Page 15 of A Taste of Whiskey
“Mind giving us a hand with the barn when you’re done?” Cowboy said.
“Sure. I just have to pick up Gus by six.”
“Great. Appreciate it.” Cowboy headed for the table.
“That was nice of you,” Wynnie said.
“It’ll feel good to get my hands dirty.” Especially after comparing himself to Flame. He bit back that uncomfortable memory. “How areyouthis morning, Wynnie? Getting excited about the wedding?”
“I’m beyond excited about it. Knowing my boy is marrying the woman he’s been in love with since they were kids is a great feeling.”
“I bet it is.”
“You’ll see when Gus gets older. But as far as today goes, it definitely feels like a Monday to me. Does it feel like that for you, too?”
“You tell me,” he said as he filled his and Gus’s plates. “Gus wanted to come to breakfast without a shirt on to impress your daughter, because he heard Dare say he gets extra treats from Billie when he’s shirtless.”
“Oh, Lordy.” Wynnie laughed. “I guess growing up around all these rowdy men has its pitfalls.”
He saw Gus talking with Dwight by the kitchen door. “He couldn’t grow up around better people, and I don’t mind setting him straight when he needs it. But I think I’ll have a talk with Dare so he’s aware of how closely Gus listens.”
“Good luck, honey. I’ve been trying to rein him in for thirty years. I thought when he became a therapist, it’d get easier. But he didn’t buy into that old saying about the goose and the gander.” Wynnie laughed softly. “Enjoy breakfast, honey.”
She headed over to Tiny, and Ezra headed for his usual table. As always, there were several conversations going on and some whispering between Cowboy and Sully. “Good morning,” he said as he set Gus’s plate next to Sasha.
“Hey,Ez,” Sasha said with a playful lilt in her voice. “How was your night?”
Full of fantasies about you.“Not bad.” He leaned down, speaking for her ears only. “I’m sorry about what I said yesterday.”
Her brows knitted. “Why? We all need a roll in the hay sometimes.” She picked up a sausage link and took a bite, her finely manicured brows rising with amusement.
What was this new hell he was living in?
He looked for Gus and saw Dwight handing him something in a napkin. Gus cradled it in his hands as he headed for Sasha.
“Hi, Gusto. What do you have there?”
“It’s for you.” Gus beamed as he lowered his hands.
Sasha opened the napkin and gasped. “Where did you get my favorite cherry Danish?”
“Dwight made it for you,” he said in his chirpy little voice.
She put her hand over her heart. “Gus, did you ask him to make this for me?”
Gus nodded, shocking Ezra to no end. “I asked him the other day, but he didn’t have time until today.”
“Aw,” Sully said. “Gussy, you’re so sweet.”
“Do you want one?” Gus asked.
“No, thank you. I’m stuffed.” Sully leaned forward, putting a hand beside her mouth as if sharing a secret. “Don’t tell Callahan there are more, or he’ll eatallof them.” She was the only one who called Cowboy by his given name.
Gus giggled. Cowboy was doing a great job of pretending not to hear them.
“Thank you, Gus.” Sasha put the Danish on her plate and lifted Gus onto her lap, hugging him tight. She looked at Ezra over his boy’s shoulder, dreamy eyed.
He’d never been jealous of his son before.
