Page 113 of The Wounded Warrior

“Well, I been doing twice the work.”

Oh, jerk face. “I’ll get you a bunch of shit.”

“Good deal. I figure I’ll share with you when you’re working.” Matty was laughing at him. “Come home, Lulu. Please. We’re busy.”

“We just have to grab a bite and close up the house.” He was ready, and he hoped Rory was, too. Austin was…busy.

“Drive safe.”

He didn’t have to worry about that. Rory loved that Mustang. He had no doubt the Caddy would make it back safe too. Miss Aislin was a force of nature.

All of the McConnells were, he guessed—top to bottom.

“See you in the morning. I’ll text when we get back.”

They said their goodbyes about the time Rory came into the room. “Mom’s car is safe in the garage. I shudder to think how many miles are on it when Aislin brings it home.”

“I know. It’s been safe while we were here, but I bet she takes it on a tour.”

“She loves to go to Fredericksburg to shop.” Rory bounced on his toes. “You all set?”

“I packed us both and checked all the rooms.”

“The cleaners will catch anything we missed.” Rory gave him a crooked smile. “Let’s go.”

“You ready to go home?”

“Nope, but that’s never stopped me.”

Luke wheeled over to tug Rory down for a hug. He’d found the chair much easier than the arm crutches in this house. Plenty of room to move.

Rory nuzzled his jaw, the move damn near catlike.

Speaking of. “Man, the cats are going to be pissed at you.”

“I’ll tell them it’s your fault.”

“Me?” No way was he gonna let Mal take it out on him.

“Totally. I’m totally going to lie.”

“Bitch.” Luke pinched Rory’s butt. “Matty wants like fifty bucks worth of shit from West.”

“Are you starving him? How did he take care of himself before you showed up?”

“No idea. Momma, probably. She makes casseroles.” King Ranch, broccoli chicken, chicken spaghetti…

“Moms are magical things. Seriously. Mine’s never going to cook for me again.”

“Bullshit. She’s making bacon right now.” He wheeledtoward the bedroom with Rory on his lap. The new chair wasn’t quite as responsive with two of them. “Did I tell you Momma brought her muffins and coffee the day I left?”

“You did. Bonnie is amazing. I adore her.”

“I know. I do love that about you.” He dumped Rory in the bedroom. “Bags.”

“Yes, boss. Get your ass to the car.”

“Going. I’ll grab my arm crutches.”

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