Page 115 of Burning Skies
Guilt spears me for not looking out for my brothers.
Me: I’m sorry I didn’t try to whip up something, but you know I’m not a great cook. Lola’s pot pie is probably preferable to food poisoning.
Trig: You eating at the Walkers’?
I wince, hating that I feel like I’m abandoning my family.
Me: Yes, but I just got here. I had ALL MORNING to hang out. It’s not my fault you’re justtexting me now.
Cash: Calm down, Honeybee. Go eat your dinner. I’ll make sure Trig has someone to play with.
I chuckle until I remember to ask the dreaded question.
Me: Still no news?
Worry gnaws at my stomach. Because I don’t know what I’m going to do if we’re really on the brink of bankruptcy.
Cash: Dad has the financials locked up tight. Says he’ll be home on Sunday. I’ll try to get a straight answer out of him then.
Me: Thanks. I’ve been worried sick about this.
I haven’t had the guts to tell Beau yet. We’ve just gotten together and already we’ve had enough drama to last us a lifetime. I know he’s all twisted up about my father not sponsoring my club. I don’t want to add to that. I’ll tell him once I confirm Ian’s bullshitting me.
Plus, Beau’s been at work all week. This is our first chance to hang out since last weekend, and I just want a peaceful day.
I tuck my phone into my purse and pick up the pecan pie. After I lock my SUV, I head to the front door. Nerves attack my stomach, and I take a deep breath. I don’t know why I’m nervous. I know the Walkers. I’ve had dinner with them before.
But this makes me and Beau official, doesn’t it? Having Thanksgiving dinner with the family is something you do when you’re serious about the person you’re dating.
The idea makes me smile. Hopefully, this is the first Thanksgiving of many.
As soon as I knock, the door immediately opens. Jace grins atme. “Hey, Honey. Glad you could join us.” He takes the pie out of my hands and pulls me into a hug. I catch Beau looking annoyed over his shoulder. He smacks Jace’s arm once he lets go.
“One hug is all you get.” Then Beau turns to me. “Hey, babe.”
Grinning, I push up on my toes to kiss him. “Hi.”
That gets all the Walkers hooting and hollering behind us, and I laugh and hide my face against his chest.
“Come on in, Honey!” Paige yells from the kitchen. “Beau, you have to share her. She was our friend first.”
Baylee holds up her beer. “That’s right. If it weren’t for me, you’d still be getting dirty looks from Honey McAllister. I deserve all the credit.”
That makes me laugh harder.
Beau hangs his arm over my shoulders and leans in to whisper, “Do I have to share? I kinda want to carry you off, caveman style.”
“It’s been a long week.” I kiss him again. “Let me go say hi to everyone.”
“Did you bring your stuff?”
“Yes. It’s in my SUV.” Because I’m definitely staying the night with him.
That gets me a sexy grin.
On my way to the kitchen, I say hi to Rhett and Maverick, who are watching football with Austin and Gabriel.
When I join the girls, I have to greet their babies first. “Leo, my goodness, you’re getting big.” He’s hanging on his mom’s leg like his life depends on it.
