Page 48 of Time Out

“That sounds sweet.”

“They were in full camo hunting gear, faces painted, and with shotguns strapped over their bodies.”

“Seriously? I thought that was only in movies, with dads sitting at the table cleaning a gun or something when boys came over.” The scene from Twilight came to mind, something I’d now watched a half dozen times ever since I saved the money for my own television.

“Like I said, Annie and Avery are insane.” It was said with a heart full of love and a smile on his face so much so my eyes watered.

I sipped my lemonade and let the sour taste of it take away the sting of all I felt watching him.

“And your nephews?”

“David and Luka, those are Annie’s boys. Avery has Owen. David was named after me.”

“Really?”

“No.” Davis laughed. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t give Annie crap for it, either. No, David was Duke—her husband’s—father’s name. He passed away while she was pregnant with David, so they did it to honor him.”

“That’s really sweet. Tell me more.”

I listened while he told me as many stories as he could, from the gifts he’d given them for Christmas, to how he spoiled them in the off-season when he went home, and all the trouble the boys gave their parents.

“And this baby? This one’s a girl, right?”

“Yeah. A girl… I’m so happy for her.” As he said it, his phone lit it up. “It’s Avery.”

“What’s it say?”

“Annie’s six centimeters dilated. In her room and getting the epidural.” When he set down his phone, there was a look of awe on his face, softening every chiseled line of his cheekbones and jaw. “I was able to be home when Avery gave birth to Owen three years ago, and only because she happened to deliver during my spring break from Clemson. But damn… I can’t imagine all you go through during labor. And that’s not counting the pregnancy…” He trailed off again and took a sip of his drink.

I could tell his thoughts were on his sister, but mine were solely on him. Not only the knowledge he had, but the depth of how much he cared.

My father hadn’t been like that for any of my mom’s pregnancies, at least not from what I could remember. Sure, he was nicer to her, but he was never really harsh. The difference was when Mom was pregnant, she was expected to continue doing every task required of her or delegate them to the kids—usually me. Ruth, too, when she was old enough to help out.

I had a feeling that was not at all how Davis would operate.

That key in my purse seemed to pulse with warmth again. Was that why he’d given it to me? So he could take care of me?

I shook the thought away as Lou came over, bringing a plate of fries with him. “On the house, to celebrate your new niece.”

“Aww shucks, Lou. Free fries? You shouldn’t have,” Davis teased.

Lou scowled at him and pushed the plate in front of me. “Never mind. It’s for the lady who’s probably only here because she pities you.”

“Well that’s not true,” Davis huffed. “I’m a catch and a half.”

Lou raised his eyes toward me, a twinkle in them. “That true?”

“Um.” I grabbed a fry and shoved it into my mouth and slid my gaze toward Davis.

“I’ll take that as my answer,” Lou guffawed and then rested his hands on the countertop. “So, big game this weekend. You ready?”

“Weird to think my first season of the year is ending soon, and this one on Raleigh’s turf. It’ll be tough, but I’m ready. The team is ready. I could throw up if I think about it too much, though.”

“Your season is over this weekend?”

I knew nothing about football, but I thought it went longer, into February or something.

“No.” Davis shook his head while Lou chuckled. “This Sunday we play in Raleigh, but next weekend is our last game. However, next week’s game won’t mean much. Whoever wins this weekend clenches our division. Either way, both of us will end up in first and second place.”

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