Page 45 of More Bite than Bark

The doctor had told her to limit her caffeine intake.She’d tried decaf, but there was something about it that just tasted bad.But she’d found she could handle the half caf, that let her drink a bit more without getting too much.

In the kitchen she went to where her pod coffee maker sat next to Kevin’s full-size pot.She popped in a pod, put her favorite sea turtle mug under the spout, and hit start.While it brewed, she went to the fridge and got out what she’d need for breakfast.Kevin would be back eventually, and they would both need food whether he was back before it was done or not.

She turned away from the fridge and stopped, staring into the distance, but not seeing anything as her mind spun.Yes, she wanted eggs and bacon, as she’d already gotten out but she felt like some kind of bread.But what she was trying to decide, was what kind?Pancakes, waffles, or biscuits?

After a moment, and a bit of internal debate, she decided on biscuits.It would take longer to make them, but they were better once they cooled.And the idea of biscuits with apple butter sounded so good, she had a hard time resisting once she thought of it.

She set the eggs and bacon aside and started on the biscuits first.Once she had those ready for the oven she’d go back to the rest.

Elizabeth heard a motorcycle as she washed her hands from the biscuits, but didn’t think anything of it as there were a couple of the Warriors who lived past them and the sound of motorcycles here wasn’t uncommon.But then it got louder before cutting off.That told her it was Kevin.She pulled out a couple of skillets and started the bacon while she waited for him to come inside.

“You moving around yet, sugar?”Kevin called.

“In the kitchen,” she called back.

“You decent?We have company.”

Elizabeth glanced at the clock, it was barely past eight, who was here this early?

“I just started the bacon, so I’ve got clothes on, but I’m not dressed to go in public, if that’s what you mean.”

He sounded closer.

Elizabeth looked up as he stepped into the kitchen.She couldn’t help but smile at him.

“Someone came to see you.”Kevin continued into the room.

Elizabeth frowned, wondering what he was talking about, but she had her answer a moment later when Mama followed him into the room.

“Getting a late start this morning, aren’t you?”Mama said as she stepped into the room, her gaze flicking around the place and from her expression, finding the little house Elle loved lacking.

Before Elizabeth had a chance to say anything, Kevin spoke up.

“We were out late last night.Plus, it’s her summer break, why can’t she sleep late if she wants?”

The look Mama shot Kevin said clearly he didn’t understand.

“She’s supposed to be up, make sure you have food and coffee before you leave, like a proper wife.Oh, but she’s not your wife, is she?”The disdain in her tone clear.

“I’m gonna stop you right there, Sandy,” Kevin said as he turned from where he’d been refilling his coffee cup, before Mama could dig herself a deeper hole.“This is Elle’s home.It’s her safe place and where she gets to be comfortable.How we choose to live our lives and organize chores is between us.If the two of us are happy with how we divide things up, then it’s no one’s business but ours.As for the wife part, I told you, she’s my old lady.It’s the same thing in the eyes of me and my brothers.”

Elizabeth’s heart raced.He’d told her that old lady was the same as married to him, but she hadn’t known he would tell Mama that.

“What about legally and to the rest of the world?”

Elizabeth held out a hand toward him, hoping he’d understand.

“Do you remember what I told you the other day, Mama?”

“Told me about what?”

“The three Fs rule.”

Mama’s eyes went wide.“You didn’t really mean that.”

“I did.Now, you have a choice.”Elizabeth put one hand on her hip as she kept her eyes on Mama.“You can accept that this is how I choose to live my life and keep your superior dismissive comments to yourself, or you can miss out on getting to know your grandchild.”

Elizabeth didn’t wait for Mama to respond but went to the stove where she picked up the tongs and flipped the bacon that was starting to sizzle.