“Lifetime of free haircuts,” I tell her.
 
 “Whatever floats your boat.”
 
 She steps out of my hold and starts heading up the street.
 
 “Hey! Shoot me a message with the funeral arrangements,” she calls over her shoulder.
 
 “Will do!”
 
 I slowly head back to the Suburban, giving Hog a quick call.
 
 “How did it go?”
 
 “Good,” I share. “I’ve got the paperwork in hand, heading to the funeral home now. And get this, Mel handed me an envelope with a whack of money. Apparently, the MC did a collection.”
 
 “Doesn’t surprise me. They’re good people,” he comments.
 
 I can hear he’s in the truck.
 
 “What about you? What did the doc say?”
 
 “I’m cleared. Already let the firehouse know. I’m back on shift starting Saturday.”
 
 “Oh shit, Saturday? I thought you were going back tomorrow, I made plans.”
 
 There’s a bit of a pause and then he comes back with, “What plans exactly?”
 
 I snicker, if I’m not mistaken the man is a wee bit jealous.
 
 “It’s only drinks,” I tease him. “Nothing major.”
 
 Another pause, this one a bit longer and heavier.
 
 “Only drinks, with who?”
 
 I can almost hear him grind his teeth.
 
 “The girls,” I explain, taking pity on him. “I was just messing with you.”
 
 His growl does things to my nether region.
 
 “I’ll deal with you when I get home,” he warns. “I’m on my way now.”
 
 “It’ll have to wait,” I inform him, as I unlock the Suburban. “I have to make a stop at the funeral home first.”
 
 “Probably better. Gives me a chance to unload the fertilizer and grab a quick shower first. Means I’ll have my hands free to deal with you when you get here.”
 
 I’m smiling as I settle in behind the wheel.
 
 “I can’t wait.”
 
 CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
 
 Anika
 
 “Promise you’ll call if it turns out to be more than one.”
 
 I roll my eyes at his reflection as I swipe on some lip balm.