She pressed her body into mine. “You don’t want kids?”
“Baby doll, I want tons of kids with you. But we have school. Then there’s the money thing, or lack thereof.”
“You know I’ll be a rich woman when I finish college.”
True. I’d accompanied her to Florida. The judge had decided that Lizzie could manage the trust with Mr. Davenport’s supervision. But she couldn’t touch the 401K funds until she graduated, which was what her father had outlined in the trust. Considering that most of the cash she’d had available went to pay debts, she had just enough left to pay for college.
“Lizzie,” I warned, enfolding her in my arms. “Are you?” My hands shook as I wracked my brain about how she could be. She was on the pill, but shit could happen.
She frowned. “Nah. But you’re right. We need to finish college.”
I blew out my nervous energy as I squeezed her. “Hey, we’ll have rugrats running around someday.”
“I know. It’s just when I see Chloe glowing and happy, it reminds me of my mom. She would show Gracie and me pictures of her pregnant, and she said it was a glorious time in her life. I want that.”
“You’re everything to me, baby doll. But let’s enjoy each other. We have seven years of catching up to do.” I wanted to make her happy. I wanted to give her the world. But right then, we needed to focus on building a foundation.
“Let’s head in for dinner,” Mom said. “All of you get cleaned up.”
Zach marched up to us then slapped me on the back. “Great game.”
Since we’d made amends, Zach and I were back to our old selves as friends. “The best part of the game is when Lizzie tackles me for no reason.” I kissed her on the head.
Chloe came up beside him. “I wish I could’ve played.”
Lizzie hooked her arm around Chloe’s. “You will eventually.” They started for the house. “How are you feeling?”
I tuned them out as Zach and I trudged behind the girls.
“Have you told the family?” he asked low.
“I will at dinner,” I said.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you. Would you be my best man?” Zach asked.
“Fuck yeah. Is your old man going to be there?”
“We haven’t set a date yet. But if he’s out of rehab.”
The court in Florida had decided that they wouldn’t hold Terrance in contempt for two reasons. He had cooperated with them and Lizzie, and any court proceedings or jail time would cost the taxpayers far more money than what Terrance had stolen. She’d also been happy with their decision. She wanted him to get help. She’d said her father would’ve wanted that. As for me, I hoped for Zach’s sake that Terrance would come out of rehab a new man.
Voices buzzed as we walked into the kitchen. Mom was filling glasses with water from a pitcher. Lacey, Allie, and Bee were huddled near the stove, laughing. My dad, Kade, Kody, and Kross were talking with Rafe, Josh, and Dillon in the hall just outside the kitchen. Lizzie darted over to my mom and swiped the pitcher away to help. Zach pulled out a stool for Chloe.
I stood near Chloe and Zach at the end of the island and cleared my throat. With everyone in one room, it was the perfect time to announce my news.
The voices died as everyone looked at me.
Zach nodded. I’d only told him. Lizzie had never been good at keeping secrets when we were kids. I wasn’t sure if that had changed, and I wanted to see the surprise on my family’s faces.
Lizzie set down the pitcher of water then glided to my side. “What’s going on?” Her eyebrows were mashed together.
I grabbed her hand. “I have some news I’d like to share.”
Mom swung her blue gaze from me to Lizzie. The men gathered around the island along with everyone else. My dad angled his head, hesitation flaring in his copper eyes.
I kissed Lizzie on the back of her hand.
“No way you’re getting married before me, bro,” Kade chimed in, standing next to Dad.
At Kade’s side, Lacey slapped him on the arm. “Seriously? If Kelton is about to tell everyone he’s getting married, you should be recording this.”
Kade raised an eyebrow. Bee squealed. She was always bubbly and excited at any surprises.
“Kel?” Lizzie said. Her voice was shaky.
“Everyone take a breath,” I said as my heart dropped. Lizzie probably did think I was proposing.
Zach was laughing. Kody and Kross wore nonplussed expressions. The rest of our extended family waited anxiously.
“I got my acceptance letter into Harvard Law.” I focused on my dad.
He immediately started to push through the crowd toward me.
“Oh my God!” Lizzie cheered. She tried to jump into my arms, but Mom came up to us.
“I’m so proud of you,” Mom said.
A hand landed on my back, then my dad pulled me away. Tears clouded his eyes. “Congratulations, son.” He hugged me tighter than he ever had. “You did it. Talk about proud.” He choked on his last word. “A lawyer.”