“Waffles!”
“Blueberry and chocolate chip, please.”
Connor glanced at Lucy. “I’d advise extra napkins.”
“I have three at home. I’m so outnumbered I know every trick.”
“Bless you. I’d like the jalapenos and the potato skins with extra ranch, please.”
“Good choice. You’ve been here a few times.” She winked at him.
“I would like the fried chicken, please, with the mashed potatoes,” Connor said.
“Y’all are hungry. We like that here. I’ll be back soon.” Lucy headed for the kitchen.
“Daddy… Is Uncle Rick going to feel it when the worms eat him?”
Early damn near snapped, but then he saw how there was a true fear in Jaxson’s eyes. “Nope. He’s not in there. That body can’t feel a thing.”
“Hey, guys, listen.” Connor took Jaxson’s hand. “The burial is for the people who love Uncle Rick? He can’t feel anything; he doesn’t know what’s happening to his body, okay? Mother Nature will take it from here and return his body to the earth like it should be. It’s totally fine; all of Uncle Rick’s hurting is over. Okay? I promise.”
Jaxson searched Connor’s eyes, then glanced at him, so he nodded. Jaxson relaxed, then stared at his brother. “I told you. He isn’t going to come and make me a zombie!”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. “Seriously, Jay-Jay?”
“You know…braiiiiinssss…” Jayden said in a goofy voice with his eyes crossed.
“I’m going to brain you. Don’t terrorize your brother.” Asshole child.
“Why not? It’s my job!”
“Jayden.” That was Connor’s dad voice. “That’s enough.” Connor held Jayden’s gaze until Jayden nodded.
“Yes, sir.”
Lord help them, these two beasts would kill each other if they didn’t love each other so much.
“I have waffles.” Lucy set two plates down, and a stack of napkins, and put the syrup in front of him. “Just in case. Your food’s up next, but I thought they might be hungry.”
“You are an angel among women. Thank you.” He helped Jaxson and let Connor deal with Jayden. Jaxson was messier, but less temperamental.
As soon as the boys’ mouths were full, all the banter came to an end and the table got blissfully quiet. Lucy brought his food and Connor’s.
“Okay, I’m ready for this.”
“Hello, son.” His dad stopped by the table. “It’s done. Your Mommama is hungry. A whole crew is following us here. You want us to take the boys when they’re done eating? I’m sure she’d love to show them off.”
“If you’re up to it, sure.” He needed to go to the ranch with Connor, talk to Demming. Breathe.
Jayden jammed a huge bite of waffle in his mouth. “Mm done!”
“Me too.” Jaxson didn’t even bother with another bite, he just got up and ran to his memaw.
“Sorry.” Daddy shrugged sheepishly.
“For what? You’re taking the hyped-up, syrupy beasts of doom.” Early shot Mommama a shit-eating grin, and she rolled her eyes at him, so dramatic that they all cracked up.
“They’re not going to starve with me around for sure.” Mommama gave him a smile and a wink. “We’ll keep them as long as you need.”