Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88057 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88057 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“Why take the chance?” Denny laughed as he lovingly ran a hand down the leather of the driver’s seat. “I’d detail this honey for you and everything.”
“I’m sure you would. Get your own Corvette.” Harley’s voice was the sort of extra-dry that said he was secretly enjoying the exchange. “You’re both always crowing about how good business is.”
“It is, but Sue says no more cars,” Dale said mournfully.
“And you said no to more babies. And no to more pets.” Sue rolled her eyes at her husband. She was a little younger than Cressida, with a much more down-to-earth vibe but a similar no-nonsense way of talking.
“I did compromise on a hamster.”
“You planning to clean out the garage to store another hot rod?” Sue laughed like she knew that wasn’t happening.
“Hey, honey, Sue won’t let Dale have a new toy.” Denny turned to his petite dark-haired wife. “If we get a Corvette, I can be the cool brother.”
“Uh-huh.” Paula sounded far from convinced as the two brothers checked out the car’s engine. “We’ve got more braces, baseball, camp, and middle school football on the bill horizon. Plus, you said after getting your 3500 for the trailer, you wouldn’t even look at another car.”
“This beauty is hardly just another car.” Denny shut the hood with one last covetous glance for the engine.
“No harm in looking,” Dale added.
“Were they always this fun?” I asked Harley as we finally headed toward the barbecue place’s rear patio area.
“Well, look at that. Your new guy thinks we’re fun.” Denny grinned widely and did a little turn that belied his size. “You tell him yet about learning to back the trailer in?”
“Or how we made you pay for your first clutch?” Dale guffawed as we got situated around two pushed-together picnic tables.
“Hey, I wouldn’t have stripped that clutch if you yahoos hadn’t given me bad advice.” Harley quickly claimed the seat next to me, and I shot him a grateful look.
“He told me about some of your adventures.” I put Hercules in his carrier on my other side.
“Harley told you about us? And the trouble these two got him in?” Sue’s blue eyes went wide. “Okay, now I believe he’s serious about you.”
“He’s taking him to the cabin. How much more serious do you want?” Paula scoffed before passing around the menus, which had been waiting in the center of the table. A young server came around and took our drink order before the teasing could continue.
Sue held up a hand. “I’m allowed to be skeptical. Harley doesn’t do relationships.”
“Right here, ladies.” Harley gave a what-can-you-do chuckle.
“I’m just saying, you took us by surprise.” Seated on Harley’s other side, Sue patted his arm. “You being so vocal about hating the old ball and chain after all.”
“And being tied down. I believe it was Harley who waxed poetic about freedom at our wedding.” Paula arched a carefully sculpted eyebrow.
“There was alcohol involved,” Harley protested. “And it was years ago.”
“You quoted divorce rates last Christmas.” Sue wagged a finger at him.
“You wanted to set me up with your cousin,” Harley shot back with the good-natured affection of someone who’d likely been arguing with Sue for a few decades.
“Well, now I know she’s not your type.” Sue tittered, but not unkindly. It was the first anyone had mentioned my gender, and I held my breath, looking up from my menu.
“Not sure I have a type.” Harley shrugged.
“At least this one’s got a decent car.” Dale appeared to be about as concerned with Harley’s choice of partners as he was over the choice between ribs and brisket.
“So how’d y’all meet?” Paula asked as she pulled out a half-knit hat and started stitching.
“Work,” Harley said at the same time I said, “Harley saved my life.”
“I like Ambrose’s version better. Do tell.” Temporarily abandoning her knitting, Paula leaned forward, as did Sue, and I gave a cursory overview of how Harley rescued me from the mugging.
“He dog sat?” Sue shook her head. “We tried for years to get Uncle Harley to do some babysitting.”
“Welcome to the crazy Burton Clan, my friend.” Denny gave me a high five from across the table. “I do believe you’ve done the impossible.”
“I got lucky.” I glanced at Harley, who shifted in his seat before smiling back at me.
“Aww. Y’all are so cute.” Paula whipped out her phone for a fast picture. Photographic evidence of Harley dating, I supposed. “All that’s left is you to have a hankering for small-town living, and I’d say you’re perfect.”
“I’m not moving back,” Harley answered before I could.
“His company is doing very well,” I added loyally. I knew we had something of an income difference, but Harley had a ton to be proud of in his own right. A distinguished military career, a successful business, and a reputation for helping his fellow veterans.