Page 124 of Johnathan

“Jake.”

“Can I help you guys carry anything? I’m afraid I didn’t bring anything to eat, but I did bring a bottle of bourbon.”

Sebastian handed two trays to John and one to Jake before they made their way back inside.

“Let’s hand these off to Abby and then head out to the grill. I’ve got some glasses we can take out there with us.”

“Yeah, that sounds good.”

They dropped the treats off in the kitchen and, with glasses in hand for their bourbon, made their way towards the back deck.

“Sam!” John called over his shoulder. “Come sit out here. I’m sure the girls are about to gossip, and I wouldn’t want to subject you to that level of stress.”

Sam laughed and nodded. “Thanks for looking out for me.”

Thirty-Seven

“Shoot. Looks like John needs to be the one in Ms. Abby’s class. He can’t even count how many chairs he needs around his table for this meal.”

Their friends had all gathered around the table, ready to sit down and share a meal together. Abby was sitting next to John, his hand possessively squeezing her leg. She didn’t miss the smile Grace gave her as her eyes drifted down to his hand, or the way Emma winked when he first sat down next to her even though there weren’t assigned seats and everyone else just seemed to be sitting wherever they could find a spot.

“Very funny. I seem to remember a certain brother of mine having to repeat kindergarten though. Jordan is the smart one out of us, so that just leaves you, doesn’t it?”

Jackson’s face flamed bright red. “It was because Mom and Dad put me in too early. I was only five, and the age for kindergarten is six, asshole. So yeah, I went twice, but that was just because I was too young to move on.”

“Alright, no bickering. It’s friendsgiving. The only thing that should be roasted tonight are the marshmallows we got for s’mores later. Besides, I’m about to tell the girls to come out hereto eat, so there is to be no more swearing.” Abby slid out of her chair.

“Who knew Abby was going to be the hippie-dippy peacemaker of the Boone brothers?” Jackson joked. She knew it was meant to be a lighthearted joke, but she cringed.

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that about my sister if I were you. She’s not a fan of our mother’s eccentricities.”

“Oh my gosh. Sylvie is the best!” Emma laughed. “You know, she gave me this heart-shaped amethyst, I think, something purple and sparkly, and told me to put it in Addie’s room to help with her nightmares. I think it’s been working, because we’ve hardly had any screaming wake ups since I put it in there.”

“Or, that could be because you’re doing the hard work in therapy with her.”

“Speaking of going to therapy…” Emma jabbed back.

“Oh, give me one second. I’m going to grab a chair from the living room.”

“Here, I’ll help,” Grace said, handing Jack over to Jackson.

“Thanks.”

“It’s no problem. This way Jackson has Jack when the food is ready, and I’ll get to eat with my hands free.”

“I love that,” Abby laughed. “Although, Jackson seems like such a hands-on dad. I find it hard to believe he wouldn’t let you eat.”

“You missed Thanksgiving with the Boone clan. Trust me. It’s insane. Those men get their eyes on the turkey and there is no stopping them.”

“Well, hopefully since there’s no turkey today, they’ll have more sense.”

“Oh, I’m sure. Okay, which chairs do you want to take in?”

Abby moved towards the front window to survey her options. “Hm, I’m not sure. I think the two chairs around the side table will work and then we ca?—”

Shattering glass rained down on Abby as she felt something slam into her shoulder. Grace screamed, wrapping her hand around Abby’s arm before pulling her away from the window.

“What the hell?” John’s voice boomed through the house as Abby stood, clutching her left arm absolutely stunned.

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