“It’s inevitable.” Darius clamped a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Sequoia hasn’t lost to Trinity Falls since Noah joined the team.”
Simon’s laughter boomed with pride. “Of course they haven’t. Noah’s a Knight.”
“Actually, he’s a Cale.” June’s voice was mild, but her brown eyes were steely.
Jackson tilted his head, meeting Darius’s gaze. “Care to put a wager on that game?”
Ean’s eyes widened. “D, you’re going to bet against your alma mater?”
Darius shook his head. “I’m not betting against Heritage. I’m betting on my brother.”
Peyton’s heart melted at Darius’s words. Noah’s face darkened with a blush. The look he gave his older brother was near hero worship.
“I’ll take your bet.” Darius held his hand out to Jackson. “Loser buys the winner a beer.”
Jackson shook Darius’s hand. “Deal.”
Noah frowned. “I can’t drink.”
“You can’t gamble on the game, either, genius.” Darius lightly smacked the back of his brother’s head.
“Hey, careful with the hair,” Noah protested, smoothing the close-cut style that also resembled Darius’s.
Darius shook his head. “Was I ever that vain?”
“Yes.” Five voices—Jackson, Ean, Megan, Ramona, and Doreen—assured him.
Peyton wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. She was glad she’d let Ramona talk her into coming to the celebration. These friends formed a family. They showed each other unconditional love and unwavering support, with few exceptions. It was a new experience for her, one she welcomed.
“I want in on this bet.” Ean’s comment drew her from her wistful thoughts.
Darius offered Ean his hand. “Absolutely. You can buy me an order of spicy buffalo wings.”
“Now, wait a minute.
” June grabbed Darius’s wrist, stopping the men from shaking hands. She offered Ean her hand instead. “You can buy my beer.”
Laughter erupted again.
Darius patted June’s shoulder. “That’s the spirit, June. Anyone else want to stand with the champions?”
Megan smiled. “Darius, I love you, but you’ve lost your mind if you think Heritage is going down to Sequoia. You can buy my beer next month.”
“And mine, too.” Ramona set her hands on her trim hips. “The mayor’s office will always support Heritage.”
“You’ve got that right,” Doreen agreed. “Especially after all the time and money I poured into that football program.”
Audra chuckled. “Something tells me I won’t have access to Doreen’s Trinity Falls Fudge Walnut Brownies if I bet against Heritage.”
“That’s fine.” Darius wrapped his arms around Noah and June again. “It’ll just be the three of us against all of you.”
“Not so fast.” Stan stepped forward to stand beside June. “I’m putting my chips in with you. But someone can buy me a soda if Sequoia wins.”
The group cheered again.
Simon squared his shoulders. “There’s no way I’m betting against my sons.”
Noah’s eyes widened as though taken off guard by the older man’s words.