Page 11 of Love for a Lifetime

“Maybe she had a bad day at work,” Beau offered.

“She was off work yesterday, and I doubt the chick clique hurt her feelings,” Dawson said.

Beau scoffed. “You never know. She didn’t speak to anyone for a week when that hen died last year.”

“RIP Gemma,” Dawson said.

Beau pointed out the office window that looked into the garage. “Jacob has been waiting on you.”

“Oh! Right.” He’d almost forgotten about the reason he was here. Dashing out into the garage bay, he caught the tail end of what Jacob was saying.

“What do you think? Red or silver?” Jacob asked as he rubbed his smooth chin. If only the kid knew what kind of changes were coming for him in the next few years.

Dawson shuddered, remembering puberty for a second only to shove those embarrassing memories into the back corner of his mind where they belonged.

“Red. Obviously,” Dawson answered before jerking to a stop. “Wait. What are we talking about?”

“Dawson!” Jacob turned around and grabbed something off the toolbox. He lifted a model car in both hands–a Porsche 911 in the classic guards red. “What do you think?”

“Whoa. Definitely red,” Dawson said as he reached for the model.

“But silver is their signature color,” Jacob said.

Dawson lifted the small car. “But have you seen this? That is hot.”

Jacob’s smile grew, and he clapped his hands. “Yeah. Red looks good on it.”

Dawson checked out the life-size Porsche 911 in the bay beside them. It was a far cry from the shiny vision in his hands. The interior was torn out and resting on the garage floor. The dingy white exterior had seen its better days in the last century, and nothing under the hood was operating yet.

“It’s gonna be awesome when you finish it,” Dawson said as he handed the model back to Jacob.

“Hey, Dad. Can I wear this color in the wedding?” Jacob asked, eyeing the bright red with fascination and wonder.

Asa froze where he leaned under the hood. “That’s a little flashy, don’t you think?”

Dawson rubbed a hand over his mouth to hide his smile. Asa was getting married in a few weeks, and his son, Jacob, was probably more excited than the bride and groom.

Jacob studied the model again. “Maybe, but it would definitely look cool.”

Dawson held up a finger. “Wait, are you taking votes on what the groomsmen get to wear? Because I have ideas.”

“Don’t let Dawson vote on the suits,” Beau said as he made his way over to the Porsche. “I’ve never been a groomsman before. What else am I supposed to be doing besides playing dress up?”

“Not much,” Asa said. “Lyric and Olivia are taking care of everything. I do need to know if you’ll be bringing a date. We need a head count.”

“That’s a no for me,” Beau said.

Dawson grabbed Asa’s shoulder. “Hold the phone. We get to bring a date?”

Beau shook his head. “Only you would think it’s a privilege that you’re expected to bring a date.”

“Can I have a date too?” Jacob asked.

Asa looked wide-eyed at his kid. “Do you have someone in mind?”

Jacob shrugged one shoulder. “I’m sure I could find someone.”

“You bet you can!” Dawson said as he rested an arm around Jacob’s shoulders. “You’re a catch. The ladies will be lining up to be your date.”

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