Page 103 of Second Time Around

Jenna’s eyes went wide. “Proud?”

“Yes. Instead of retreating, you stayed and worked it out.”

“Unlike what I did in high school.”

“Give yourself a break. You were just a teenager then.”

“Does that mean I’m old now?”

Stacy laughed. “Not old. Just more mature. And you’ll always be younger than me.”

The men came back into the kitchen, and Jenna quickly changed the subject. “So, do we get to meet your parents tonight, Nick?”

Nick shook his head. “My dad’s been suffering from a bad back, and the doctor advised him not to fly.”

“Oh. That’s too bad. I was looking forward to meeting them,” Jenna said.

“You will…soon,” Stacy said, exchanging a curious look with Nick.

Jenna wondered what it was about, but then Beck sidled up beside her, and she got distracted.

“So, what else can we do to help?” he asked as he slid his arm around her waist.

Jenna wasn’t used to the public display of affection, mostly because, other than Beck, she hadn’t dated a guy long enough to bring him to family events. Instead of feeling embarrassed, she leaned into him, relishing his warmth and scent.

Naturally, Stacy didn’t miss a thing, and she smiled with pleasure. “There’s not much more to do other than greet the guests when they arrive.”

She’d just finished saying it when the doorbell rang.

“It’s probably my parents,” Beck said. “They couldn’t wait to come tonight.”

“It can’t be our parents, since they’re always late,” Jenna said.

“Gee, I wonder where you got it from?” Stacy teased.

The four of them went into the living room, and Stacy opened the door to Kelsey, Hudson, and Annie, who was tucked into a baby carrier on Hudson’s chest.

“Hi, guys,” Kelsey trilled as they stepped inside.

“I’m so glad you brought the baby!” Stacy exclaimed, leaning in and chucking Annie’s cheek.

“Ohmigod, she’s gotten so big!” Jenna gushed.

Beck shook Hudson’s hand and then Annie’s, like he would an adult. “It’s lovely to meet you, Miss Annie.”

Annie graced him with a full, mostly toothless grin, looking as enamored with him as most women were.

“I think she likes you,” Kelsey said.

Jenna rolled her eyes. “Don’t they all?”

The adults laughed, and then they moved into the kitchen.

“What can we get you to drink?” Beck asked, taking over as bartender.

“I’d love a beer,” Hudson said.

“Just a soda for me,” Kelsey said.