Page 34 of Finding Fate

10

Just the Way You Are

“I am just so glad that you are with my son, Izzy,” Jenna said, giving the teen a side hug as she arrived at the Patterson’s Fourth of July barbecue. “You make him so happy. It’s so nice to see him have a girlfriend instead of dating around.”

“Mom,” Tucker complained, following his girlfriend into the kitchen. “Do you have to do this every time you see us together?”

“Of course she does,” Bridgette Dearly said, walking up, side dish in hand. “Y’all are adorable together, and we as your mothers have the right to fawn over the two of you.”

“Here, Bridge, let me have Chuck take that out back for you,” Jenna said, “Chuck!” she called as Bridgette joined Helen in prepping fruit salad at the island.

“Those your baked beans I smell, Bridge?” Tucker’s dad came in, rubbing his beer belly. “Best dang thing at our barbecues, except your desserts, dear,” he said, kissing his wife on the cheek.

“Kiss up,” Jenna smiled, pushing a few side dishes into his hands. “Those are ready to go. How’re the burgers coming along?”

“Stefano’s out there checking on them now. Shouldn’t be too long,” he replied, heading out back with the load.

“Do you need help with anything, Jenna?” Isabel asked.

The tall, platinum blonde glanced around her professional baker’s kitchen. “You know, I think it’s about all ready to go. Why don’t y’all head outside?”

“Thanks, Mom,” Tucker said, swiping a bun she’d just pulled fresh from the oven.

“Tucker!” Isabel chided as he grinned, bouncing it between his hands from the heat. He was stuffing it in his mouth before they were out the door. She rolled her eyes and grinned as they entered the playful chaos outside.

“Izzy!” Chelsea and Victoria called, abandoning a game of tag with Chris and Tyler to run up and give her hugs.

“Hey, girls.”

“Come on!” Chris called, annoyed that they’d left. “Hey, Izzy,” he waved.

She waved back. “Go on, girls. I’ll come play later, alright?”

“They are so excited that we’re dating,” Tucker said, taking Izzy’s hand as they ran off.

“I think everyone is,” she replied, looking around for her sister who had come over with Jet earlier. She spotted Tabitha lying across the playset’s tire swing, scratching the Patterson’s dog, Barkley behind the ears, and felt bad that she tended to be the odd sibling out.

Tucker pointed to the bench swing in the corner garden. “Over there.” Crossing the yard, he took the opposite chair, pulling Izzy into his lap.

“Hey, guys,” she greeted.

“Hey,” Annie replied, her head in Jet’s lap as they rocked.

Arms against the back of the swing, Jet looked at Tucker. “Food?”

“Should be ready soon, I think.”

“Thank God. I’ve starved.”

Annie rolled her eyes. “Y’all are always starved.” The guys shared a look and shrugged.

“Ten minutes ‘til food!” Stefano called from the back patio.

“You know, dude, the whole relationship thing really does suit you. Who knew?” Jet told Tucker after they had eaten. The girls had gone to get another soda, and the rest of the family was lighting sparklers and black cats.

Tucker nodded. Things were going really well. “I really like her, man. I just hate how July’s going to be. She’s got dance camp soon, and I leave right after that…”

“Yeah,” Jet took a swig of his soda. “But at least y’all will be gone around the same time.”

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