Page 103 of The Wayward Son

“No, we got it, thanks.”

It took a moment to get it through the door, but once they made it, they headed down the hallway with it.

Sawyer went back to the bedroom. Jade was out of bed and in the bathroom. He went to the door. “They just grabbed the couch. I’m going to strip the bed down.”

He went to the bed and started removing the bedding. Jade came out and helped him.

She smiled across the bed at him. “That was quite a night, Hercules.”

“Aw, shucks.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with not telling everyone?”

“Oh damn. I just told Steve and his little brother.”

Jade threw a pillow at him. “I’m serious.”

“It’s fine, Jade.”

“Okay. I don’t want you to think we’re not going to get our moments. Because we are.”

“I believe you, Miss Let’s Do That Again. And again.”

They heard Steve and Sam coming back into the apartment.

“Shush. Go help them.”

“I offered.” He left the bedroom and Steve gave him a smile. “Can we get the mattresses next? I’m trying to load the trailer efficiently.”

“Sure. Jade is taking off the bedding.” He went to the bedroom door. “All good in here?”

“All good.” She left the bedroom with an armload of sheets and blankets. “It’s all yours guys.”

Sawyer helped her put the bedding into two plastic bags, then set them by the door.

She glanced toward the bedroom, then gave him a kiss. “Would you like some coffee?”

“Yes. I need coffee. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

She put a finger to her lips, then went to the kitchen. When she saw Sawyer smiling, she asked, "What?"

"I wonder if the mattress is still warm."

"Shush."

"They're outside hauling the recently well-used mattress to the truck."

Sawyer offered to help Steve a couple more times, but he always insisted they were fine. So, he and Jade sat on the counter in the kitchen and drank coffee and shared a giant muffin they’d gotten at the store.

Sawyer took the last bite. “This isn’t nearly as good as Xander’s muffins, but right now, it tastes pretty good.”

“Delicious. Can we go get breakfast before we leave?”

“Sure. Although…”

“Although, what?”

“I think we could both use a shower before we go.”

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