Interception

Jeremy

My mother stood on the sidewalk talking with my brothers and sister. As soon as I walked over to them, my mother threw her arms around me and pulled me into an almost suffocating hug.

"Congrats on graduating, I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks mom," I kissed her forehead and she released me staring up at me with pride.

My sister, Ronnie, rolled her eyes at our interaction, "Mom's just relieved you're not the dumb one in the family anymore."

"You think I'm dumb when you're the one dating bums?" I teased and she narrowed her eyes before attempting to attack me.

Luckily, Roman grabbed her arms and put her behind him just in time.

"Congrats on everything JD. You deserve it," Roman said and we did our handshake.

Jacob pushed our hands apart and he grabbed my hand forcing me to do the handshake I just did with Roman. "My brother, the man, the myth, the legend..."

I cut him off before he could continue, "You can't turn my room into a man cave Jake. It's still our family home and I will be returning from time to time."

He sighs disappointedly and drops my hand before walking away looking at the ground.

I ruffled his hair as he walked off, "I'll think about it."

He did a weird Cheshire Cat smile as if he was more pleased with this answer.

"I want the room JD..." he trailed off as a warning.

It was my turn to roll my eyes, younger brothers would take everything from you if they could.

I went over to Scott and Daniel who had just come out the building and we dapped each other up.

"It's only up from here," Daniel said.

"You know it," I said grinning in agreement.

"What are we doing later?" Scott asked.

I have no clue because my family's here and I know mom is going to want us to at least have dinner together.

"I don't know. I've got to check in with the fam first and then we can do whatever after."

Daniel snickered, "Actually, your dream girl just walked out so we already know what's up later."

I turned just in time to see her walking over to my family with her father and Marcus. Brian had been trying to reconcile with his kids and make up for lost time.

It's still shocking that he wasn't able to love them because they looked so much like their mom. He's lucky I vouched for him to her because Marissa is unforgiving and headstrong. If she could, she would pave her own way in this life.

Everybody's eyes were on her. Her gown was open and the sexy white dress she wore underneath was showing. Her legs were looking extra long in those heels and the auburn color of her hair stood out against her brown skin.

I thank God everyday that she's mine and I never, ever want a next man to have her. Not then and especially not now.

"You're a lucky bastard you know that right?" Daniel asked. "I've got to check how the stars aligned on the day you were born."

Scott laughed and I pushed Daniel.

"I understand if you don't make it later. If I had Marissa at home I wouldn't make it either."

I simply shook my head smiling, but the feeling of pride was swelling within me.

"Excuse me, I've got to go tell her hi," I said walking off.