Page 76 of Worship Him

They step inside and I catch Jackie eyeing me curiously. "So, you're the man who's had our Destiny in such a tizzy these past two weeks."

I can't help but grin. "Guilty as charged. Though I'd say she's had me in quite the state as well."

Barrett chuckles. "I can imagine. It's been quite the journey for all of us."

"That is true. Welcome to our humble abode," I say, ushering them in. "Hope you're hungry. Destiny's been cooking up a storm."

Barrett chuckles. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. The smell alone is worth the drive."

Destiny emerges from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. Her face lights up when she sees our guests. She hugs them both, and I notice the easy familiarity between them. It's clear these people mean a lot to her.

"Dinner's almost ready," she announces. "Adam, could you check on Avery? She should be waking up from her nap soon."

I nod, heading upstairs to the nursery. As I reach the top of the stairs, I hear Jackie's voice drift up.

"So, how are you two settling in? Everything going okay?"

I pause, curious to hear Destiny's response.

"It's... perfect," she says, her voice soft but sure. "I can't believe we wasted so much time apart."

When we make our way to the dining room, Avery' draws Jackie and Marionette's attention like moths to a flame. They're at her side in an instant, cooing and fawning over her.

"Oh my goodness, look at those cheeks!" Jackie gushes, tickling Avery's chin.

Marionette leans in, her eyes wide with wonder. "Can I hold her, please?"

Destiny laughs, carefully transferring Avery to Marionette's arms. "Of course, honey. I know you can handle her just fine."

I can't help but smile at the scene. "Ladies, I hate to interrupt this love fest, but the food's getting cold."

Jackie looks up, seemingly remembering why we're here. "Oh! Right, dinner. Sorry, Adam. It's just... she's so precious."

"No worries," I say, guiding everyone to their seats. "I get it. She takes after her old man, after all."

The table erupts in laughter, and I catch Destiny rolling her eyes playfully.

We dig into our meal with the conversation flowing easily.

After dinner, I stand on the back porch, leaning against the railing with a glass of whiskey in hand. Jackie and Barrett join me, each holding their own drinks.

"So, Adam," Barrett starts, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. "How's it feel to be back in the family game?"

I take a sip of my drink, savoring the burn. "Feels damn good. Should've never left it."

Destiny steps closer, her arm brushing against mine. "We both made mistakes," she says softly.

"Yeah, well, some bigger than others," I reply, giving her a pointed look. She winces, but I squeeze her hand to soften the blow.

Jackie chuckles, breaking the tension. "You two are something else. One minute at each other's throats, the next... well, let's just say I'm glad the kids are inside."

"Speaking of kids," Barrett interjects, "how's Avery adjusting to all this?"

I shrug. "She's three months old. Her biggest concern is when her next meal's coming."

"Trust me," Jackie says, "that won't last. Before you know it, she'll be running circles around you both."

"Like Mimi?" Destiny asks, a smile in her voice.

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