Bonus Kisses - Freya Barker Page 0,74

Look at the furniture.” I look at Sarah apparently focused on Taz, who hasn’t said a word yet.

“It was my fault,” Sofie says, coming down the stairs, her face drawn. “I thought I locked the crate, but I guess I didn’t.” Tears immediately pool in her eyes when they catch on me.

Before I have a chance to respond, Taz moves quickly, pulling Sofie in her arms. “It was an accident. A good reminder for everyone to make sure those latches are closed properly when we put the dogs away.” She sets Sofie back a little and leans her face close. “Besides, it comes with the unexpected bonus, we get to shop for new furniture now.” At that a smile breaks through Sofie’s tears.

“Yuck. Shopping is stupid, right, Dad?”

“Let’s call it a necessary evil, okay, Son? Now, why don’t you two,” I look at both my kids, “get Grandma and Grandpa set up outside in the shade with some drinks, while Aunt Taz and I sort out things in here, all right? Let the dogs out too.”

“I’m getting the dogs!” Spencer yells already, heading for the dog crate.

Ed shuffles his way to the back door with Sofie on his heels, but Sarah stays put.

“I’ll help,” she announces, but I put a hand on her arm.

“Thanks, Mom, but we’ve got this. We won’t be long.” I can tell she’s not pleased, but she still follows when Spencer leads the dogs through the kitchen.

Taz dramatically wipes her brow when they disappear out of view.

“That was too close,” she mumbles.

“We need to talk to them, Taz. Before they find out another way.”

“I know, but I think we’ve had enough excitement for today, okay? Let’s get this place in some order and start on dinner. We’ll go over and talk to them tomorrow. Do you have duct tape?”

She picks up what looks to have been a remote control and puts the pieces by the TV. I’m tempted to push the issue, but decide to leave it for now and instead go in search of tape.

Half an hour later, with the living room taped back together as best we could manage and a start made on dinner, I head outside to light the grill.

“Does Taz need a hand in the kitchen?” Sarah asks when she sees me.

The kids are rolling in the grass with the dogs and Ed looks like he’s napping in his chair. “She’s wrapping the potatoes to go on the grill. She’ll be out shortly.” I can feel her eyes on me as I run the steel wire brush over the racks.

“I’m not sure it’s wise to encourage her, Rafe.” She’s come up behind me and speaks in a soft voice. “It’ll just be harder for the kids when she eventually moves out.”

I bite my tongue. I’d like to tell her she will not be moving out at all, but that would lead to explanations Taz wants to avoid tonight. I don’t want to lie either, so I abruptly change the subject as I turn to face her. “Can I get you a glass of port to go with dinner, or would you like something else?”

She stares at me for a long pause before she answers. “Port sounds good.”

When I look over at Ed to see if he needs a refresher, I find him awake and keenly observing us. I’m used to him being quiet. I’ve never considered maybe quiet doesn’t equal unaware. “Dad? Ready for another beer?” He holds up his empty bottle in response.

Taz

“Stay and talk to me.”

I’m on my way inside to help clean up when Dad grabs my hand.

The kids are upstairs in the master bedroom watching TV—since we need to replace the remote for the one in the living room—and Mom and Rafe are cleaning up in the kitchen.

I sit back down beside him, but he holds on to my hand.

“How are you settling in? How’s the new job?”

“I’m good, Dad. It’s nice to have Kathleen back and I’ve made some new friends.” I chuckle at that. “Who’d have thought there were new friends to be made in Eminence?”

“This town isn’t that bad, sweetheart,” Dad points out with a serious face. “Most people are kind. We look out for each other. No one’s ever gone hungry here.”

“True,” I grudgingly admit. “Although I could do without Mrs. Myers; the woman is a menace.” I tell him about her snippy remarks and the dog incident.

“Charlton? He’s a pussycat.”

“Apparently not when exposed to water. The old hag knew it too.”

“She’s been