My Darling Jane (The Darlings)

Years later, we dive into what’s now known as the Annual Family Camping Extravaganza. This time, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee play host to our adventures. We’ve claimed a large chunk of the campground, with RVs and tents and a couple of rented cabins.

Graham and I are grilling. We’re surrounded by the aroma of hot dogs and hamburgers. “We’ll be kicked to the curb if we mess up dinner,” he warns as he skillfully flips a burger.

I chuckle, passing him another hot dog. Last night was the girls’ turn to cook, and they fried fish and hush puppies. My mom made her coleslaw, and everything was perfect. It put more pressure on the guys to do well on their turn to cook.

“As long as we avoid setting the place on fire, we should be fine,” I say.

The air hums with the sound of our family. Jane sets up a picnic table, her focus slightly intimidating. Emmy and my sisters help put down tablecloths, then set out the side dishes.

Dad, with Mom next to him, shares embellished camping stories with the kids. “And then, the bear, massive as a mountain, decided to join our dinner,” he declares, stretching his arms wide, drawing gasps from them.

Hazel and Jace don’t look fazed, but little Jett, our youngest, is scared. He starts to tear up, and Jane sweeps in and picks him up and kisses him on the top of his head.

I’m still playing football, having racked up two more championships. Jane and I, we’re a team. She’s expanded her matchmaking empire, snapping up a storefront near our place with Mr. Darden’s investment. I offered to give her money, but she wants to do this on her own.

As for my bio mom, she’s been a ghost since that awkward apartment visit. But I did right by my half brother, setting up a college trust for him. It’s the least I could do; he’s innocent in all this. We’re not exactly chatty, but we keep tabs on each other online.

Tomas and Londyn finally met officially as father and daughter after Jane and I tied the knot. She spends a week with him every summer, and he makes the trip to see her a few times a year. They’re building their thing, step by step. He might be her father, but I’m her dad. She tells me all the time.

“All right, everyone, dinner’s ready!” I call out, and the stampede begins.

They line up by the grill.

Londyn towers over the other kids. She’s going through her awkward phase with grace, and likes to order the other kids around.

Jace is our little explorer, and always has a grin that spells trouble. He’s got my gaze and Jane’s fierce nature. Currently, he’s locked in an intense argument with Hazel over who’ll take the crown in our family sprint.

And then there’s Jett, our baby at nine months, sporting curls and wide blue eyes that miss nothing.

How did fortune smile so broadly on us?

I glance down at the gold charms on my chain, small replicas of the cards she drew that night when I read her tarot cards. It’s a gift Jane gave me on our wedding day. She wears one just like it. It’s a reflection of us, of being true, of having familial blessings.

“Hey, Dad, can I have two hot dogs?” Londyn’s voice pulls me back.

“Planning to grow another inch tonight?” I say, handing them over.

She smirks, an expression that looks a lot like mine. “I’m gonna be taller than Andrew.”

Andrew hears her and pouts. “Whatever.”

As Londyn dashes off, Jace tugs at my shirt. “I want burgers. With extra cheese, please.” His eyes are wide, hopeful.

“Extra cheese, coming right up,” I reply, flipping a burger onto his plate.

Rayna approaches. “Hey, Jasper, think you could grill some veggies for me? Trying to eat healthier.”

“Grilled veggies it is,” I agree, setting aside a portion of the grill for her request.

Next, Callie saunters over, phone in hand. “Jasper, I need a photo of you grilling. For the family album,” she says, aiming her phone at me.

I pose with the spatula, and she snaps away.

Demy and Zoe wander over. “Any chance I could get a slightly burnt hot dog? I know it’s weird, but I love the crunch,” Demy says. Zoe gets the same.

Jett crawls close to me, and I get nervous with him close to the grill and scoop him up and put him on my hip.

Jane joins us, a smile on her face as she watches the kids.

Damn, she’s beautiful.

This is my world—Jane, Londyn, Jace, Jett.

“What do you want to eat, angel?” I ask.

She smiles. “Surprise me.”

I pull her close and kiss her on the lips. “I love our surprises.”

“Dad, come on! We’re starting the race!” Jace calls out after we’ve finished eating. He tugs at my hand.

“All right, all right, round up all the adults, except for Grandma and Grandpa. Everyone has to run, even the twins.”

As we line up for the race, with laughter and cheers around us, I sigh happily. This is what life’s all about—this family, this love.