Page 101 of Paco
Epilogue
One month later
The whiskey spilledon the granite counter as Paco poured another shot for Sangre and Muerto.
“Sorry,” Chelsea said, brushing past him. She grabbed two potholders and opened the top oven. Steam billowed out of it and the sweet and peppery scent of hot wings filled the kitchen. She placed the large sheet pan on the stovetop and opened the bottom oven. Garlic and onions mingled with the chile sauce of the buffalo wings as she pulled out a bubbling dish and placed it next to the wings.
Paco wiped down the counter. “Need some help, babe?”
She looked over her shoulder, her face flushed red from the heat. “I’m good. Just make sure there’s room on the table for the wings and artichoke dip,” she replied as she walked toward the dining room, the brown cast iron pot in her hands.
He shoved some casserole dishes and bowls aside, and she placed the dip on the table. “It smells real good,” he said, drawing her close to him. “And so do you.” He nuzzled her neck. She laughed and smacked his arm lightly with the potholder.
“Can I have some of these wings on the stove?” Goldie asked.
Chelsea pulled away from Paco and ambled into the kitchen. “Go ahead and take some. I’ll put the rest in a bowl and put it on the buffet table.”
“Let me help you,” Breanna said, coming into the room.
Chelsea handed her a platter of deviled eggs. “You can put that on the table. I want to thank you again for recommending Dr. Jagow. She’s the best. I feel so comfortable with her, and I actually look forward to our sessions.”
Breanna beamed as she took the platter from her and headed to the buffet table. “I’m happy it’s working out. I thought it would be a good fit.” She placed the deviled eggs down and picked up a slice of French bread, spreading dip on it then taking a bite. “You have to give me the recipe for your artichoke dip. It’s so good.”
“It’s my grandma’s recipe. I’ll e-mail it to you.”
Paco smiled as he listened to Chelsea and Breanna, happy that she’d found friendship among the old ladies. Since she’d been back in Alina, she’d blossomed, and her confidence and independence had grown so much. He loved that she had girlfriends who accepted her without judgment.
“Your house looks real good,” Steel said as he came up to Paco. “Are you finished remodeling?”
“Yeah… finally. Talk about a pain in the ass. It would’ve been easier if we would’ve just built the damn house from the ground up. Chelsea kept changing her mind on what she wanted, it was driving me fucking nuts.”
Steel nodded and brought his beer to his lips. After taking a drink, he looked around the room. “Your woman makes a nice home for you, and she can fucking cook.”
Pride surged through him at Steel’s words. “Chelsea’s awesome, that’s for sure.”
“Are you taking her to Sturgis this year?”
“Who’s going to Sturgis?” Army asked as he came over with Shotgun and Cueball.
“Chelsea and I. She can’t wait to see what it’s all about. And she’s chomping at the bit to ride all the way to South Dakota. She loves riding on my Harley.” He chuckled. “She’s definitely the right woman for me.”
Sangre walked over, a plate of food in his hand. “I can’t wait for the summer. It means a ton of riding well into the fall.”
“How’s your security business going?” Cueball asked as he picked up a buffalo wing.
“Good. I signed several contracts over the last week.”
“Do you want me to fix you a plate?” Chelsea asked, looping her arm around Paco’s waist.
“I’d love to eat you,” he whispered into her ear.
“You’re so bad,—” she said softly. “—and that’s one of many things I love about you.”
Tilting her chin back, he kissed her gently on the lips. “I can’t wait for everyone to leave,” he said against her mouth.
“Chelsea,” Breanna said, putting a large bowl of potato salad on the table. “How’s it working out with your classes?”
“Great.” She drew back from Paco then ambled over to Breanna. Chelsea was studying online for her bachelor’s in sociology; she wanted to become a counselor.
