Page 83 of Cross My Heart
Picking out the best one of Lanie, I send it to MLM.
MLM Tactical Group
Dexter: Mary Poppins and Bert(I caption the photo.)
Julia: Smashing.
Trevor: Cheerio, mate.
Preston: You all have mental issues.
* * *
“Tate had somuch fun trick-or-treating last night,” I say to Lanie, who is sitting at the kitchen island, her hair all askew looking sexy as hell.
“He really did,” she agrees. “It was so fun seeing him interacting with so many kids in the neighborhood. He has come so far, Dex.”
“Because of you, Lanie. You’ve been our angel, fixing us up, making us smile, sharing your kindness. I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn’t come to us.” I’m about to lean in for a kiss when the doorbell rings, startling Lanie.
Glancing over her shoulder, Lanie asks, “Are you expecting someone?” She looks over to the clock, “It’s pretty early.”
Smiling at her, I nod and go to answer the door. Tate comes up beside me, knowing who has arrived.He gives me a sly little smile and a fist bump. My big guy kept the surprise a secret for three whole hours, that might be a record for him. I let him open the door.
“Nanna Sylvie, you’re here!” He leaps into her arms.
“Oh, my sweet boy, I am. I’m so happy to see you.” I hear Lanie’s bare feet coming down the hallway.
“Hi, Mrs. Westbrook, it’s so lovely to see you. I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Oh, I know you didn’t, dear. That’s the point.” She winks and sweeps past her in search of the girls.
“Dex? What’s going on?” Lanie looks around as Sylvie, followed by Preston, Easton, Shepherd, Cooper, and finally, Ashton walks past her. “Do they always travel like this?” She asks, indicating the rather large family parade that just went through the house.
“Not always,” I laugh, “only when they come to pick up the kids, but tonight, they are all staying over, we are the ones going out.”
“What do you mean? What’s tonight?” She asks, scrunching up her nose.
“Don’t worry about it. Just pack an overnight bag, whatever you will be comfortable in, I’ve taken care of the rest.” She starts to argue but Preston cuts in.
“Don’t bother, doll, he has been working on this for weeks, trust me. We have heard about every single detail. Multiple times.” Preston hooks his arm with hers and walks her to the stairs. “I think you have about twenty minutes before you need to leave, better hurry.”
Lanie glares at us both but admits defeat. Shaking her head, she walks to her room.
MLM Tactical Group
Preston: Cutting Dexter off at the nuts on this one.Lanie is packing, my mom, brothers, and I have the kids. I’m sure we can all expect pictures and updates soon.
Julia: Is it really necessary to rain on his parade?
Trevor: Yes.
Julia: You guys are ridiculous. You did good today, Dex. Good luck.
Preston: Trev, have you lost our Jules to the dark side so soon?
Trevor: Fuck off
Julia: Fuck off
