Page 132 of Perfect Three

“We’ll see.Bye, Geoff.”She hung up, scowling at Sebastian, with a snarky voice, she said, “Satisfied?”

“Oh, my sweet Lucy.That should get you ten on the arse with my flogger, but I’ll let you off because this is so stressful for you.”

Jack burst out laughing at the startled look Lucy knew was on her face.She glared at him and stuck out her tongue, which only served to make him laugh harder so she punched his shoulder.

“Okay, children, that’s enough!”Sebastian’s voice cracked a little as he tried to sound serious.

Lucy cocked a snoot at Jack and turned back to Sebastian.Snarling, she demanded, “This is all your damn idea, so what will we eat on Thursday?”

“How about a barbeque?It’s relaxing, the weather’s warm, and the kids can run around outside while we watch.Jack, Geoff, and I can cook while you and Allison talk.”

Chapter Fifty-Three

When Thursday camearound, Lucy was so hyped up that the slightest sound had her jumping.Her stomach was in knots, and she had a raging headache.Whenever she thought of meeting Allison, nausea threatened to send her to the toilet.She wanted to hide away until her daughter left.

Both men had gone to work early, and they’d promised they’d be home well before four.Jack had left orders with Lucy for preparing the vegetables and marinating the meats.

After downing some paracetamol, Lucy made a mango and macadamia cheesecake with a salted caramel topping, and a tray of brownies for dessert.Really, it was to do anything to keep busy and keep her mind off Allison.

But now, at three o’clock, she kept fidgeting, getting more nervous with each passing minute.She roamed the house, checked the chickens, and then wandered through the house again.

Going to the bedroom, Lucy changed into a clean pair of jeans and t-shirt she’d bought yesterday.Going back to the kitchen, she checked the clock for the hundredth time.

It was twenty to four when she heard the garage door open and a few minutes later her two men walked in through the hall next to the pantry.Sebastian had an enormous bunch of roses for her.They both enveloped her in a huge hug, then Sebastian held her at arm’s length and looked critically at her.

“It’s going to be fine, my dearest.Try and relax.”

She snorted.“Easier said than done.”

“Come on, Jack.Let’s change into something casual so we can calm our girl.”

A few minutes later, they were back downstairs.Jack had pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt while Sebastian had settled for jeans and a tee.Jack checked on the preparations while Sebastian made Lucy a cup of herbal tea.

He led her outside to one of the large outdoor settees and sat her down.It was a perfect summer afternoon.The sun shone brightly, but it wasn’t too hot thankfully, just hovering in the mid-thirties.

Lucy tried hard to appear calm, but it was impossible.Finally, they all heard the sound of slamming doors then shrieks of childish laughter.

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