Page 27 of Dirty Secrets

“Why didn’t you tell us any of this before?” Carson asks.

Shane shrugs. “Aiden felt weird about how the Wolfes put their name on a lot of businesses. Thought that sometimes they were a bit…how did he put it? Showy. He didn’t want our familyto be known the way theirs was. Then the Dirty name died out a bit. A few people changed their surname. You know how it is.”

We all stifle smirks. There have been so many jokes about that name over the years.

“The Wolfes are fine people. They’ve always been good family and great neighbors. So have we.” Shane points toward the whisky bottle, and Griffin fills his glass so that he can raise it. “So there you go. All of the Dirty family secrets are out in the open for the next generation.”

He takes a huge swig, then raps on the table. “In return for this information, I have a request. Kind of a demand, actually. You boys take your wives on a nice vacation once a year, and you leave the kids with your grandma and me.” His eyes shift left to meet Adam's. “Don’t worry, your parents will be around a lot to help us out. But couples need some alone time. Keeps a marriage strong.”

Carson chuckles. “I can’t see any of us having a problem with that.”

Shane sits down, rubbing his hands together. “Now, didn’t Lily say that there was another pie in the kitchen and a second tray of cinnamon rolls? Which one of you wants to go grab those for us?”

We have another round of dessert, as conversation returns to normal.

An hour later, we walk out to the driveway, gathering in front of Walker’s car. “So, that’s the big family secret?” Griffin chuckles. “We’re related to the Wolfes, and Grandpa loves to support this town our family helped found, while keeping his wealth under wraps? Not so bad, considering.”

“I respect him,” Harper says softly. “He really does want to set up a community for the future.”

“Yeah,” Nikki agrees. “And the offer of free babysitting during our annual vacations? Sweet.”

I grin. “That’s an incredible demand that I don't mind obeying.”

Walker slips an arm around me. “Where do you want to go for our first holiday, sweetheart?”

I grin up at him, my mind already spinning. “I think we have some research to do.”

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