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“It’s just the universe setting things straight,” Aaron said. “Before, we weren’t where we supposed to be, and now we are. Simple as that.”
Then he made a quick turn off the road onto their drive and headed up through the trees to the house.
“Home, and in good time,” he said as they went up the steps.
“You’re here!” Sean said as they walked inside. He gave Dani a big hug and punched Aaron’s shoulder. “Mom’s getting ready. She left food in the kitchen. Help yourself. I’ve got one more client to deal with and then I’ll join you.”
“Where’s Wiley?” Aaron asked. “I didn’t see his car.”
“He’s here. Car trouble. He had to ride home with B.J. on the back of his Harley.”
Aaron rolled his eyes. “Why didn’t he call me?”
“They’ve been here over an hour. I guess you were still at work,” Sean said. “No matter. They’re already in the kitchen. Go get something to eat before they clean it out, and don’t worry about me. I got mine early and took it to my office.”
Dani grinned as Sean disappeared. “Making sure there’s something left to eat seems to be the top topic of conversation in this house.”
“You have no idea,” Aaron said, and then gave her a quick kiss. “Let’s go say hi to the brothers and beg for our food.”
Dani was laughing as they entered the kitchen.
“Hey, you two,” Wiley said. “Grab a plate and help yourselves. I’ve already knocked B.J. away from the sandwiches twice.”
B.J. grinned. “They’re really good. Mom made pulled pork for sandwiches, and there’s fried ham between biscuits, but I couldn’t decide, so I ate some of both.”
Aaron handed Dani a paper plate, and as soon as they made what they wanted, they joined Wiley and B.J. at the table.
Aaron took a big bite of his pulled pork sandwich, chewed, and swallowed. “You’re right, B.J. It’s really good.” Then he glanced at Wiley as he took a quick drink. “Next time you need a ride home, call me.”
Wiley glanced at B.J., then grinned. “Trust me. I will. He drives like a bat out of hell.”
“I do not exceed the speed limit,” B.J. muttered.
“The road up Pope Mountain is two-lane and winding, little brother. Sixty-five miles an hour on that road is like one-fifty on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.”
And off they went, all three brothers discussing the merits of racing on the Salt Flats as opposed to racing the Le Mans Grand Prix, while Dani calmly ate her biscuit and ham, then went back for a second helping of potato salad, and brought back a biscuit and ham for Aaron. She laid it on his plate, then sat down to finish eating.
But Aaron noticed, and remembered the day he’d put food on her plate without asking, and how takenaback she’d been before he’d explained. Now she got it, and just returned the favor. He leaned over and whispered in her ear.
“Thank you, darlin’.”
She smiled. “You’re welcome.”
A few minutes later Shirley walked in, followed by Sean carrying his dirty plate and glass from the office.
“Ah…my last two chicks are here,” Shirley said when she saw Aaron and Dani, and gave both of them a quick hug.
“The food is delicious,” Dani said. “Have you eaten?”
“Oh, a taste of this and that as I was making it,” Shirley said. “I’m fine.”
“No, ma’am, you’re not fine,” Aaron said. “Have a seat. I’ll make a plate for you,” and got up.
“You just want an excuse for thirds,” B.J. said as Sean went to refill his drink.
Dani burst out laughing.
Shirley rolled her eyes, but she sat down and let Aaron and Wiley wait on her, because it gave them pleasure to think they were taking care of her.
