Page 45 of Ava
“I don’t want to step on any family reunions or anything.”
“You’re not,” Chip said, then went over and put his hands on her shoulders. For her ears only, he said, “Don’t let that ass from earlier ruin your night. I’ve got calls in, trying to get answers. Come join us.”
“Okay, give me a minute to run up and change.”
“You’re fine,” Morgan said. “Just throw something on your feet.”
Ava ran up the stairs, and grabbed her sandals from her room, and rejoined them. “Not that I couldn’t, but I really wasn’t looking forward to cooking for myself,” she said, then turned to the men. “I won’t be cooking every meal for you guys either.”
“We can take turns,” Chuck said, and grinned when everyone turned to look at him in shock. “Hey, I know how to cook.” Everyone shook their heads, then left the house. Justin waited until Ava locked up, and offered her a seat in his truck. Chip and Peggy opted to drive over with Morgan.
Ten minutes after arriving at the ranch, everyone was seated at the table, and dishes were passed. Not a lot of conversations were started as everyone ate. When they were done, most of the people got up to do the dishes, and Chip leaned back in his chair and studied everyone. When he saw DJ and Lucas leave the room, he leaned in and looked directly at Dillon.
“I’m reading the A’s and Chuck in tomorrow.”
“And you don’t think it should wait until after the BBQ?”
“No, why? Because, what if someone is at the BBQ and they’re ignorant of that fact.”
“Shit, I never thought of it. This BBQ isn’t invitation only, it’s open to the public. We’re looking somewhere near six hundred people. I can see where you’d want them informed.”
“Yeah, and I’ve called Tom, he’ll be at the house in the morning. Something happened today that we need to inform everyone.”
“Are my children safe?”
“Yes. We’ll make damn sure of it, but can you join us after breakfast?”
“I can. Eight? Nine?”
“Nine sounds good.” Chip nodded and settled back, to watch his niece interact with her fiancé, and was happy she had found someone. Now if only his nephews could find someone like Morgan had. He studied Justin, and smiled a secret smile when the man couldn’t take his eyes off Ava. She was the same with him—veryinteresting.
An hour later, Wyatt settled back at the kitchen table and studied Chip. “What brings you out here?”
“One, I’m here for DJ’s graduation. But, I came out early because I wanted to see the progress on the barracks. I’ve also got some things to discuss with Morgan.”
“Okay, are Chad and Dottie coming?”
“They’re leaving in the morning.”
“If you need a place to stay, there are three rooms upstairs that are available.”
“If you don’t mind, and won’t be offended, we’re going to stay over at the new house.”
“Not offended. You do what you have to.”
Chip made a decision, and studied his future nephew by marriage. “Can you get away tomorrow afternoon?”
“For?”
“I was thinking of all of us going for a ride.”
“I’d love to, but I’m booked up until after the BBQ. If you’re still around next weekend, I can get away. I need to plan ahead.”
“That sounds like a good idea. And yes, Peggy and I can stay another week.”
“I’ll plan on it.” They shook hands, then the others settled at the table and had several conversations going at once. It was late by the time they went back to the new house. Ava kept trying to stifle a yawn, but finally gave it up, and let out a large one. Justin laughed as he parked the truck, and hurried around and helped her out. Everyone waited on the porch as Ava unlocked the door.
“Sorry,” she said as soon as everyone was inside. “But, I’m exhausted. I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
