you going to tell us what’s got you pulling out the domestic card?”
Lindsey threw a piece of bacon at Jamie. “Can’t you just enjoy a band breakfast?”
She caught it against her chest and popped it in her mouth. “I can enjoy and also question said band breakfast. Especially since we were up until after three writing ‘Offering’.”
I brought over another carafe of coffee, and then sat down with the last of the scrambled eggs. I stole the tabasco sauce from Oz and soaked them liberally before digging in. “I wanted to ask Noah before letting you guys in on it.”
“And Master Sergeant said yes?” Jamie refilled her coffee. “I’m in shock.”
Teagan stood up and grabbed a water, and then came to stand by me. “Gonna spit it out?”
“So impatient.”
She teased her fingers through my hair. “So…”
I stole her last piece of bacon.
“Hey.”
“Too slow.” I chewed then hooked my arm around Teagan’s waist and hauled her closer. “The venue is actually about an hour away from my mom’s place. We’re going to head over there instead of taking up one of Noah’s black zone parking spots.”
Teagan froze against me.
“No way. I totally forgot. I can see Boots!” Jamie jumped up and filched a strip of bacon off Oz’s plate then came around to hug me and Teagan.
“That girl deserves a boot off this bus,” Oz grumbled. He leaned forward. “Who the fuck is Boots?”
“Oof.” Teagan giggled as we got Jamie’s stranglehold hugs.
“I’m so freaking excited.” She ran to the back of the bus and came back with an iPad. “This is Boots.” She handed the device to Oz. “It’s the alpaca mascot for his mom’s place.”
Oz tipped his head and stared at Jamie. “And you know this, why?”
“I sleep for shit. She has these webcams on all the time. You know like that crazy giraffe baby from a few years ago?”
“Oh, right.” Daisy took the iPad. “It’s so cute.” She enlarged the video. “There are so many of them.”
“So, we’re headed to alpaca shit country? Exciting.” Oz kicked his feet out under the table. “However, your mom is fairly hot and can cook.”
Daisy elbowed him in the gut. “Excuse you?”
“Not as hot as you, sprite, just you know—”
“Stop while you’re ahead, dude.” Teagan sat on my lap. “We’re going to see your mom?”
“If you’re cool with that. I’ve hung out with your folks a few times, figured it was time for you to meet mine.”
She played with the strap on my apron. “Yeah. You talk about her a lot, so I feel like I know her.” She lifted her gaze. “Things are a bit different now though.”
“Exactly why I want you meet her.”
“Oh.” She leaned in and whispered in my ear. “Will she like me?”
“She’s gonna love you.”
“Okay, I’ve had enough of the hearts. I’m off to enjoy my food coma.” Jamie took her iPad and went upstairs.
We all had the same idea. Now that the plans were in place, I texted my mom that everything was a go and dragged Teagan back upstairs to have a nap.
Naked.
Twenty-Four
I tried to imagine what my mom was going to think when a big rig made its way up her winding driveway. I’d texted her with a heads up when we were ten minutes out. It ended up being more like twenty since the mountain roads were a little windy for this massive truck.
When we parked and the magic door opened, I found my sister waiting for me.
“Drooper!”
“Drooper?” Jamie’s laughter pealed behind me. “I’m stealing that forever.”
“I hate you.” I came down the stairs and hauled her in for a hug before swinging her around. “Had to drop the nickname right off the bat, huh?”
“Of course.” She dropped to the gravel drive. “Hey guys, it’s been ages.”
“Drooper,” Jamie cackled and hopped down. “Love it. How’s it hanging, Jen?” She gave her a one-armed hug and slapped her ass. “Looking fine, as always.”
“Uh, thanks…” Jenny gave me a helpless look.
“Don’t worry, I haven’t switched teams. Just sick of looking at the same faces is all.” She leaned down to Jenny’s height. “Can I see Boots?”
Jenny grinned. “Absolutely.” She pointed to the barn. “You’re in luck. She’s having herself a cool-down. She’d love the company.”
“Yes!” Jamie’s long gate covered the ground fast.
She was halfway to the barn before I blinked. “She’s not going to be alone down there, is she?”
“Uh, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Teagan said and clutched my hand.
“Don’t worry, Aggie is in there. She’ll rein her in.”
“You sure?” Teagan glanced up