“Steaks and potatoes. Steaks and potatoes.” Jayden wandered in, singing his brother’s words, and went right to the fridge.
“Cocoa, son?”
“Orange juice, thank you. Can we have cherry turnovers for dessert too?” Jayden beamed at him. “I couldmurdera steak.”
Jaxson snorted. “Steak is already dead, dummy.”
“We don’t call names in this house, Jaxson Jericho-Westin,” Connor’s stern voice came from somewhere on the staircase.
“Sorry, Dad.” Jaxson rolled his eyes, then stuck his tongue out at his brother, who made a wonky face back.
“Y’all be good. Dorkfishes.” Early poured more coffee and handed over the cocoa.
“Mm. Cocoa.” Jaxson blew on it to cool it off.
“I could murder a steak too. Is that the dinner plan? I’ll marinate a few.” Connor came right to him and kissed him, then they exchanged knowing looks. “Good morning, husband.”
“Good morning, my sweetie poopsie boo.” Early winked at him and handed him coffee. “Your sons have requested steaks, potatoes, and cherry turnovers. I would like to add a spinach salad, I think.”
“And my sons think I’m capable of making cherry turnovers, honey doodle pop?” Connor winked at him. “I will call Mamaw.”
“That’s cheating!” Jayden took his juice to the table and sat with Jaxson.
“What are thosenames?” Jaxson sounded disgusted. “Ugh. You guys are so weird.”
“We’re just inlove,” he teased. “One day, son, this’ll be you.”
“Nope. I’m going to be too busy for that.”
Connor raised an eyebrow. “Doing what?”
“Running the ranch! Duh, Dad.”
“Oh. Sure. Duh.” Connor leaned on him. “Are you too busy too be in love, Mr. Rancher?”
“Not even a little, Mr. Rancher.” He loved this, so much. His family, here. It was still a little dreamlike.
“Gross. Gross. Gross. Are you making bacon?” Jayden sniffed the air.
“I am. I thought bacon and eggs for breakfast before the pool?”
“Yes, please!” the boys said at once.
Connor chuckled. “Are we having our meeting on the deck while the boys swim?” Connor was dressed, but the boys never bothered, they went straight to the pool after breakfast every single day.
“We are. Demming will pull up about nine thirty.”
“Oh, good. The whole gang. I like that, because she’ll know we’re serious.” Connor got the eggs out of the fridge and a big bowl to scramble them in. “And Demming can show her around a little more after if she has time.”
“That’s what I told him. She’ll ask clearer questions if I’m not there.” Early hoped she was the right person for the job. He had a feeling about her. He’d loved what she said she stood for, that she had a wife to move into the bunkhouse, and they were wanting to start a family.
Ranches needed critters and kids.
“Who, Daddy?” Jaxson asked.
“Daddy’s trying to hire a foreman. Demming wants to go live out in California with his daughter and his grandkids, and he’s worked hard here. He deserves a break.” Connor poured the eggs into the big frying pan.
“Yeah. He says Disney is there and Hollywood too. Me and brother want to go on a Disney cruise one day.”