Page 102 of The Last Second Chance
Joey wavedas Franklin’s red SUV coasted to a stop in front of the stables. Phoebe sprang out of the passenger seat before the kids piled out of the back.
“We brought you children and an extra dog,” she said, as Diesel tumbled out of the backseat and into the snow. “I owe you big time,” she added in a whisper.
The fat gray puppy yipped excitedly when he saw Waffles and the two dogs took off running up the drive toward the house.
“Okay, I owe Waffles, too. Tripod and Mr. Snuffles are enjoying a quiet, peaceful house without Cutie Destructo there.” Phoebe leaned in to give Joey a hug. “Now where’s that handsome son of mine?”
“He’s inside finishing up the mucking and stealing all of my coffee,” Joey said, jerking her thumb behind her.
“Hey, Joey,” Evan said, stuffing his gloved hands into the pockets of his winter coat.
“How’s it going, Ev? I could use a hand exercising some of the horses if you don’t mind.”
“Sure,” he said, beaming. He leaned in a little closer to her and lowered his voice. “We should probably take Aurora with us. I think she’s driving Phoebe and Grampa nuts.”
Joey riffed the bill of his cap. “Good call, kid. Hey, Aurora, feel like riding Princess this morning?”
“Yay!” Aurora in her pink snowsuit clapped her mittened hands together. “I get to ride Princess!”
Jax ambled out of the barn with Valentina on his heels. “Hey, Mom,” he said, giving Phoebe a peck on the cheek. He gave Franklin and Evan hearty handshakes and then swept Aurora up into the air and spun her around until she squealed in delight.
“Jazz, I’m gonna ride Princess today!” the little girl announced.
“Well, I guess we’d better get her saddled up then,” Jax said, tickling her. “How were the roads?” he asked Franklin.
“Plows have one lane cleared between here and town. They should be able to open up the second lane sometime this afternoon.”
“How’s the rest of town look?”
“Oh, you know, Blue Moon,” Phoebe said waving her hand. “Everyone’s been out and about with snow shoes and cross country skis since yesterday morning. They all want to know if the brewery will be open tomorrow.”
“I have a call in to Calvin to see if his brother-in-law can bring his plow truck in to do the parking lot today,” Jax said, setting Aurora down on the ground. “So what are you two doing while we give the horses some exercise?”
Phoebe looked pleadingly at Joey.
“Why don’t you two head over to the farm and make sure the house is still standing since no one’s been staying there,” Joey suggested.
Phoebe’s pleading look immediately changed to one of keen interest. “Oh, so Jax has been staying…?”
“Here,Mother,” Jax said pointedly.
“Well, isn’t that nice?” Phoebe’s grin was so big it looked like it might split her face wide open. “Isn’t that nice, dear?” she said again to Franklin.
“If you say it’s nice, then it’s very nice,” Franklin agreed. “If it’s okay with you guys we can make lunch at the farmhouse.”
“What’s for lunch?” Joey asked, perking up.
“Chicken Parmesan and breadsticks,” Franklin said.
Joey whooped.
“What time do you want us there?” Jax asked, scratching Valentina’s head.
“How about around noon?” Phoebe suggested.
“We’ll be there exactly at noon. So be ready and presentable,” Jax said.
“Very funny,son.”
