Page 113 of A Hard Fit

“Thanks.” Finn’s insides itched.

But Rory beamed. “Thanks, Jackson. I really appreciate that. Now come on, we’d better get in there for presents.”

Finn filed obediently behind Rory to the living room, unable to tear his eyes away from Jackson’s frame.

Bailey was thrilled with every gift, gushing over each item she revealed. She seemed to especially love what Finn and Rory had picked out—a coffee tumbler in trans flag colors, a soft pink scarf and rose quartz beaded earrings that matched the necklace wrapped around the flower on the outside of the present.

The party was winding down, older aunts and uncles saying their goodbyes, when Finn excused himself to use the washroom. His stomach dropped when he heard footsteps following him down the hall. He knew who they belonged to before he turned around. And he was right.

“Jackson.” He folded his arms, waiting.

“Finn.” The smile on Jackson’s face was as slithery and cold as a snake. “I had to ask…was that convincing?”

Finn’s stomach bottomed out in his shoes. “Was what convincing?”

“I only apologized to make my mom and Rory happy. But you and I both know you will never belong here. My mom knows it, and, deep down, so does Rory.”

Finn nodded, digesting those words as his gaze flicked down the hallway behind Jackson. “And what happens when I tell Rory about this conversation?”

Jackson waved a dismissive hand. “Go ahead. I’ll deny everything, and, honestly, it really only matters if I convince the rest of the family. Rory will never go against them, not in the long run.” Jackson’s eyes glittered. “Get married if you want. You’ll lose in the end.”

“Jackson. Gene. Barrett.” The words sliced through the air like a knife.

Jackson whirled.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Surprise

Lainey stood in the hall, hands on her hips, eyes aflame. Rory was next to her, a twin picture of rage. Amy and Jonathan came up behind, and the rest of the family piled up after them.

A smile tickled at Finn’s lips.

The color drained from Jackson’s face. “Mom…I—Why are you all down here?”

“Dad thought we should take a look at his new big screen in the basement,” Rory said, voice brimming with barely contained fury. “Watch some baby videos of Bailey.”

Finn caught Jonathan’s gaze. The man gave him the faintest nod.

Jackson went on the offensive. “Look, Rory, I don’t know what you think you might have heard, but I—”

“Jackson”—Rory stepped forward to brush an imaginary piece of lint from Jackson’s shirt—“and I mean this with every fiber of my being…fuck you.” They patted Jackson’s shoulder, then took a pointed step to stand beside Finn.

Finn slid his arm around Rory and held on tight.

“Mom,” Jackson sputtered, “are you going to let them swear at me like that?”

Lainey sighed and crossed her arms. “I’m afraid…I have to agree with Rory.”

“Youwhat?” The color returned to Jackson’s face, bright spots of pink on his cheeks—the exact color of the Straw-Bailey margarita, Finn noted.

But Lainey wasn’t done yet. “You can be a real fucking asshole sometimes,” she said to her eldest son.

Finn’s jaw dropped.

As did that of everyone else crowded in the hallway.

“Mom!” Jackson said.

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