Jayme & Tripp (Game Wardens 1)

They both got hugs from Donna and Elianna, and a bro-hug from Brett. Once the congratulations were out of the way, they all headed into the kitchen to eat. He set Noah in his highchair, then took the seat next to him. He had to admit, he’d definitely gotten more comfortable with the little guy over the holidays. Jayme and Tripp had split their time between the two families. They spent Thanksgiving with his family, Christmas Eve with Tripp’s family, then Christmas day; they visited with both.

“Jayme, we were sorry to hear about what happened with your ex-wife. That was an awful thing for her to do,” Donna said as they all filled their plates.

“Thank you. I’m trying my best to move forward, and not dwell on it. The past few days have been hard for me.”

“When the time’s right, we’ll find a surrogate; and have our own kids,” Tripp said. “Right, Love?”

He nodded. “Right.”

“I think we want to get married first though.” Tripp looked to him for confirmation.

“Yeah, I think that would be best.”

“I’m very excited,” Donna chirped. “If you need help planning the wedding, I’d love to be a part of it.”

“Thanks, mom. We just might take you up on that. We have no idea what we’re doing.”

“No one does when they decide to get married,” Elianna laughed. “Me and Brett were clueless.”

“Oh good, I thought it was just us,” Tripp replied.

“I never said I didn’t know what I was doing.” He huffed. “I’ve been through this process before, remember?”

“Oh yeah.” Tripp chuckled. “I was trying to pretend that she didn’t exist. Sorry.”

He snorted. “Help is always welcome though, Donna.”

She smiled brightly. “Great!”

After a really nice dinner and some pie for dessert, he and Tripp headed home.

“When are we going to tell your family?” Tripp asked from the passenger seat.

“Soon. Want me to invite them over for dinner tomorrow night?”

“Yeah. That sounds good.”

“Okay. I’ll call them tonight.”

“Great.”

~~~

Jayme

Jayme’s family came for dinner the next night. They decided to make it simple and do hamburgers and hotdogs. He was out back cooking on the grill, while Tripp was inside making a pasta salad. Everyone was sitting out back on the patio at the table, waiting for the food to be done.

They were talking about Mitch and Seamus’ upcoming wedding, and who not to sit near who. Jayme smiled. Soon, he and Tripp were going to be having this conversation about their own wedding.

Tripp came out back with a big bowl of pasta salad and set it on the table. He then walked over to Jayme and wrapped an arm around his waist.

“How are the burgers coming along?”

“Almost done.”

“Cool.” He then dropped his voice to a whisper. “Should we tell them now?”

“You can if you want.”

“I don’t think I can hold it in any longer.”

He chuckled. “Okay then.”

Tripp then spun around to face Jayme’s family. “Okay, we have some news.”

Everyone turned their attention toward Tripp. “Oh yeah? What kind of news?” his mom, Mary, asked.

Tripp elbowed him in the side. He oomphed, but turned so that he was facing his family too. Jayme slipped his arm around Tripp’s waist, and gave his hip a squeeze.

“Jayme and I got engaged yesterday,” Tripp announced.

The table erupted into “Oh my God’s”, and “What’s?”, and “Oh wow’s.” He and Tripp watched in amusement, as they processed what they’ve just been told.

“But...did you plan this?” Mary asked, looking a bit confused.

“No, it was kinda spur of the moment,” he answered with a shrug.

“You guys haven’t been going out that long though,” his dad, Callen, said. “I mean, Seamus and Mitch had been together for a few years before they got engaged.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Jana chimed in. “All that matters is that they love each other.”

“Thanks, Jana,” he said. “And we do. Very much.”

“I guess congratulations are in order then,” Seamus said with a smile.

Seamus and Mitch were the first ones to get up and give him and Tripp hugs. Everyone else followed, congratulating them on their engagement.

Jayme finished up the burgers and hotdogs and put them on a serving tray; before bringing them over to the table. Everyone dug in.

“Have you thought about a date yet?” Mary asked after they all began eating.

“No, we haven’t gotten that far yet. It’s only been a day,” Jayme replied.

“Are you looking to have a long engagement, or short?” she asked.

He looked at Tripp, who shrugged as he chewed on a bite of his burger.

“I don’t think we want to wait too long, but it’s not going to be next week, ya know?” he answered.

“Big or small wedding?”

“Small,” they said in unison then smiled at each other.

“Glad we agree,” he murmured.

Tripp nodded.

“Have you heard anything from Mallory?” Ian asked.

“No, and I hope she never calls me again.” Jayme practically snarled.

Mary reached across the table and patted his forearm. “How are you doing with the whole thing, Sweetie?”