Page 69 of When Our Stars Aligned

“Hey, Ma,” I say as I hug her.

“Oh! It’s so great to have both of my babies back under one roof.” She glows as she tries to squeeze the air out of me. Her dark brown hair brushes up against my chin and I know she’s standing on her toes, trying to make herself as tall as possible. It never ceases to amaze me how much my sister and I take after my mom’s side of the family when it comes to looks. Besides my height and overall stature, I look nothing like the Parker side of the family.

“Nice to see you too. Could you give me some air?” I dramatically choke. Mom steps back and swats my head. Behind her, I hear the distinct low laughter of my father.

“Be nice to your mother, son. Remember, she brought you into this world—”

“And she can take us right out too,” my sister and I say in unison.

“Don’t you forget it!” Mom winks and goes back to her baking.

“How’s it going, Dad?” I ask as I try to steal a biscuit. Mom smacks my hand away, then smiles and hands me a biscuit anyway.

“Can’t complain. I’m going to cut back some of my hours once my grandbabies are here.” My dad emanates excitement and my heart clenches in happiness for him. I know he’s been patiently waiting for grandkids and now he’s getting a two-for-one deal.

Unfortunately, the whole thing with Maranda did a number on my parents too. Sure, they were disappointed to think their teenage son was about to become a father, but I know they warmed up to the idea of having a grandchild. They also felt the loss when we realized Kinley wasn’t mine. After everything happened, I vowed to never get involved with anyone else again, and I certainly never thought about having kids. Now, with Aly in my life, the once squashed dream of having a little family of my own might actually come true.

My phone vibrates and I look down to see a text from Aly, saying she and Michelle arrived safely in California.

“Uh-oh, what’s that about?” My mom puts her hands on her hips.

“What’s what about?”

“You’re smiling.” She glares at me. “You never smile.”

“I smile!” I shove the biscuit in my mouth. I wasn’t aware that I was smiling, and now I’m going to be grilled for it. I haven’t told them about Aly yet for the simple fact that they will drive me nuts. I was hoping to at least make it to dessert before the interrogation started.

“Who was that text from?” Emma asks.

“What is this? The Spanish Inquisition? It’s none of your business!”

“Ohhhhhh!” all three of them coo in unison, and my face turns red.

“Was that a text from a girrrrllll?” Emma sings.

“And you wonder why I like to keep my life private.” I sigh.

“Jaxon, are you seeing someone?” My mother’s excitement radiates off her. I’m sure she’s visualizing a wedding and babies.

“Slow down, it’s not a big deal.” I try to act casual.

“It is a big deal when I see my big brother smiling for the first time in over a decade! Who is she?” Then Emma gasps. “Oh my God! Is this the one Gram was telling you about?”

“Did you really have to go there, Ems?” I rake my hand over my face. I fully intended to tell my family about Aly during this trip, but I would’ve preferred it not to be in the first five minutes of my arrival.

“What’s this about Gram? She knew a girl? Is she local? She really didn’t get out much after her stroke last year. Did she set you up with someone?” Yup, my mother can barely contain herself.

Something cold brushes my hand. “Looks like you’re going to need this.” Dad places a beer in my hand and starts to walk away.

“What? You’re not going to stay for the show?” I yell to him over my shoulder.

“Oh, trust me, I’ll hear all about it later.” He laughs and heads towards the den, presumably to watch a game.

“I think I’m gonna go hang with Dad in the den.” I turn to walk away.

“Not so fast, big bro!” Emma calls out. “You’re not getting away without telling us about this mystery girl. Sit!”

“Fine. I’ll answer three questions,” I sigh and plop onto a kitchen chair. Between Mom and Ems, I know I’m not getting out of this.

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