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Chapter 3
Abbi was feeding Annabellesome goopy concoction from a bowl while Lane stood in the middle of the kitchen. Brutus, the bull mastiff was leaning against his legs, as if conveying to him to not bother, but Lane was trying everything on her so he could bail on dinner.
“Mom, I don’t have to come tonight. Really, it’s fine. I can grab something to eat from Mack’s. Heck, I’ll even watch Anna for you and Ben.”
“Nope. Got a sitter for her and besides it’s all set. I already called Kim and she knows you’re coming. There will be plenty of food and anyway, I need everyone’s input on it. Please come?”
He felt like an ass for even trying, finally he gave up. “Fine. I will. But if the food sucks I’m leaving and going to the café. It’s been a long ride up here and all I really want to do is eat some good food and sleep it off.”
Abbi held out her hand and smiled, “Deal.”
As Lane shook it, she said, “Oh and I wanted to mention about that motorcycle you drove in on...”
“Ma—”
He didn’t have to finish because Ben and Mark walked into the kitchen, with Ava flying in after them, squealing his name. She threw herself into her brother’s arms, the force had him spinning her around before setting her on the floor at arm’s length. “You’re looking great Ava; I take it Mark’s treating you alright?”
Mark stepped forward pulling his future brother-in-law in for a hug and chuckled, “You meant she’s treating me right. Right?”
Lane laughed smacking Mark on the back, “True. That sounds about right.”
“Hey now. I always treat everyone right. Especially you,” she said, with a quick peck on Mark’s cheek.
“That you do,” he murmured, taking her into his arms.
The doorbell rang, and Abbi turned to Ben, “Hun, can you get the door? It’ll be Jasmine.”
He nodded and as he left the room, Mark spoke up, “Jasmine? Who is Jasmine?”
Abbi wiped the baby’s mouth with a damp cloth then lifted her from the highchair. “The sitter. She just moved here a little over six months ago just outside of town with her family.”
“How old is she?” Ava asked, looking over at Lane with a twinkle in her eyes.
“Forget it,” he said.
“What?! I didn’t say a thing!
“You didn’t have to, and you know what. You’re not playing match maker for me.”
