Page 46 of One More Yule Log
“I thought so, but now…now I don’t know. I honestly don’t.”
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense. What is it?” He grinned up at Ben to keep it light, then dribbled peroxide on the cut.
Ben hissed, then leaned back. “So there’s this huge party for the clients, but the venue cancelled, and a bunch have RSVPed already. The venue was providing catering, so even if I had a venue, I don’t have food.”
“What kind of food are they expecting?” He knew catering people from Aspen to Grand Junction.
“High-end nibbles. It’s supposed to happen at the cocktail hour.”
“Huh. I know some people who can pinch hit.” Hell, he could do the sweets and hand out cards. “You just need to find a venue.” Gray slapped on Neosporin and bandages.
“Yeah. I’m going to call them and have a fit.”
“Cool. Get a discount if they give you a different date.” He said it automatically, then laughed a little. “I’m sure you know that.”
“I do, but it’s nice to have someone remind me. A friend. A…partner.” That single word was heavy with meaning.
“I— Yeah. I was so worried at the store, babe. Word travels fast around here.” He leaned up to kiss Ben on the lips. “Better. We should make sure Liv is not trying to cook tacos.”
“You know she is.” Ben chuckled softly. “I’m ready now. Thank you.”
“We can iron out what calls we need to make after supper and just start hitting it hard tomorrow.” He hoisted his ass up off the floor, then held out a hand for Ben, since getting up could be odd when a man had and injury.
“Thanks. Okay. Taco night. Rock on.” Ben nuzzled his temple.
“You know it. I love tacos.” He chuckled. Who didn’t?
“Me too.”
Liv was in the kitchen, trying to chop an onion.
“Hey, kiddo. How about you chop lettuce with this plastic knife.” Gray saved her little fingers.
“I can do that. Hey, Daddy. You okay?” She looked up at Ben with teary eyes.
“I’m good. I am. I was mad at your Uncle Jack.”
“Oh, was he mean to you?” She hugged Ben hard.
“Just grownup sh-stuff. You know.”
“I do. Uncle Jack can be very serious.” She made grr face when she moved away, and Gray hid a laugh.
“Here, kiddo. All set for you to do lettuce and tomatoes with the veggie knife. I’ll finish the onion so I can do the meat.”
“Thank you! I tried to do it. The onion.”
“You did great. Thank you.” Ben smiled at her, the look adoring. This was what Ben was made for—loving this little girl.
“Thanks, Daddy. I made up a new dance. Can you watch me in the dining room while Gray makes meat?”
“Oh. I want to see too,” Gray said.
“Okay. When you’re done then. What happened to your hand, Daddy?”
“The phone broke, and I cut myself on the pieces.”
Oh, that was well done. Not a bit of it was a lie, but it wasn’t exactly the truth.
