Megan introduced herself to Jason. “I’m Megan, Nate’s wife. This is Emily, our daughter. She’s eight.”
Emily grew indignant. “I’m eight and ahalf.”
Winona thought she was adorable. “That half is important, isn’t it, Emily?”
“This is Jackson.” Megan lowered the toddler to the floor. “He’s two and ahalfand into everything.”
Then Jack and Nate stepped through the sliding glass door.
Jack glanced around, as if confused. “Who are all you people?”
Emily hopped over to him. “Silly Grandpa Jack! We’re your family.”
Jack waggled the girl’s bunny ears. “My family?”
Nate shook his head, a grin on his face. “Don’t let my old man fool you. He loves a full house. Get your jackets on and join us on the patio. Dinner’s ready.”
* * *
“Okay,Chiago. Let’s hear it. What’s your verdict?”
Jason looked from Nate to Jack. “That was the best steak I’ve had—and the best chocolate cake, too.”
Winona dabbed her lips with a napkin. “It was all so good.”
The two men clinked their beer bottles, broad grins on their faces.
Jack took a drink. “Glad you enjoyed it.”
Jason had never eaten outside during a snowstorm. He had expected it to be a cold and awkward experience, but the West family had the art of the winter barbeque down. With big propane heaters placed around the patio, a fire pit, and a canvas shade overhead to keep in the heat and protect them from snow, he’d been toasty warm. There was something about the combination of fresh air and flame-grilled food that provoked and satisfied hunger like nothing else.
“Okay, Emily.” Megan got to her feet, Jackson in her arms, his chubby hands and little face covered with chocolate frosting. “It’s time to wash up and get ready for bed.”
Emily glared at her mother, clearly not happy about this. “Damn it!”
“Miss Emily!” Jack pinned his granddaughter with his gaze. “What have I told you about using those words?”
Emily rolled her eyes. “Don’t cuss in front of Mama or our guests.”
“That’s right—and you’d best listen.”
Jason had to fight not to smile and saw Winona was doing the same.
“Come now, Emily.” Megan opened the rear sliding glass door.
Emily got to her feet. “Can Winona read me a bedtime story?”
Winona picked up her dishes and stood. “How about I tell you a story instead? I know lots of stories that aren’t in books.”
The little girl’s face lit up. “You do?”
“Yes, I do.”
The two disappeared inside with Megan.
Janet handed Lily to Jack and carefully got up from the bench, one hand on Jack’s shoulder to steady herself. She winced as if lifting her leg over the bench were painful.
“You get inside. I’ll bring Lily-bean.” Jack noticed Jason watching. “My wife took a high-caliber round to the hip a few years back while on a protection detail.”