want to get laid again, brother, I wouldn’t suggest him sleeping with you as an option.” Ben pats his back, and Austin rubs his hands down his face, probably realizing Ben’s right, and hating it.
“You don’t have time to fix this right now. Reservation’s in thirty. You know if we’re not there they’ll give our table to someone else, and then we’ll have a mob of hungry women and kids after us.”
“You’re right, but I need to get this shit done before the opener tomorrow. Otherwise, Lea’ll do it on her own, even knowing the doctor told her to take it easy, and that shit will start a fight I don’t have time for.”
“I’m off tomorrow. I’ll stop by and bring the boys. We’ll put it together while you’re out.”
“Are you sure?” he asks, looking at the crib, and I put my hand against it and push slightly, feeling it sway.
“I’m sure,” I mutter, and Ben laughs, gaining a glare from Austin.
“I’ll help him take it apart when we get back tonight,” Ben assures, heading for the door, and I follow him out of the room then down the stairs, where everyone is waiting at the bottom with their coats on. Summer is ending, and the temp has been dropping by the day. The kids all start school in two days, and before long, snow will be on the ground.
“Did you get it set up?” Lea asks, looking behind me, and Austin grumbles, “No, Zach’s gonna finish it up tomorrow.”
“You were up there for hours.”
“I told you not to buy the crib from Ikea.”
“Not this again.” Lea tilts her head back, sighing at the ceiling, and my eyes go to Shel to see her fighting back a smile.
“We don’t have time for you two to argue. We have a reservation to get to,” Rhonda cuts in, knowing Lea and Austin will argue because it’s what they do, and if she lets it go on, we’ll be here for hours and definitely miss dinner.
“Way to be bossy, baby, and take charge.” Ben winks at his woman, catching Braden when he throws himself out of Rhonda’s arms then leans down, kissing her.
Walking over to Shel, I wrap my arm around her waist and her head tilts back. “Was everything okay?”
“Just a couple of guys who drank too much. They’re actually brothers by blood, and it’s not the first time I’ve had to settle a fight between them.”
“Oh.”
“Tom and Jerry back at it?” Austin asks, and I smile at his nicknames for them.
“When are they not at each other’s throat?” I question.
“When they’re messing with someone else,” Ben answers, with a shrug.
“True,” Austin agrees, grabbing his jacket from the back of the couch, then turns to look at me. “Ben will drive Rhonda and the kids in Shelby’s van, and I’ll take Lea with me, so you and Shel can ride together in your truck. That way you won’t have to come back this way after dinner.”
“Works for me,” I agree, as Ben asks, “The minivan?” making a face filled with horror. “You drive the minivan. I’m allergic.” He shakes his head.
“Oh, Lord, you’ll be fine. Besides, I told you I’m getting one after my lease is up this year, so you may as well experience it firsthand,” Rhonda says, smacking his chest.
“No wife of mine is driving a minivan.”
“Sure.” She rolls her eyes, and I feel Shel’s shoulders shaking and look down at her to see her fighting back laughter.
“You okay, baby?”
“You can buy mine from me, Rhonda. I hate it.”
“You hate it?”
“It’s nice to drive, but I hate looking at it.”
“See, babe? No minivans,” Ben states.
“Whatever. Can we just go?” she tosses out, heading for the door.
“Absolutely, and since I’m feeling generous, you can ride in Shel’s van tonight for a small fee I will take from you later.”
“Ben,” Lea hisses, nodding at the kids, who are rolling their eyes.
“Jesus, at this point, we’re never going to make it to dinner,” Austin growls.
“Oh, yes we are,” Lea growls back, herding the kids in front of her toward the door. “I’m hungry, and the Harbor House is closing in a week, so I won’t be able to eat there again until next summer. So if we miss our reservation, I’m going to be one unhappy pregnant woman.” She then looks at Austin, who is grinning, and growls, “Come on, Mr. Wolf.”
“Are they always like this?” Shel asks, as I lead her toward the door, following Austin.
“Always.”
“Hmmm,” she hums, then smiles. “I’ve always