Page 54 of The Biggest Sacrifice

“Get your ass outside and help!”

“I’m going, I’m going.” I give a wink to Farrah, smacking her on the ass as I walk by and join my brothers outside.

This feels good. This feels normal. This feels like forever.

CHAPTER 33

TOM

Billy: Bro! Come to my house now.

Me: How do you ask?

Billy: We’re twins. I shouldn’t have to ask.

Me: Touché. I’ll be right over.

I pull on a clean shirt,tie up my sneakers and grab a hat. Shutting my door, I walk down the sidewalk, across the street, and within ninety seconds, I’m at my brother’s door. He opens it before I can turn the handle and pushes me back down the steps.

“Where’s the fire?”

“We’re going to the field to watch Jackson’s practice. I think he could use a little heckling today. Bring his gigantic head back down to earth.”

I chuckle. “The guy is good. He deserves to have a gigantic head.”

“You know he’s been spending a lot of time down in Candy Cane Key again, right?”

I furrow my brows. “I thought they drafted Jameson?”

“They did. But Jackson’s been going down to help Coach Karol train up a new QB.” He whistles. “I don’t know, brother. I can’t imagine Jackson leaving, but it’s the position he’s been looking for.”

“Was it offered to him?”

“Not officially. But I know Coach Karol and him are tight. The two of them have been flying back and forth to North Carolina, too. And I don’t think he’s going just to watch Jameson.”

“No way!” I scoff. “Jackson isn’t going anywhere.” I hope he isn’t going anywhere. “We wouldn’t let him leave, anyway. No way would I let him move our sister and nephew away fromus.”

He claps me on the back and climbs in the truck. “My thoughts exactly. That’s why we’re heading down to give him a hard time. Remind him where he came from.”

I jump in the passenger side and we head out.

“Where’s Adley?”

“She’s on a writing deadline and went to the library for some peace. She said I was too noisy,” he uses finger quotes and I have to remind him to keep his hand on the wheel, “for her to stick around. Pfft! Me? Too noisy. Can you imagine?”

I chortle. “Billy, you are anything but quiet. Why are you even bothering her at her house if she’s got a deadline? Leave the woman be.” He throws a sideways glance. “What?”

“She’s been kind of staying at my house.”

I turn in my seat. “She’s living with you!” I’m shocked at this news.

“No!” He shakes his head. “No, she just likes to stay a few nights at a time.”

“She likes to stay a few nights at a time? Do you like her staying a few nights? I know you guys are exclusive. But damn, didn’t know it was living together exclusively!”

“We’re not living together!”

I laugh at his adamant tone. “Whatever you say. Listen, does she make you happy? If the answer is yes, then fuck what it looks like. You’ve never been one to worry about what people say, so why are you trying to downplay this? And especially with me?”

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