his and sets his other hand on my shins.
“You downplayed how sick he is,” I admonish him, giving his hand a small squeeze.
“There is always hope, Parker. He beat it once.” He hangs his head.
“You don’t have to put up a front and be strong for me, J. You’re just one piece of my support system.” I weave my fingers through his soft hair, stopping at the back of his head. “We’re both going through major things right now. I don’t want you to suffer because you think you have to be the hero. You told me when I came back that I didn’t have to hide the ugly stuff. You don’t either.”
Tears well in his eyes and the corners of his mouth turn down. He sniffs and takes a breath before the tears fall in earnest. He draws me into his lap. His body wracks with sobs as he abandons himself to his anguish.
The tight-knit strength and happiness he wore for years unravels before my eyes.
I cradle him, remembering each time he comforted me, and repeat those tender touches and kisses. His forehead, his temple, the top of his head. He cinches his arms around me, rocking side to side. His sobs slowly subside, then he stills. I cup his face in my hands and turn it to me, wiping away his tears and placing a light kiss on his lips.
“Oh, Parker,” he murmurs, running his hands up my back and into my hair. His mouth meets mine, tenderness expressing his sorrow before pulling away and touching his forehead to mine.
It leaves me breathless and wanting more.
“Promise me you won’t hide stuff like this from me again.” I let my arms rest over his shoulders.
“I won’t.” His hands trail along my arms, then down my back. “What would you like to do until everyone gets here? We have time to burn.”
“You choose.”
A spark lights up in his eyes as he grins. He shifts under me and grabs a remote off the end table, then aims it at the entertainment center, pushing a series of buttons.
A bass guitar plucks a simple line.
He drops the remote next to him, places one arm under my legs, wraps the other one around my back, and stands. I stiffen in response.
“Relax.” He lowers my legs to the ground. “Keep your arms around me.” He slides his hands to my back, then sways us side to side.
My lips curl up. “Dancing?”
He shrugs. “Why not? We missed prom.”
A soft male voice croons. I feel like I’ve heard the song or the voice before, but I can’t place it. After three years, I’m still learning everything I missed.
“Who is this?”
“Anberlin.”
My fingertips stroke his neck. “I like it.”
He guides my right arm down to the side and dips me low, planting a quick, chaste kiss on my lips before bringing me back up. Then he leads into a tight waltz and I easily follow without tripping or feeling shy. The left corner of his mouth curls up.
“Aren’t you the dashing dancer,” I say, impressed. “Who taught you to dance?”
“My parents. They’ve been ballroom dancing since before I was born.”
He releases my waist and twirls me before taking my waist into his arm again.
“Are you trying to sweep me off my feet?”
“Is it working?” he asks.
“Always.”
He dips me again and kisses me, not so chaste or quick this time. “Good.” He beams.
We return to swaying and I rest my head on his shoulder, drinking in the comfort as the music plays on.
Jason takes his dad out back before everyone arrives and starts up the grill, with Mike directing him from his lounge chair.
“Dad, you taught me how to grill years ago. I know what I’m doing.”
“Oh, what do you know?” Mike asks, waving his hand in dismissal, but I spot the grin he’s trying to suppress.
“Everything you and Mom taught me.” He grins.
Mike looks at me and points his thumb casually at Jason. “Can you believe this guy?”
“I’d say he’s a chip off the old block, Mike.”
“Jason, what have you been telling her about me?”
“Just that you’re the most awesome dad around.”
Mike smiles and it brightens his eyes. “I love you too, son.”
Damian, his parents Felix and Shelly Riven, and the Jerichos arrive together and a whirlwind of introductions occur between them and Jason’s parents.
I notice Mike settle back into the chair, chest heaving, as everyone disperses. I squat next to him, placing my hand on his forearm. “Can I get you some water?”
He sets his hand over mine.