.

Nellie waved her hand . “I know how importantguy talkis. Besides, I’m about to make sure Abby knows not to take any shit from you, and to call me if you ever step out of line.”

“Jeepers. It’s almost like you’d rather have Abby in the family than me.”

Nellie laughed, slipping into the house without another word.

“So, she’s really moving in? You don’t feel like that’s too fast?” Jackson asked, stacking another log onto the fire.

“Fuck no. She’s incredible. The strongest fucking person I’ve ever met. She is so kind, and loves Katy like she’s her daughter. There’s this push and pull between us that I’ve never felt with anyone else. No matter what, when I’m with her, there’s just this calmness that surrounds me.”

“So, she’s the one?” His dad asked, poking the fire and sending sparks into the air around them.

“Yeah, dad. She’s the one.” He took a long pull on his beer. “I’ve been looking at rings.”

“Wow.” Jackson slapped his hand on John’s shoulder, smiling like he did the last time they placed a bet.

“Wow?”

“Yeah, wow. Dad owes me twenty bucks and a night of babysitting Jack.”

“Why?”

“I told him you were going to pop the question to Abby by Christmas. He didn’t think you’d be that quick about it.”

John spun towards his dad. “I love her. Why wouldn’t I want to make sure she knew how committed I was to her as soon as possible?”

Tom’s hands flew up by his face. “I’m not saying I didn’t think you guys wouldn’t work out. In fact, I really like Abby.”

“But?”

“But… I didn’t know if you’d ever want to take that step. You’ve been home for years now, John. You’ve never dated anyone. You’ve never even mentioned wanting to. And thenAbby comes along, and things movereally fastand I just didn’t know how you’d handle that.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.”

“Tom!” Nellie’s voice filled the air as she stepped out into the back yard.

“I’m just trying to tell our son I’m happy for him and Abby.”

“From the scowl on John’s face I can tell you haven’t done a very good job of that.”

“I’m heading in. Grace probably needs a hand with the kiddos.” His dad groaned as he got to his feet.

“Jack fell asleep, honey. Grace is in the kitchen with Abby and Katy. I think everything is okay.”

“Just let me go, Nel,” he grumbled.

“Fine.”

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