Dare to Play (Dare Nation 3)

“I can’t wait to find out your news, but I have a surprise for you first. Look who’s home!” Christine gestured to the other side of the room, where his brother, Braden, stood, a grin on his face as he met Jaxon’s gaze.

He released Macy’s hand and crossed the room, giving him a hug and slapping his brother on the back. He hadn’t seen Braden since Austin’s kidney donation surgery to Uncle Paul. Although unexpected, having Braden here made the night perfect. His whole family would be around for the news. Even Uncle Paul and his significant other, Ron, were here.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?” he asked his oldest brother and Bri’s twin, the brother who Jaxon could most relate to. Braden and Bri were thirty-two years old now, and it had been thirteen years since their father passed away. They were nineteen when he died. But Braden resented Jesse even more than Jaxon, and that was saying something. He’d missed his brother like crazy.

“Isn’t a surprise better?” Braden asked.

Jaxon stepped back and looked at his brother, taking in his long hair and scruffy beard. “You look like you just came from the field,” he said.

Last he’d heard, his brother was in Sao Paulo, Brazil, vaccinating people there. Considering his brother had an adventurous streak, it always calmed him, knowing Braden was in safe places.

“That’s because I did. Flew in this afternoon.”

Glancing over his shoulder, Jaxon saw his mother was glowing at having her entire family together.

“So what’s your news that’s going to upstage my homecoming?” Braden grinned, not the type to need to be the center of attention.

Gesturing for Macy to join him, she walked over, his gaze drawn to her fitted white jeans and black tank top that draped over her sexy curves. Despite the look of trepidation on her face, she’d squared her shoulders, obviously bracing herself.

A wedding and short-term marriage might not have been in his plans, but looking at his bride-to-be, he was a lucky man.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Everyone!” He waited for his family to look his way. “Macy and I are getting married.”

“Oh, my God! Another wedding and so soon,” Christine said, sounding as excited as Jaxon thought his mother would be. “Macy, welcome to the family!”

“Thank you,” she murmured, but Macy, like Jaxon, was obviously aware of the shocked silence surrounding them from everyone else. And then the chaos began, starting with Bri.

“You’re what?” his sister asked, eyes wide, mouth open.

“I’m doing what you and Austin wanted. I’m getting married, and I told Macy you’d all be happy for us.” He pointedly looked at Bri, warning her to be nice.

His mother pushed her way in and congratulated them both, followed by Braden and Damon, his brothers looking uncertain but keeping their mouths shut.

When the hubbub subsided, Bri stepped over, her eyes narrowed. “You two, come talk to me.” She gestured to the sliding glass door leading out to the patio, and they headed outside.

Austin kissed Quinn on the cheek and joined them without being invited, shutting the door behind him.

Bri frowned and spoke before anyone else had a chance. “I told you to get married. We might even have said Macy was the kind of woman you should choose, but I didn’t expect you to go out and ask her! And you!” Bri turned to Macy. “What’s going on? Don’t get me wrong,” she said, her voice softer as she spoke to her friend. “If you two were in love, I’d be thrilled, but I don’t understand.”

“Me neither,” Austin said.

“Bri, we know what we’re doing,” Macy said, sliding her hand into Jaxon’s and presenting a united front.

He squeezed her hand back.

“Then explain, please.”

Macy blew out a long breath. “As you know, my stepmother is back, and she served me with papers to get custody of my sister, hot on the heels of me being caught doing the walk of shame out of Jaxon’s home. I don’t trust her or her motives, and a stable marriage and family life with him will help me convince the judge I’m a good parent. That’s my reason.”

Bri’s expression turned to one of compassion. “I am so sorry you’re going through this.” She touched her friend’s shoulder. “But are you sure marrying Jaxon is the solution?”

“It’s good for both of us,” Jaxon answered for her. “It makes it look like Macy was leaving her fiancé’s house, not a one-night stand. And as you both said, marriage and stability will calm management down and help me. It’ll make them realize I’m serious about life and I’m not going to do anything stupid again. We’re helping each other.”

“And you’re sure this is what you want? You really want to marry Jaxon?” Bri asked Macy.

“Hey! That almost sounded offensive.” Jaxon nudged his sister with his elbow.