Page 80 of Shattered Dreams

“And how about you, Jo?”

“Dada.” Briar yelled running over to me. “Yes!”

“Is this the house for us, princess?” I scooped her up into my arms.

“Yes!”

“That’s four votes.” I gave Briar a squeeze. “I’ll be five.”

Jo held her face, spun in a circle and then bent to pick up the baby. “I guess Emma and I make six and seven.”

“Then let’s lock up and make some calls to get the ball rolling.”

“I’d like that.”

We locked up behind us and I had them drop me off at work. The kids were out of school, so Jo took the day off to spend with them.

Our newest mascot, Sammy, came over to my bay and looked at the car I was getting ready to work on.

“Need help?”

“Sure.” I smiled at my niece. “How ya holding’ up?”

She shrugged. “It’s weird.”

“How so?” I drop down on my creeper and slide under the car, not surprised when she lies on the dirty floor to keep talking to me.

“I have family and shit.”

“You have family.” I chuckled. “Don’t say shit.”

“You just said it.”

“I’m an adult.”

“Well, that’s bullshit.” She huffed out.

I laughed and got distracted letting oil dribble out on me; she pushed the pan under the stream. “Thanks, kiddo.”

“Libby said we’re all having a big dinner at Nana Jean’s next week.”

“Thanksgiving.” I wiped oil off my hands and face where it splashed. “Nana makes a shitton of food. We eat until we can’t walk and watch football.”

“Interesting.”

“Libby, Jo, and Nana might make plans to battle the crowds for black Friday.” I roll out and meet my helper.

“Why would they do that?” Her nose scrunches up.

I gave her a shrug. “Who knows.”

“You teachin’ my kid bad things?” Coop yelled across the garage.

“Absolutely! That’s what uncles are for.” I held up my arm, flipping him the bird.

Sammy giggled beside me and flipped him another bird.

Jeremy busted out laughing, and I didn’t bother to correct my niece.

---