Page 155 of Hidden Ties

Sage gave a jaunty huff of air.

“You’re the one who acted like your stuff was made of gold,” she whispered to him. “If you’re that concerned I’d get pregnant when we had sex, you can take the precautions yourself.”

“I normally do.”

“How normally?”

“Always. You’re the first one.”

“Really?”

He nodded.

“Poor guy.” She laughed. “I bet Colby nearly gave you a heart attack.”

“Darn near.”

Colby raised her head at thedarn.

“I saiddarn.”

Her niece went back to coloring.

When the food came out, the girls immediately started eating. Sage had to cut up Tinsley’s corndog before she allowed her to eat it and wasn’t happy about not being about to use the stick.

As they ate, Tinsley stared covetously looking at the other food on the table. “I want hamburger.”

Sage wasn’t fazed. She had dealt with this problem before.

“You chose a corndog. Colby chose a hamburger. She doesn’t have to share.”

Tinsley picked up a piece of her corndog, holding it out to Colby. “I’ll share.”

“I don’t want a corndog.” Colby held her hamburger protectively.

She popped the piece of corndog into her mouth, but huge tears came dripping out of her eyes.

Colby set her burger down. “She can have a piece.”

Sage cut a small portion off and gave it to Tinsley.

“Thank you, sissy.”

“You’re welcome.” Picking the burger back up, Colby started eating.

When she chewed on the burger, Sage saw Tinsley looking at Colby’s burger again, ignoring her own food.

“No, Tinsley, I’m not going to let Colby give you any more of her food.”

Tinsley started eyeing Kent’s food. “I want chicken.”

Using his fork, Kent gave Tinsley a tender. Sage knew he thought that would make Tinsley happy. It didn’t.

“Sauce.”

“You have ketchup.”

Tinsley pointed at Kent.

---