Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 86(@200wpm)___ 69(@250wpm)___ 57(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 86(@200wpm)___ 69(@250wpm)___ 57(@300wpm)
“Baby, that tradition has been around since this town was founded. It stopped with Lloyd’s father, which is why my parents met the old-fashioned way. By chance.”
“Oh,” she says, grabbing my mom’s coat. “I didn’t know that.”
“It’s alright darling. This town has so many little quirks. Now tell me, where are your parents?” She has her arm looped through Hannah’s moving her into the kitchen. My instinct is to follow them, make sure my girl isn’t uncomfortable and doesn’t need me, but my father places his hand on my shoulder.
“Give them a few, yes. Let your mom get to know her new daughter.” I nod still not liking it but knowing he is right.
“So, how much convincing did it take from Lloyd for you fellas to be on board?”
“Some of us more than others.” I admit walking with him up to their room.
“I bet. Well at least he is trying to do right by the town.” It's true. His father was the worst.
“I agree. How long will you guys be staying?” Chuckling he shakes his head.
“If your mother had it her way a month. However, I reminded her if she wants grandchildren she should give you all space. We are leaving the day after tomorrow.” Thank fuck. I don’t want to overwhelm her.
Finally I walk into the kitchen and see my wife and mother laughing with one another like old gossip buddies. “What’s so funny in here?” I ask, bending down to kiss my wife. She lifts her face so I can kiss her lips. When I lift my head again, I see my mother beaming from ear to ear.
“I like this,” she says, clapping her hands together. Shaking my head I kiss my mother and turn to the room.
“Is everyone ready to eat?” They all nod. My mom and Hannah immediately begin putting everything on serving plates, shooing my father and I out of the way. Once everything is set, we sit the women down before ourselves.
The food is served, and I pour wine into everyone’s glass except my wife. I will not serve her alcohol while I am trying to breed her. Besides, she hasn’t expressed an interest in it so why push it. “This chili is delicious. Margo still has the touch.” My mother says, taking another bite.
“She is really amazing. I am still working on cooking regular food for Jude.” Her voice is so low I place my hand on her thigh.
“She is doing great. She found a recipe book and is learning all sorts of great things. She will be an expert in no time.”
“Oh hunny, why worry about it? You have your hands full with my son. I know he is no picnic.”
“Thanks a lot mother.” She smiles at me before turning back to Hannah.
“Plus you have this house and soon, babies. Let someone do something around this place so you don’t overwhelm yourself.” I look at Hannah and squeeze her hand.
“She is right, baby girl. Cook. Don’t cook. Your choice, but certainly not something you have to do.” I rub her cheek and she leans into it. My sweet girl.
"I will think about it,” she says, smiling at all of us.
“Excellent. Because my son is not getting any younger.” I groan knowing where this is going.
“Mother.”
“Eleanor, stop it.” My father tries to stop her, but she is on a roll.
“I’m sorry but you are not a young sprite anymore, Jude. You are thirty-six years old. Those swimmers will eventually stop swimming.” Hannah bursts out in a giggle so loud, holding her stomach, gasping for air.
“That’s it. I think you have had too much wine. Let’s go to bed Eleanor.” My father grabs my mother by her elbow and whisks her upstairs. Hannah on the other hand is still laughing, belly rolling, practically on the floor.
“I am glad you find it funny, baby. Let’s see how funny it is when you’re on your knees gagging on this prick.” I lift her over my shoulder and smack her ass.
God, I love this woman.
Chapter Ten
Hannah
One Week Later
“Can you believe we are here?” Lavinia hollers over the music that is playing.
“I really can’t. Can you believe we made this happen?” Sadie says, smiling at each of us.
“Hell yeah I can. We rock.” Miriam snaps her fingers and takes a drink of her lemonade.
Laughing, I grab one of the buffalo wings as they say on the menu and moan at the sweet and tangy flavor. “How long do you think the guys are going to give us before they come and whisk us away?” I ask with a mouth full of food.
“Not too long and that is fine by me.” Sadie says, shaking her hips under the table and we all laugh. Well most of us. Concerned, I look at Lavinia and my heart goes out to her. Something is bothering her, but she will not open up to us, so I continue to eat and try to not fret over my sister.