Page 24 of Sor

“You think they planned all this?” he chuckled.

“I do. I think they had Gaspar and looked at their first son and thought, ‘there is no way we are letting this child leave us.’ That’s what I would have said. And I bet every time they had a baby, it was even stronger. He worked hard growing his businesses, developing the land around here, supported his children in their dreams, and now they, and all of you, are giving back to them in the only way that they ever wanted a return. You can’t tell me that’s not magical.”

Sor gave a huff, looking around the room. So much love, so much laughter. With the holidays coming, it would be nice if they could just enjoy one another and not chase bad guys and solve murders or rescue anyone.

“You’re right,” he nodded. “It’s positively magical.”

With dinner done and everyone enjoying dessert and coffee, the conversations were filled with laughter instead of sadness. Luke, Cam, Hex, and Eric had made it a point to get the men to stop discussing business during meals. Family time was important to all of them, none more so than Mama Irene and Matthew.

“Luke? Luke, I need you and these boys to start hauling out all the Christmas decorations,” said Mama Irene, walking toward them with her posse.

“Grandma, it’s only the beginning of November,” he frowned.

“And it takes me four to five weeks to get everything up. We got big plans this year, and Pére Noel will be ridin’ his boat through the bayou again. There’s a lot to do. Presents to buy, lights to hang, trees to decorate. We’re gonna be busy.”

“Grandma, I promise we’ll get to it, but we’re in the middle of a case right now.”

“Luke Robicheaux, you got two hundred men at your fingertips. Give me thirty,” she said, frowning with her hand on her hip. “All the girls are helpin’ where they can. The boys can too.”

“I’ve got a crew all ready, Luke,” said Jax, walking toward them with a big smile. “The inbetweeners are ready.”

“Inbetweeners?” he frowned.

“Yeah,” he laughed. “We’re not quite old enough to be seniors on Belle Île. We’re not exactly the new kids like Sor, Leif, and the others. We’re inbetweeners.”

“Okay,” nodded Luke with a smirk. “Who’s on this team?”

“Me, Hunter, Bryce, King, Griff, Eagle, Hawk, Skull, Blade, Tristan, Tango, Razor, and a few others. Zulu, Whiskey, Doc, and Gunner are thinking of moving out to the island with the other seniors.”

“Seriously?” frowned Luke. “They’re not seniors.”

“Luke, brother, we’re all technically seniors. We just don’t look or act it. It’s cool. We’re available to help, and we’re happy to do it. I love Christmas, brother. This is my time.”

“Alright. Sounds good. Thanks, man. I do not want Grandma on my ass.”

“I wouldn’t either,” laughed Jax. “Besides, Ellie and me want this Christmas to be really special for Monroe. Last year, we were just getting to know one another. This year, it’s on.”

“Now that sounds perfect.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Mama Irene and Claudette gathered all the wives who weren’t working to start planning the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and celebrations. If the men thought they had a strong team, they hadn’t seen anything yet. The women were out in numbers, strong, ready, and more than prepared for their assignments.

“Wow, there are so many of you,” said Nell. “I mean, I’ve met people a little at a time over the last few weeks, but not everyone all at once.”

“We are a force,” smiled Camille. “But we stick together, Nell. In everything we do, we’re always there for one another. No questions asked. Ashley and I almost got into some real trouble because we stuck together.”

“Wouldn’t change it for the world,” grinned Ashley. She hugged Camille, happy that they’d become such great friends.

“I always wanted sisters. I guess this is my wish come true.” The women all laughed, nodding as they took their seats in the Sugar Lodge.

Claudette, Mama Irene, Ruby, and Erin were busy ordering the men to place buckets of materials around the room, supplies on the tables, and turn the fireplaces on. It was getting cold outside, and rain was starting to fall.

“Alright, everyone! Listen up!” said Irene on the microphone pinned to her jacket.

“Good lord, who gave that woman a microphone,” muttered Hawk.

“I heard that, young man,” she said, glaring at him. “I might be old, but my hearing is perfect. We got a lot to do, and this holiday season is gonna be more than magical. It’s going to be perfect.”

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