Page 129 of Jep

“That’s better,” Em said. “Once you’re done here, there’s lunch at the house.”

“You shouldn’t be working so hard,” Katie said.

“Making sandwiches is not hard.”

“I’ll be in soon.”

“Come on, Bonnie, let’s go see what Daddy’s up to.”

Bonnie skipped toward a large barn across a large yard.

“Keep up the good work girls,” Em waved to her daughter and to Katie before waddling to the barn.

When she went inside, Jep was scooping up Bonnie. He kissed her before tucking her on his hip and carrying her over to Em.

“How’re you feeling?”

“Uncomfortable. How’re you guys doing?”

“Really good. I got another call today. Word’s getting around the state that Slate’s the best. Everyone wants him for their paint job.”

“He’s got a great attention to detail,” Em said.

“You two must be related.”

“I do love him like a brother, so that’s got to count for something.”

“It’s lunchtime, Daddy,” Bonnie said, head butting her dad. “I’m hungry.”

“Lunchtime already?” Jep said before giving her a raspberry on her neck.

Bonnie squealed and slid down to the floor before running out the door. “Last one’s a rotten egg,” she yelled before disappearing.

“You could have called my cell,” Jep said.

“I need to walk. Get this baby moving.”

He rested his hand on her belly. “Three girls. What am I going to do with myself?” He leaned down and kissed her belly. “I can’t wait to see what God has in store for each of them.”

“That’s a long way off. Let them grow up first.”

“If I could have it my way, they’d never grow up. What am I going to do when the boys start sniffing around?”

“Don’t worry about them,” Slate said, ambling over. “I’ve got my shotgun. And you know I won’t be the only one.” He looked back at the workshop where three other guys were working.

“I can bring lunch out to you if you’re busy,” Em said.

“No way,” Jep said. “I’ll help you back to the house, then I want you to rest for a bit.”

“I don’t need help. Slate, you make sure they all wash their hands before coming inside.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Jep linked his fingers with hers. “My hands are clean. I’ll walk you back.”

“You worried I’ll go into labor on the way?”

“You never know.” As they walked across the yard, Katie was headed for the house. “How’s she doing?”

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