This is Effortless (Checkmate Duet 4)

Viola cracks up laughing and Courtney just huffs. “I’ll beat you with my cane.”

“Nah, you’d have to be able to catch me first.” Jackson is a great party favor, and I’m actually glad he’s here.

Once we’re outside, I see the long foldable tables with plastic tablecloths and chairs all around. The weather couldn’t be better than it is today. There’s a warmth in the air and the sun is out and shining bright. We grab plates and Travis serves us ribs and grilled shrimp along with hotdogs and sausage. There are big bowls of sides all around and beer in an ice chest.

Viola and Travis sit in front of Courtney and me. Kayla and Logan are on opposite ends of the table. It seems Jackson and Logan are getting along perfectly fine and are deep in conversation about bad guys and guns. Tyler sits next to Kayla and he gives her a sweet smile. I feel like I’m surrounded by family, and for the most part, I am. I try to memorize this very moment because it’s one I don’t want to forget any time soon.

I lean over and wrap my arm around Courtney and speak softly in her ear, “This is the best birthday I’ve ever had. Thanks sweetheart.”

She leans against me and I can feel the warmth of her skin against my body. “And just think…the day isn’t even over yet.”

COURTNEY

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Drew this happy and he deserves it today more than ever. My parents always made a big deal about birthdays—still do—and this is the first official one I’ve spent with him as his girlfriend. Viola once told me it was impossible to throw Drew any sort of surprise party, and he’s notorious for ruining them, so I made it my mission to prove them all wrong. I called our friends and threatened them with pounds of blueberry muffins if they messed it up. Since most of them are trying to eat healthy, and they know how irresistible my muffins are, they agreed to keep quiet. I’m actually surprised no one slipped, but then again, we’ve been so distracted, I’m sure Drew would’ve missed the hint if they had.

“I didn’t know you Californians could cook ribs like a Texan,” Jackson says as he rips meat off a bone like a savage. If my mother were here, she’d be screaming at him for not having manners. Before I can say anything, Jackson starts introducing himself to everyone because I had totally forgotten. I’m sure if she were here now, she’d be screaming at me, too.

I look at him and point to the corner of my mouth to let him know he has barbecue sauce on his face, and I swear he’s doing it on purpose to embarrass me.

Tyler and Kayla are chatting about animals and her whole face is lit up. Seriously, the way straight to her heart is through animal adoption. I laugh when she tries to get him to adopt a dog because the girl has no shame.

“I’m planning a beach trip for the kids. You’re still going to Texas in June for your cousin’s baby shower, right?” Viola asks me as she picks at her plate.

“Yeah, you wanna come?” I joke, knowing she won’t. I’ve asked her so many times over the years and even bribed her with authentic cowboys, but she was always so busy with school. Now with the kids and the marketing firm, it’s almost impossible for her to leave for long periods of time.

“I wish I could,” she whines and Travis wraps his arm around her.

“Go on then. We’ll be fine.” He looks at her like she’s his queen, and I realize Drew looks at me the same way. I place my hand on his leg under the table and he places his hand on top of mine.

“And let you dress Ginny for when your mother comes over for playdates? I don’t even think so. I got a text with a picture of my baby looking like orphan Annie when I slept in one morning.”

Drew laughs and looks at me. “I hope that’s not going to be us when we grow up.”

“It’s totally going to be you,” Viola pipes in. “You’ve got the dog, now where’s my nephew?”

Travis lifts his beer and takes a drink. “She’s not going to stop until she gets what she wants. Trust me on that one.”

I almost choke and my eyes go wide. “There needs to be a ring on this finger before I even think about children.”

“Note taken,” Drew says, and I turn and look at him.

“Oh my God. You’re all in this together, aren’t you? It’s all a big conspiracy,” I add.

“Is Courtney having a shotgun weddin’?” Jackson asks loud enough for everyone to hear, and of course, everyone does. I roll my eyes and he gets a kick out of it.