The Gritty Truth (The Whiskeys Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor #7) - Melissa Foster Page 0,23

cheers rang out, and Roni said, “She’s even more gorgeous than I remembered.”

“Dixie is the face of Jace’s company for his new Leather and Lace clothing line, and she’s the model in next year’s calendar,” Quincy explained. “She has to do appearances several times over the next year, and I’ll fill in for her while she’s gone, handling the accounting and admin for their family businesses.”

“Wow, you weren’t kidding about being close to them,” Roni said.

“The second-place winner will take home one-hundred-dollar gift certificates from Whiskey Bro’s and Whiskey Automotive,” Dixie announced, inciting more cheers. “Remember to be safe out there. We’ll meet back here at eight o’clock to announce the winners and enjoy a buffet feast prepared by my very talented—and very pregnant—sister-in-law, Finlay!”

Bullet hollered, “That’s my lollipop!” causing an uproar of laughter.

“Did he say lollipop?” Roni asked.

“Yes, he did. That’s what Bullet calls his wife, Finlay, the pregnant blonde standing next to Dixie. Finlay owns a catering company and cooks part time for the bar.” Quincy took her hand and said, “I wouldn’t delve too deeply into the reasons behind that endearment.” He leaned in for a kiss and noticed her blushing again, but kissing her in public already felt natural to him. “We’d better get our list. We’ll see you guys back here when we collect our trophy.”

“Dream on,” Truman said. “I’m winning this thing. Kennedy has her heart set on a leather jacket from Jace’s store.”

Quincy chuckled as they headed for the registration table. If he and Roni won, hopefully she’d be okay getting Kennedy that jacket.

“You’re really lucky to have so many friends,” Roni said.

“I am lucky. I know it’s probably overwhelming for you to keep everyone straight, but I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too. I like your friends, and I really like Red. I can see how much she adores you,” she said as they stepped into the registration line. “I didn’t realize you told anyone about Gram.”

He drew her into his arms, and she blushed again. “You should probably get used to me kissing you and holding you in public, because I can’t seem to help myself.” He pressed his lips to hers and said, “I’m sorry for telling Red, but I was at dinner at their house when you texted and said your grandmother had passed away and told me not to come see you when I offered. I was going to drive over anyway, but Red talked me out of it. She said strong women know what they need and that I’d blow any chance I had with you if I didn’t give you space.”

“She really is like a mom to you.”

“Yeah, and these guys and their wives, and Dixie, are like brothers and sisters. We watch out for each other, and as you’ve seen, we also give each other shit.”

“That’s nice. I really only have Angela and Elisa,” she said as the line moved forward.

“And me, babe. And by extension, you’ll have all of these friends, too, regardless of whether you ditch my ass or not. We’re a loyal crew.”

“Apparently you’re also a big sap,” Dixie said, sidling up to them.

“Hey, Dix.” Quincy had been so taken with Roni, he hadn’t seen Dixie approaching them. “This is Roni. Roni, this is the one and only Dixie Whiskey.”

“That’s Dixie Whiskey-Stone now, thank you very much. Hi, Roni.” Dixie leaned in and hugged her, her long red hair falling forward. “I’m glad you guys made it, and that’s a great jacket.”

“Thank you. It was a gift from my friend,” Roni said.

“Well, your friend has good taste.” Dixie handed her a piece of paper and said, “This is your scavenger hunt list. Remember to take pictures, or your entries won’t count.”

“Okay, thanks,” Roni said.

“Dix! Got a sec?” Jace hollered from across the lawn, waving her over. “Hey, Quincy!”

“Jace.” Quincy lifted his chin.

“I’d better go. Everyone needs something today. Good luck!” Dixie said, and headed over to Jace.

“She seems nice,” Roni said, watching Dixie walk away. “She moves in those sky-high boots like she was born in them.”

“Yeah, she’s a trip,” Quincy said.

“Five minutes, people!” Crystal announced through the megaphone. She always stood out in a crowd, with jet-black hair, several piercings in one ear, and an affinity for dressing like a punk rocker.

“That’s Crystal, Bear’s wife.”

“Wow, she does not look like she just had a baby,” Roni said.

“You’ll have to tell her that. She thinks she’s gotten heavy but we all think she looks great, and Bear can’t keep his paws off her.” He