Page 191 of Restless
“But—”
“Take the guys to the mancave for a drink, Christopher,” she said softly.
Drawing in a deep breath, Dad nodded.
“Rebel, darling, can you bring Jaleena and her sisters to my office to finish wrapping the gifts for everyone’s goody bags? I’ll send Mattie and Ava to help.”
“Sure, Momma,” Rebel said demurely.
Uncle Johnnie snorted. “Any excuse to spend money,” he said with disgust, unwittingly helping her objective.
“It’s Megan’s fuckin’ money, Johnnie,” Dad barked, “so shut the fuck up.”
“I’m just saying, Christopher.”
“If you ain’t asked, don’t fuckin’ say.” Dad narrowed his eyes at someone behind CJ. “What the fuckyoulookin’ at?”
“Nothing, Uncle Chris,” Diesel said.
Turning, CJ lifted a brow.
“I’d say Rebel,” Grant said, staring at her, too. “Rory’s right. She’s hot. She, uh…” He took her in front head-to-toe. “Goddamn.”
“Son,” Pop said with disapproval.
Rebel beamed. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Come, Zuria,” Mom said, weaving her arm through the other woman’s and urging her forward. “We’re in the kitchen, preparing the first course. I believe you know Roxy and Jordan.”
“Er, y-yes.”
“I’m so interested to know about your work. My sister-in-law is an attorney…” Her words floated away as they got farther down the corridor.
“I need a drink,” Diesel said, breaking away from the group and heading toward the central hallway.
“No, bro,” Ransom said, racing from the west corridor and rushing to the opposite side, Ryder, and Axel hot on his heels. “You need a new wife.”
“We don’t like the one you have,” Axel said, the last of the trio to disappear.
“Follow me,” Dad grumbled, following in the direction Diesel went.
Rebel nodded to Jaleena and her sisters. “Come on.” She sauntered to the hallway that led to Mom’s office.
Trancelike, Jaleena and her sisters followed.
Once again, CJ wondered why he’d invited the Davises over. So far, it hadn’t gone as planned and he couldn’t see the evening turning out any better.
Chapter Thirty-One
Although Christopher’s idea to host the Davises without the family was better, Meggie needed as much assistance as possible to make her point on her son’s behalf. Ordinarily, six days would’ve been more than enough time to plan her menu, buy the food, shop for new clothes, tidy the house, and cook. But she was still healing both physically and mentally. She and Christopher visited Jo every day. While Christopher remained with their baby, Meggie normally broke away to visit Molly and receive updates on her prognosis.
Upon Meggie and Christopher’s return home, Bunny had dinner prepared for the family, the kids arrived from school, and Meggie wanted rest. Soon after dinner ended, Christopher carried her upstairs, helped her to shower, then snuggled with her in bed.
With each passing day, she fell more in love with her husband. Many instances over their years together proved her importance to him and his devotion to her. Her most recent illness revealed not only his dedication but his fear of losing her. He'd always said that Meggie was his everything, and no matter what Johnnie said, she knew with her entire being that it was true.
After convincing Christopher they should have a family dinner and invite the Davises over, Meggie realized it was an opportune time to remind Johnnie of how much she and Christopher loved and needed each other, so he’d back off.
Or, maybe, it was wishful thinking. Somehow, Johnnie always knew when Christopher was downstairs. Three days ago, he’d returned to his office at the club after their visit to the hospital and stayed two or three hours, longer than the few minutes he’d allowed since her release.
