Page 93 of Passed Ball

Cruz:

Brunch. The tradition can be brunch.

Dean:

Finally, the voice of reason.

Dom:

Weddings are cooler but I guess brunch could work.

Cruz:

Anywhere but Buns & Roses.

My wife doesn't need to get sucked into working.

Looking up from the chaos unfolding on my screen I ask, "How would you feel about a little company at brunch?"

"What kind of company?"

"My teammates and their spouses. Most of them already know we're doingthis." I suckthatspot on her neck and she sags into my hold. "Plus, there'll be eggs Benedict." I hold up the screen so Vivienne can see the conversation.

Xavier:

I'm in, but only if I get to pick the place.

"No, you don't have to do that. It was a joke," she says, her cheeks darkening a shade.

I turn her in my arms, tipping her chin up between fingers. "Sweetheart, do you want eggs Benedict?"

Her lip vanishes between her teeth. The war waging inside her is visible as she fidgets, before answering. "Yes, but . . ."

"No, buts. Youcanask for whatyouwant," I remind her.

Xavier:

Five Friends Kitchen

Dom:

How very à propos.

Dean:

Words I never thought I'd hear Dom use for 1,000.

Hendrix:

I bet you watch Jeopardy! in a robe with your feet kicked

up in your favorite recliner every night in the offseason.

Dom:

Only when he's not boning your sister

in that remote cabin of his.