Page 75 of Their Greatest Strength

“Sure does. You’re my absolute favourite.”

“Who are you? Are you another favourite person?” Nova asks Nate, finally spotting him.

My brother slides his phone into his pocket and introduces himself with a welcoming smile. “I hope so. I’m Blakely’s brother, Nathan. You can call me Nate.”

“Awesome.”

Jamie takes my hand again, rubbing the band of my engagement ring with the tip of his thumb. “Is everyone ready for us inside, Nova?”

“Yep. We got bored of watching you through the window upstairs, so I came down to see what was taking so long.”

I nip at the inside of my cheek, debating whether I should look up to see if they’re still there.

“Well, we’re coming inside now. Want to lead the way for us?” Jamie asks his niece.

“Sure!”

She skips in front of us, and Nate sneaks ahead, not appearing nervous to meet Jamie’s family. I wish I shared the same confidence.

Jamie all but suction cups himself to me, offering a silent support that I’m over pretending not to want. My grip grows tight on his hand as I straighten my shoulders, silently slipping my mask of bravery back on.

23

JAMIE

My momall but falls face first onto the porch when I open the door. She stabilizes herself with a hand to my shoulder and beams up at me, feigning innocence.

“Oh, hi, sweetheart,” she blubbers, gathering me in her arms for a hug. “I didn’t know you were here yet.”

Appearing over her shoulder in the hall, Oliver snorts. “Don’t lie, Mom.”

“What happened to your sense of loyalty, Oliver?” she chides, releasing me with a pat on the back.

My brother ignores her question and slaps my arm in hello. “Nice of you to finally join us and return my daughter.”

“Your daughter came to get me because she loves me. Don’t be so jealous. Green isn’t your colour.”

“Not jealous, asshole.”

“If anyone should be jealous, it’s me. The moment either of you are around,mydaughter seems to forget I exist,” Avery chimes in, curling immediately into Oliver’s side.

He would glue her to his side if it were socially acceptable and Avery wouldn’t threaten his untimely death daily with how often he’d annoy her.

They look good together, though.Happy and in love in a way that I know my brother doubted he’d ever want to be if it weren’t with her.

I wink at Avery, keeping my hold on my fiancée firm and supportive amongst the chaos that’s already erupting.

“Mom, this is Blakely. She’s going to marry Uncle J,” Nova announces, stepping in front of her parents with her hands on her hips.

Mom’s already looking at Blakely, bright blue eyes bouncing over every inch of my fiancée as if she’s searching for hints as to who she is on the inside without having to ask. It’s a harmless action, but my protectiveness of Blakely spikes, encouraging me to act.

I take our connected hands and bring them to my mouth before releasing her and curling an arm around her back. She fits into my side with ease, but the muscles in her back are tense with nerves.

Dad settles beside Mom, his brown brows low over a dark stare. More like Oliver than he is me, he’s blunt and grumpy, while Mom is bright and cheery.

With a backward glance, I find Nathan a few steps behind me and tip my head, silently telling him to come closer. He’s the picture of overwhelmed but has opted to try and fade into the background instead of asking for support.

Fuck, thinking of that kid upset tears me up.

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