The Strong Family Romance Collection by Checketts Cami

Author:Checketts, Cami [Checketts, Cami]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Birch River Publishing
Published: 2020-05-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Jed waited impatiently for Cassie to return from using the bathroom. Had she decided to shower? Had she decided she didn’t want to be with him and run away? He shook his head at himself as he stirred orange juice for Mama. He was always the confident one, always in control. It wasn’t completely true, as he never felt like he was enough, but he was a big fan of “fake it till you make it.” His confidence and cool head had become kind of a joke at the department: nothing could ruffle Beckham. Well, this beautiful brunette definitely could ruffle him. He was a mess for her. He’d let her see a vulnerable side of him that not even Heath knew existed. He didn’t care. He’d reveal anything to her, if only it would keep her from leaving him.

He frowned and kept stirring.

“What did the orange juice ever do to you?” Austin asked.

Jed jerked and noticed half the family watching him. Cassie still wasn’t back. He chuckled uneasily. “I just like it really … frothy.”

“Cool.” Austin nodded. “I’m excited to try it frothy too.”

Jed put the whisk in the sink and carried the orange juice to the table. He loved how this family worked together, either preparing or cleaning up meals. There was so much love here, and they weren’t afraid to share it. Incredible people.

All the food was set on the table, and everyone seated themselves. Jed’s stomach was uneasy. Where was Cassie? Was it his place to volunteer to go look for her? It was on the tip of his tongue to offer when she rushed in through the hallway door.

“Hey, sorry.” She walked around the large table and sank into the open chair next to Jed. She looked beautiful with her dark hair smooth and long, and her outfit was a flattering striped sweater and a pair of tights. But the look on her face scared Jed. Something was wrong.

“No worries, sis,” Austin chirped.

Papa winked at her. “Lots of worries. I’m starved.”

Everyone laughed. Papa rarely ate much at all, and Austin was the one who was always starving. They all joined hands; Jed clasped Cassie’s hand on one side and Stetson’s on the other. Papa said a short but heartfelt prayer of gratitude for the Savior, family, friends, love, and an overabundance of blessings and good food. They echoed their amens and started piling the skillet, French toast, and fruit onto their plates.

“I can’t believe you’re even hungry,” Ella teased Austin. “I saw you downing chocolate Santas from your stocking.”

“You try and keep up this physical physique.” Austin flexed and then shoved in another forkful of the skillet.

“I got a call from Heath,” Mama informed the table.

Everybody quieted to listen.

“He found Hazel …” Mama grinned. “And she loves him and told her family she’s marrying him and moving to America.”

“Yes!” There were cheers and more conversation centered around Heath and Hazel. Jed was thrilled for his friend and listened in as Mama shared more of the conversation.

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