Page 31 of Jack of All Trades
"What the hell?" he says, but he's grinning. "You assholes. You actually managed to surprise me."
Maya steps forward, her smile radiant. "Happy birthday, big brother."
Rex pulls her into a hug, lifting her slightly off the ground. "You were in on this too? No wonder you've been acting weird all week."
"It was her idea," I tell him. "I just provided the venue."
"And apparently fell for her somewhere along the way," Rex adds dryly, but there's no real heat in his voice. He looks between us, then shakes his head with a resigned smile. "Well, come on then. If this is my party, someone better get me a drink."
The celebration kicks into high gear after that. The Outlaw Order members mingle with my brothers and their partners, finding common ground despite their different backgrounds. Maggie from The Rusty Nail tells stories about Rex's first legal drink at her bar.
Through it all, Maya stays close to my side, her hand occasionally finding mine, our shoulders brushing as we move through the crowd. It feels natural, like we've been doing this for years instead of less than a day.
"Your brothers keep staring at us," Maya murmurs during a quiet moment by the drinks table. "Especially the big one. Ethan, right?"
I glance over to where Ethan stands near the fire pit, his imposing figure softened somewhat by the woman at his side. He catches my eye and gives a slight nod.
"They're just surprised," I explain. "I'm not exactly known for serious relationships."
"So, this is serious?" she teases.
"The most serious thing I've ever done," I tell her, pulling her closer. "Besides, they like you. I can tell."
"How can you tell? I've barely spoken to them."
"Because they're all still here. Usually, they make excuses to leave my gatherings early. But look—" I gesture around the yard, where all three of my brothers are engaged in various conversations, looking relaxed and content. "They're settling in for the long haul. That's a Morrison seal of approval if I've ever seen one."
Maya laughs, the sound making my heart skip a beat. "If you say so."
As the evening progresses and the string lights glow brighter against the darkening sky, Ethan makes his way over to us. He's nursing what looks like soda rather than beer—he rarely drinks these days—and his expression is serious as always.
"Maya," he says with a nod of greeting. "Good party."
"Thank you," she replies, standing a little straighter beside me. "I'm glad you could make it."
Ethan's gaze shifts to me. "Can I talk to you for a minute, Jack?"
Maya squeezes my hand. "I should check on the cake anyway. It's almost time for Rex to blow out his candles."
As she walks away, Ethan watches her go with an appraising look.
"She's not what I expected," he says finally.
"What did you expect?"
"Based on your usual type? Someone with less substance." He shrugs, unapologetic for his bluntness. "I like her. She's got grit."
Coming from Ethan, this is high praise indeed. "Yeah, she does."
"Rex told me about your agreement." His eyes are steady on mine. "Giving up rodeo if you hurt her. That's a hell of a wager."
I straighten, meeting his gaze. "It's not a wager. It's a promise."
"You sure about this, Jack? Because if you're not—if you hurt that girl—you won't just have Rex to worry about. Those bikers over there?" He nods toward the Outlaw Order members gathered around the fire pit. "They'll come for your ass. And I might just let them."
Despite his intimidating presence, I smile. "I'm sure, Ethan. More sure than I've ever been about anything. I'm going to make her the happiest woman in Pine Haven."
Ethan shakes his head, then does something rare. He smiles back, just slightly. "Good. Because I think she might be good for you. Might finally knock some sense into that thick skull of yours."
