Page 111 of Family Bonds- Jarrett & Andi

“You work on Saturdays,” he said.

“I do. But I can make myownschedule. I guess it’s just nice to dream,” she said. “I look at my father and how short his life was. Then I tell myself at times I should enjoy what I can when I can.”

“It’s a good attitude to have,” he said, moving close to her and pulling her into his arms. “Just like I’m going to enjoy this time with you.”

“Why do you sound so sad?” she asked.

“I didn’t know I did,” he said.

She stepped back. “Something is on your mind.”

“Am I able to give you enough?” he asked. “Of my time more than anything?”

“Yes,” she said. “Don’t doubt anything more. I know what your job entails. I’m not my mother. I never will be. I work just as much as you.”

“As you said though, you can make yourownschedule,” he said. “I can’t.”

“I knew what I was getting myself into with you,” she said. “And I gladly did it. No one has a perfect relationship and no one ever will. You make it work for you. I believe that one hundred percent.”

“Me too,” he said, kissing her.

“And if two people feel the same way, that is about as perfect as it will get.”

37

DIAL THINGS BACK

Six weeks later, Jarrett was at his brother Mac’s house for Easter Sunday with Andi.

He thought of her words on their weekend away about nothing being perfect, but he didn’t feel that way when he looked at his brothers and their families.

His mother offered to cook the holiday dinner here because Reign and Parker were only three weeks old and it’d be too much for Sidney and Mac to pack the kids up and everything they’d need along with Jace and his things for the day.

The twins were sleeping in a playpen together in the living room while Jace ran around showing everyone the eggs he’d found earlier.

Jennie was sitting on the couch looking fairly pregnant though she still had two months to go before another nephew was added to the bunch.

“Do you guys have a name picked out?” Andi asked.

“Finally,” Alex said. “It’s been getting hard for Jennie to like any of my choices.”

“He wanted something that meant fire,” Jennie said. “I’m not naming my son Blaze or Ashe.”

Jarrett rolled his eyes. “I can see her point. So what was decided?”

“Aiden Griffin,” Jennie said. “Aiden means little fire. That was my compromise and I like the name.”

“What my wife doesn’t understand is that I wanted our son named after fire because she makes me hot and that is how we conceived the little man.”

“Alex,” his mother said, coming over to swat at his arm. “That’s enough. Though I do love the name. Aiden Bond. We’ve got lots of boys coming, though it does seem to be mainly girls in the family for a while.”

“I’m done,” Sidney said. “We always talked about a second child, just hadn’t planned on when. Guess things on this island do happen for a reason and maybe it was fate, no clue. But I don’t think my body could carry any more. It’s going to take me months to feel normal again. I don’t even mean looks, just feeling like I’m not carrying two other humans inside of me and worrying I’m going to hurt one.”

“You were more worried one was going to hurt the other inside of you,” Mac said. “You know that.”

Sidney laughed. “I did worry about that. My mother said my sister and I always fought in her stomach too.”

“When are your parents visiting?” Jarrett asked.

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