Page 42 of Twilight Echoes
“That’s only if I turn you into a frog,” her father said, handing Darrell a covered mug. “I’m guessing that you’re a cream and sugar kind of guy.”
“What gave me away?” Darrell sipped his coffee, looping his free arm around her waist. Their hips bumped. Being around him sent her heart racing. As comfortable as she was in his arms, this raw energy rattled her nerves, making her a bit self-conscious.
Or maybe it was the smirk on her father’s face.
“I just know these things.”
“I see.” Darrell smiled as if he and her father had some running private joke between them. “When do we leave?”
“Twenty-five minutes.” Her father waved his hand. “I’ve got some news we’ll talk about in the car. Gabe is coming with us.”
“Where’s Trask?” Darrell asked.
“Dealing with some magical recon.” Her father waved his hand over his head. “Now eat.”
Darrell wasted no time helping himself. “This smells delicious.”
“It’s fattening too.” She snagged her plate and coffee and eased into a chair at the table. She dug her fork into the food and pushed a massive bite into her mouth. The rich flavors melted into her mouth. Her mother loaded so much syrup into the stuff that she didn’t need to add more.
But that didn’t stop Darrell from doing it. “Well, you do need the extra calories.”
She cocked her head and glared.
He lowered his gaze just as her mother waltzed into the room with all the style and grace that made her one of the prettiest ladies in all the world. Avery had always admired her mom and the way she carried herself in any situation.
“Good morning,” her mom said. “How’s my baby?” She cupped Avery’s chin and kissed her cheek. “Based on the two full moons last night, I’d say you two had a wonderful evening.”
“Mother, please,” Avery mumbled.
Her mom batted her nose. “Don’tmotherme.” She patted Darrell on the shoulder. “Can I get you anything else, son?”
“No. Thank you. And this is absolutely scrumptious, Mrs.—”
“Don’t you dare. I’m either Annabell or Mom or even Grandma to you. Whichever you prefer.”
Avery groaned. It was never going to stop.
“Yes, ma’am,” Darrell said.
Her mother waggled her finger. “Nope. That doesn’t work either.”
“I’ll work on it.” Darrell laughed.
“Avery, honey. Where’s your phone?” Her mother pulled a mug from the counter and poured a cup of coffee.
“In my pocket, why?” Avery picked at her food.
“Please call your sisters. Especially Amanda. I think she’s a little lonely up there in Vermont and is wondering when youand Darrell will move there. Being pregnant and away from her family, even though she has the Fergusons and everyone else there, I’m sure she’s looking forward to sharing this experience with her little sister.”
Avery shoved her plate aside and dropped her head to the table with a thud.
“Oh, and I thought I’d put two cribs in your suite. Would you two like to pick them out, or should I deal with that myself?” her mother asked.
“I’m not having this conversation now,” Avery muttered.
“Okay. I’ll do it. No worries.” Her mom waved her hand. “I best go help your father.”
“Tell me when she’s gone, please.”Being able to communicate with Darrell through her mind was one good thing that came out of all this. Well, there were others, but until the spell was lifted, she wasn’t going to deal with most of it.
