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What the hell? “We tried that last year. Remember? It didn’t go well.” Memories of last year and kids running and screaming all around their property were coming back into his mind. Kids eating so much junk food that they puked in the pool; kids scaring the horses to death. Kids falling off the ATV.
Adler agreed. “You both realize we don’t do kids? Right?”
“Uncle Don, are you crazy? Do you want to get sued? Do you want to lose the business?”
Adler jumped in. “Yeah. Don’t do this, Dad. We need something to run when we get old.”
Aunt Elie had her hand over her mouth, and Uncle Don was laughing at them so hard that tears were coming down his face. “Please you two. This will be good for you. We have total faith in your abilities to take care of the children.” He had to breathe. “Any way, Jonathon and Carla will be helping this year also, so they will make sure nothing major happens.”
Jonathon and Carla are the main stable hands. That made Tristan feel better. He sighed a breath of relief. He saw Adler deflate a bit, also. Jonathon and Carla will do most of the work and make sure no one dies.
“Good. I’m glad that’s taken care of. Make sure you’re both here early. I don’t want to be looking for you at all during the day.” He stood up, ending the conversation. “I have some paperwork to finish. I’ll be in my office.” He kissed Ellie as he passed her. “Good night, boys.”
They both said good night as he left the room.
Aunt Elie stood up. “Well, you two can clean the dishes. The cook already did all the big things, I’m sure. This.” She gestured to the table. “Is all yours.” She kissed them both on the head. “Love you both. Good night.”
“Good night, Aunt Elie.”
“Good night, Mom.”
Well, then. That was not a discussion he was expecting.
Tristan pushed up from the table. “Let’s get this done and get back to the house. You having anyone coming over tonight?” Tristan picked up plates and silverware and went into the kitchen.
Adler grabbed the glasses and soup bowls. “Nope. How about you?”
Tristan shook his head. “Not tonight. Stacey works in the morning. I’ll see her again Thursday. What do you say we go to the city? Dinner and dancing. Bring Missy or Callie or whoever. We’ll double date.”
Adler was rinsing the plates and putting them in the dishwasher. “Sounds good. I’ll tell Callie.”
Tristan pulled himself to sit on the counter. “You mean you’ll ask her, Right?”
Adler smirked. “No, I meant what I said. Remember. This is me.” He put his arms out wide. “I tell them they’re going out with me. They jump at the chance.”
Tristan shook his head. “You’re a dick.”
Adler started the dishwasher. “Yep, and like the body part of the same name, I’m a big one.”
It was Thursday morning. Stacey was looking forward to the next four days, all for her. She had nothing all morning, so she planned to take advantage of a long shower and a book. She had a nail appointment, and a massage scheduled for one o’clock and three o’clock. She should get home with enough time to clean up and change for her date tonight with Tristan.
She was looking forward to a night alone with him, but he told her last night that they would be doubling with Adler and some girl he’s seeing. She’s not excited about sharing her time with Tristan, but she needs to get to know Adler. He is like Tristan’s brother. So, oh well. She’ll deal with it. She’ll have Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, so that will more than make up for it.
Three nights with Tristan. She got chills just thinking about it.
She was enjoying her book and the quiet when her phone rang. It was Nancy telling her about an interview she had tomorrow afternoon at three at Summit Woman’s Center, Labor and Delivery. She tried to complain about the time, explaining she had plans for her birthday. Nancy explained that Doctor Hensley insisted it was the only time, and it was important that she keep the appointment.
She agreed and hung up.
“It’s all good, Stacey. Hensley might be a witch, but she pulled a lot of strings to get you an interview. Suck it up.” She took a big breath and blew it out.
Just a short eight hours later, she had pretty nails and toes, less hair in all the right places, relaxed muscles, and a renewed spirit.
She dressed in a little black sleeveless dress, with a wrap to keep her arms warm if needed, and black sandals. She pinned her hair on top of her head, then applied minimal makeup and lipstick, and she had time to spare.
“Look at you!” Kristen was cutting up vegetables and made some cat calls as Stacey entered the kitchen. “Looks like someone has a hot date.”
“Sis, you’re looking good.” Jacob looked up from his phone.
