Page 144 of Heartbeats & Highways

“Yes.”

“And raising the babies together,” Brielle added.

“Correct.”

“And as you said, you’re his Old Lady. So marriage would be more of a commitment how? I don’t understand,” Jazz said.

“Have you ever been trapped in a bad marriage?” I asked.

Jazz shook her head.

“Well, I’ve been in a bad marriage before. And I guess I’m gun shy. Even though IknowSavage is nothing like my first husband, I’m still hesitant.”

“Oh.” Jazz’s face cleared. “I understand now.”

“What did Savage say when you explained your reasons for not wanting to get married again?” Brielle asked.

“He said he understood, but that he was going to do everything in his power to convince me to change my mind.”

“And how is he going to—oh.” Brielle laughed. “The burning cheeks say it all.”

“I need to get going,” I announced. “Thanks for breakfast. And congrats on moving in with Homer.”

“I can’t wait to tell him to pick up his socks,” Jazz said dreamily.

“Ick.” Brielle shuddered. “Homer’s socks.”

Chapter 37

“I hear congratulations are in order,”I said to Homer as I walked into Three Kings.

He grunted.

“Seriously?” I demanded.

“Seriously what?”

“You don’t seem at all happy that Jazz is moving in with you.”

“I’m happy.” He pinned me with a stare. “This is my happy face.”

“You look like a prisoner on death row. Why so sullen?”

“He’s not being sullen,” Roman said as he came from the back. “That’s just Homer. That’ll be the same face he makes in his wedding photos. The same expression he wears when Jazz tells him she’s pregnant. We just accept him and move on.”

“Is Virgil here?”

“I’m here.” Virgil appeared from the doorway. “What’s up?”

“I need to talk to you guys,” I said, setting the box of donuts down onto the counter. “I brought baked goods.”

“You’re quitting, aren’t you?” Virgil said, a frown marring his face.

“What? No.”

“No?” Roman asked. “Then what’s with the bribery box.”

I flipped it open and held the box out. The three of them took donuts and began to chow down. “I’m not quitting, but I do need to ask if it’s feasible for me to go down to four days a week.”

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