Page 124 of The Moment They Can't Forget

“We did it,” she said, planting a loud, smacking kiss on his lips.

“I’m so proud of you, Zoe.”

“I love you,” she said, kissing him again, and it was a while before they were ready to face his family.

They arrived in a long, low black rented sedan. Zoe stood beside him, twitching as the car pulled up. She wore a white sundress that highlighted her lovely tanned skin, and she’d gathered her hair on top of her head in a messy bun.

“You look beautiful, baby.” His words produced a small smile.

“So is this them?” Dan asked, joining Zoe and JD.

“Who else would it be, you idiot?” Zoe said.

“Relax,” Dan said in that annoying way he’d perfected. His sister reacted predictably and bared her teeth at him.

Dukes, JD thought. Can’t live with them, and can’t live without them. He moved to greet his mother, as she was the first to reach him. He noted she’d worn her favorite pearls for the occasion.

“Hi, Mom.”

His father looked good, and JD managed not to stiffen when he hugged him. Henry he slapped on the back. They’d grown closer, with his brother making regular trips to stay with him and Zoe.

“How was the flight?” JD asked.

“Long,” Henry whispered. “Dad moaned most of the way.”

“Great, should be a nice visit then,” JD said.

Introductions were then made to the Dukes who had all dressed in clean, pressed clothes for the occasion and promised their sister solemnly they would behave.

“You look like your dad,” Sawyer said to JD when he went inside to get more drinks.

“The hell I do.”

“Except he dresses better than you.” Sawyer smirked.

“Grab that tray and take it out,” JD said. “And try not to throw it over anyone.”

“Do my best,” his friend said.

What followed went better than he’d expected. Dukes were people’s people. They loved talking and soon had his family feeling at ease.

“I told you it would go okay,” he said to his girl when he caught her alone in the kitchen. Wrapping his arms around her from behind, he kissed her neck. Zoe always smelled and tasted so good.

As if he’d jinxed it, he heard a shriek, and they both sprinted outside. Trotting in to join the party was Potato, with Roman behind her. Zoe moaned, JD laughed, and his mother shrieked again.

“It’s okay, Mom. They’re part of the family. Meet Potato and Roman,” Henry said, getting out of his seat with a bread roll in his hand. He then fed the animals.

“This is our life, baby,” he said to Zoe as he took her hand. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Me either,” she whispered, leaning into him.

---