Devotion

33

James was so much like his father. They both carried the weight of the world on their shoulders. They suffered to make others happy. "Why are you telling me this?"

"To show you how much I do care about my family. I love all of my children. And I want to be a part of your lives. Right now you're the closest to giving me grandchildren." He gave me a playful smile that reminded me so much of James.

I laughed. "Not that close. We're going to wait awhile."

"It's good to take the time to enjoy each other." He opened up the fridge and grabbed a juice box. "You know, my wife never allowed these in the house."

"I know." I smiled as I watched him drink from the tiny straw. "You need to tell James everything you just told me. He needs to hear it from you."

"Hear what from him?" James walked through the doorway and wrapped his arm protectively around my waist. "You okay?"

I glanced at Jon. "I'm great. But I think you two need to talk." I stepped away from James' arm and smiled up at him.

"You found yourself a great girl," Jon said.

James' eyes left mine and he lowered both his eyebrows.

That was probably my cue to leave. "Thanks, Jon."

James folded his arms across his chest as I left them alone. He was already closing himself off. I hoped he'd listen to his dad. Maybe they could fix this. I hoped that they could.

Friday

Most everyone had left by the time I walked back into the living room. The bridal party had moved to the couches and they were all laughing about something. I collapsed between Melissa and Bee.

"I'm officially exhausted," I said.

Bee laughed. "But our slumber party hasn't even started yet!"

I sighed and put my head on Melissa's shoulder. I glanced around at my friends. Mason's arm was wrapped firmly around Bee's shoulders. Daphne was sitting on Rob's lap. They looked so comfortable together. And everyone else was smiling like they just had a blast, despite all the awkwardness. Tonight had officially been a success. Especially if James could patch things up with his dad.

"What time do you think the lingerie pillow fight will start?" Rob asked. "I need to know when to casually stop by to check on you ladies tonight."

"Ew, Rob," Jen said and tossed a pillow at him. She stuck her tongue out at him and turned to face me. "So, what were you talking to my dad about?"

"I was just getting to know him." It wasn't my place to tell Jen or Rob about their dad filing for divorce. I wondered if they'd be happy or sad. Based on how they all acted around their parents, they'd probably be relieved. "He was wondering when he could expect grandchildren."

Jen laughed. "Having kids is the last thing on my mind right now. I'm not even dating anyone." She glanced at Rob.

Rob smiled. "Geez, it's a little soon. We've barely been dating a week." He tossed the pillow back at his sister. "But I am excited to be an uncle." He winked at me.

I shook my head. "I'm betting that Rob will have kids first."

Daphne laughed.

"What are you laughing about?" Rob asked. He tickled her side and she laughed again.

"Nothing," Daphne said. "It's just that you probably will have kids first. You're incredibly irresponsible."

"Burn," Matt said.

Rob laughed. "We could go be irresponsible right now." He kissed the side of Daphne's neck.

"Actually, I should probably get going." She slid off his lap. "I guess I'll see all of you tomorrow?"

"You should stay," I said.

"What?"

"We rented a hotel room for just us girls tonight. Kind of a slumber party like Bee said. The guys are staying in a room down the hall from us."

"Oh, I don't want to impose..."

"No, please stay. It'll be fun."

Rob smiled at me.

"Um, okay, if you're sure?" Daphne said.

"I'm positive."

I expected anything Rob to do to be fast and crazy. Maybe they'd be walking down the aisle before Bee and Mason. I wanted to get to know Daphne. After our wedding we'd be leaving for our honeymoon. It would be fun to get to know her tonight.

"I should probably go home real quick to grab some stuff though."

"We can just stop on the way. Don't worry about it."

"Get lost, boys," Bee said and kissed Mason on the cheek. "It's time to get this party started!"

He laughed. "I'm going to need more than that." I looked away as they started making out.

Melissa rolled her eyes. I was so happy that she wasn't upset right now. She was handling the break up well. And probably her anger toward me for my part in it.

"I need to get my beauty sleep," Matt said. He stood up and stretched. "I need to be on my game tomorrow to scope out the hot single ladies. Unless Melissa or Jen just wants to agree to join me in my hotel room tomorrow night."

Jen laughed. "In your dreams, Matt."

Melissa just laughed and didn't say anything.

"I'm taking that as a yes, Melissa."

"I did not say yes."

"But you didn't say no either." He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. He whispered something in her ear that made her face flush. "And besides, I'm great at rebound sex."

"You're such a tool." She pushed on his chest so he'd let go of her.

He laughed. "I'll let you know my room number tomorrow."

"Not necessary." She sat back down next to me.

"Everyone ready to go?" James asked.

I glanced over his shoulder, but I didn't see his father. He must have already slipped out. "Yeah. Ellen packed our bags. I'll come grab them with you." I walked silently beside him up the staircase. I thought he might say what he talked about with his dad. But he wasn't saying anything at all.

"She left my dress and your tux in the closet," I said. I opened up my suitcase really quick to make sure I had everything. Of course, Ellen had packed it to perfection. I'd need to thank her again tomorrow.

"Wow, this is heavy," he said as he lifted up my dress. A cover was draped over it so that he couldn't see it.

"You should have seen how heavy some of the other ones were." I waited for another moment. "What did your father say?"

"He apologized."

"Is that it?"

"I think you may have broken my dad."

I laughed. "He seemed different tonight."

"You mean like he didn't have a stick up his ass? Yeah, I guess."

"I talked to him for awhile. He seemed sorry."

"He should be sorry," said James.

"It's a start."

"I guess so." He wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on the top of my head. "Baby, I really just want to focus on us right now. Everything else can wait till later. But I'm glad he's trying. Thank you for that."

"You're welcome."