Before I could ask him why he was glad we said yes, he stood and walked around to the backyard fence. “She said yes! Come in!”
“What in the?—”
Lukas went inside, winking as he walked by when the front door opened. I turned in time to see Cleo and Grady stroll through the door, carrying bags of groceries and a tote filled with different board games. They both waved at Duke and me before heading straight to Charlie, who was still asleep.
I watched as Grady placed his hand on our daughter’s back and gently shook her awake. She blinked, clearly disoriented, before surging up and wrapping her arms around his neck. Watching the two of them never got old because they loved each other so damn much.
She definitely had him wrapped around her finger, though.
I hadn’t realized I was tearing up until Duke reached over and thumbed away the fallen tear. “Oh god,” I laughed. “Sorry. I can be a big softie sometimes.”
“Naw, I get it,” he said. “I’d probably do the same if I were in your shoes.”
“I’m sorry Harper doesn’t have that,” I whispered, looking back at Charlie and Grady. “I’m sorry you don’t either.”
Duke was silent for a moment, studying the scene just like I was. “I don’t mind it so much for my sake. I’ve made peace with what happened. But Harper doesn’t quite understand why Sarah walked away and never looked back.” He shook his head. “I don’t believe in things like fate, but I do believe it’d have been worse in the long run if she’d stayed just for the sake of staying.”
“You’re probably right. Doesn’t make things easier, though.”
“No, it doesn’t,” he agreed.
Lukas came walking out, hands spread wide. “Y’all just gonna sit there like two old biddies, or are you gonna come hang out?”
“Oh, you mean kick your ass?” I asked.
“You couldn’t if you tried. Duke, back me up here.”
“Naw, man. You don’t have a horse in the race.” He stood to his feet, holding out a hand to help me up, which I graciously took while Lukas’s face turned beet red.
“You traitor! You’re supposed to be on my side.”
Duke started walking inside, turning over his shoulder to say, “My money’s on Olivia every time.”
DUKE
Lukas had beenin a stare-off with his niece for the past five minutes. He narrowed his eyes, glancing between his cards and the stack of chips she had piled in front of her.
He slammed his cards down on the table, displaying a flush. “I fold.”
Charlie’s lips curved upward in a knowing smirk, laying down her hand for all to see. She had nothing. Absolutely nothing, and yet she’d played her uncle for a fool.
Again.
“Who the hell taught you to play Texas Hold ’em?” Lukas asked, sitting back in his chair. The man had always been a sore loser, no matter what he was doing—cards, sports, you name it.
Charlie reached forward, adding the winnings to her already impressive pile. “Uncle Bishop. He told me it was a valuable skill for me to have, and to make sure I can take all the boys for their money when I get older,” she said very matter of factly, dipping her chin.
Cleo and Olivia reached across the table to give her highfives. “Lennox would be so proud,” Cleo said, and Olivia nodded.
At the mention of her aunt, Charlie perked up. “Can we call her and tell her I took all of Uncle Lukas’s money?”
“I’m sure she’d love to hear from you, sunshine,” Cleo said. “Let’s go in the kitchen to give the boys room to pout.” Charlie and Harper followed them into the kitchen, where Olivia topped off her wine glass while Cleo called her sister.
“We’re not pouting!” Lukas called after them. He crossed his arms, grumbling, “She didn’t takeallmy money. And it’s not like it’s real money anyway.”
Grady and I stared at one another. “Yeah, okay.”
“Walk away while your pride is still intact, man. Cause she’ll take you for all you’re worth.” Grady grimaced. “Ask me how I know.”