Page 82 of Night Hawk
“I heard about everything that’s been happening, and I thought you all could use some good home cooking instead of takeout.”
“Drake and Erik have cooked.”
“So burgers and tacos then?”
“Yes.”
“You need something far more nutritious. I’ll make your favorite kale and quinoa salad and homemade bread. But first breakfast. It won’t be for a few hours, but what do you want?”
“Aren’t cinnamon rolls breakfast?” Toni asked.
“Just a middle of the night snack for these guys.” His mom grinned.
“Whatever you want to make is great.”
She looked at Toni. “Do you have a favorite breakfast?”
Toni seemed like she didn’t want to answer but nodded. “My dad used to make chocolate chip pancakes for me on special occasions. I haven’t had those in eons.”
“Then chocolate chip pancakes it is.”
“I don’t want you to have to go to the store for anything.”
“Don’t worry,” his dad said. “I’ll be going if there’s anything she forgot, but based on the amount of food I loaded in the car, she’s got one of everything already.”
She laughed and stepped over to plant a kiss on his head.
“Now would be the time to escape,” Clay said to Toni.
They shared a laugh as they walked to their rooms to offload their gear. He’d expected to find Brendan and Drake in his room, but he was surprised Aiden was sitting on one of the four bunks, his belongings next to him. “I see Mom or Dad moved you out of the master.”
“Must be our inimitable mother.” Aiden chuckled. “She already has the bedding stripped and washing.”
Clay shoved his vest into his gear bag. “She really is the best mom ever, but there are times you don’t need to have your mom around. I hope she doesn’t pull this with paying clients.”
“She won’t.” Drake kicked off his boots.
“How can you be so sure?”
“She’s here because of Toni.” Drake moved toward the door.
Clay looked at his brother. “What?”
Drake rolled his eyes. “For such a smart guy, you can be so dense at times.”
“What do you mean?”
“This thing you have for Toni. It’s been obvious since day one. Mom wouldn’t have missed it.”
Clay opened his mouth to deny it but couldn’t. He wasn’t the best at hiding his feelings. “So what?”
“So Mom’s here to make sure you don’t blow it.” Brendan leaned back on a lower bunk. “She may have one grandchild on the way and Karlie soon to officially be hers, but she wants more.”
“Trust me, I know.” Aiden shook his head. “She bugged me all the time until Harper and I set a date for the wedding.”
“Well, then she’ll be disappointed in me.” Clay dug clean clothes out of his tote bag for the shower he hoped to take after scarfing down numerous cinnamon rolls. “Not that it’s anyone’s business, but Toni’s not in a good place to start a relationship right now.”
“I’m sure you can change that.” Drake slid off the bed. “I don’t know about you guys, but I plan to be first in line for whatever Mom made.”
