Four Weddings and a Swamp Boat Tour - Erin Nicholas Page 0,22

lived in the two houses just east of the bar. Sawyer and Juliet, Josh and Tori, and Owen and Maddie were within a three-block radius. Sawyer and Josh’s mom and dad lived a street to the north. Mitch had spent a lot of time between that house and Ellie’s, permanently moving in with Ellie and Leo when he started junior high.

He headed in through the side door that led into the kitchen.

Cora was at the stove. As always.

“Hey, honey,” she greeted with her big, bright smile.

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Hey. Everyone here?”

“Yep. Out front.”

“Because they think I’m bringing Paige over?”

She looked up. “Of course. Where is she?”

“My house.”

Cora studied him. “She’s not coming up tonight?”

“Nope.”

“Her idea or yours?”

“Mine.”

Cora nodded. “Okay.”

Cora was the sweeter of the two older ladies who ran this place. His grandmother was a lot of things, but no one described her as sweet.

Not that Cora didn’t want Paige up here and spilling her secrets and stories. Cora was as interested in it all as anyone. She was just a little more easy-going about it.

“You want to come out and hear the deal?” he asked her.

“There’s a deal?”

He nodded. “There is.”

Cora wiped her hands on her apron. “Well, then, of course I do.”

Mitch held the swinging door that led to the main part of the bar open for his grandmother’s best friend.

Sure enough, everyone was there. Most nights, most of them were here. But everyone was accounted for tonight, and that was unusual. He knew it had to do with Paige. They fully expected him and Paige to show up here tonight.

“Mitchell Landry,” Ellie scolded the moment he stepped out from the kitchen.

“Hey, Ellie.” He continued past her as if he had no idea she was upset with him or why.

He headed for the tables at the back of the restaurant where the family gathered, leaving the front tables for guests. Most of the town felt like family, so it was more a formality than anything, but it was habit that the family used the big ten-top table and the ones around it to gather and eat, talk, bullshit, and even fight. Like any family, they had disagreements and told each other to fuck off from time to time. But when the next meal rolled around, they’d all be there.

It was a sure sign that something was up when he pulled out a chair, and everyone shut up and looked at him.

Getting this group to all shut up at the same time took a near miracle.

Or some really juicy piece of news.

Mitch sank into his chair and looked around as if he had no idea what they were expecting.

Kennedy swiveled to look around the room behind her, then faced him again. “Hey.”

He lifted a brow. “Hey.”

“You scare her off already?”

“Nope.”

“Did she scare you off? I didn’t think she looked crazy, but I’ve been around all of you so long I’m not sure I could spot crazy anymore.”

“Nope.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Then where is she?”

“I realize that this phrase doesn’t have a lot of meaning to you,” Mitch said. “But maybe your hotshot lawyer fiancé could explain it.” He leaned in. “It’s none of your business.”

“Mitchell!” Kennedy gasped. “How dare you say such a horrible thing to me.”

Mitch looked at Bennett. “No help?”

Bennett held up a hand. “Normally, I’d be on your side, but Kennedy has special powers over me. I can’t tell her she can’t have things she wants.”

“Sex is not a special power,” Mitch told him.

“Maybe you’re not having the right kind of sex,” Owen piped up. “Maddie gets anything she wants from me too.”

Maddie nodded. “I do.”

“Thing is,” Mitch said. “I’m not having sex with you all. So I don’t have to give you anything.”

“But you are having sex?” Owen clarified. “Kennedy said Paige is gorgeous.”

Well, that was kind of like saying the bayou was wet. Mitch looked at his cousin. “Yeah?”

Kennedy nodded. “Oh, yeah. And she was jealous for a minute there when she thought I was a girlfriend.”

Mitch had to admit he liked that. He wanted Paige to know—and believe—that he was all into her and not interested in anyone else. But knowing that she wanted him to herself was definitely nice.

“Okay, here’s the deal,” Mitch said, shifting forward and resting his elbows on the table.

“Ellie!” Leo called. “He’s starting!”

“Not without me!” Ellie called back. “I will cut you off from fried pickles for a month!”

Mitch did really like fried pickles. All pickles, but especially ones dipped in batter and fried.