Page 92 of Love and Other Trials
He was laughing as he poured her coffee. “Okay, here you are. Go get ’em, tiger.”
She gave him a terrible salute that was somehow more adorable because of it. “You too, Captain. See you later.”
“Count on it.”
She put Sherlock’s leash on and was out the door. He took his time sipping his coffee, laughing as he ate a banana for breakfast. She was a funny one, his girl. When another more polite knock sounded near eight, he headed for the door.
Jeffrey had a basket of muffins in his hand. He was elegantly dressed in a purple spring suit, white dress shirt with cuffs, and an orange cravat. “Good morning. I’m the resident muffin fairy, hoping to spread good wedding cheer today.”
Dax selected a chocolate one. “Thanks. How’s that going for you?”
“Tiffany about bit my head off. She couldn’t believe I thought she’d be eating something fatty after not fitting into her dress. Terry’s and Tricia’s reactions weren’t much better. By the way, we are not to make one wrinkle on Tiff’s dress or she’s going to go into a tiff, and we’re going to get it. I didn’t ask for a detailed description of the torment we’d undergo, but I can guarantee you, itwouldhurt. For days. Oh, and I got us this for extra support.”
He set the basket down on the side table and fished into his jacket pocket. “Here. I thought we could all use these. A woman at a local spiritual store told me this is what’s called bringing out the big guns.”
Holding up the packet he’d been given, Dax eyed the large single blue eye. “Is that the evil eye?”
“Yes, and it’s a press-on tattoo.” He pointed to his butt. “I put mine somewhere no one but Antonio is likely to see. God, I miss my honey, but thoughts of our reunion are keeping me going. You should…put it wherever you’d like, Captain Hotpants. Ariel will be only too grateful to go on a hunt for its location.”
Dax tucked his tongue against his cheek. “Might be good to put it on the best buns this side of Biloxi.”
“Ariel would like that.” Jeffrey flashed him a wicked wink. “She’s in a state already. I caught her as she was tearing down the path earlier and insisted she put on her tattoo. Wait until you see where. Then she stuffed a blueberry muffin in her mouth and said something about picking up flowers for Rob.”
“Yes, I’ll explain on the way there.” He twirled his finger. “Now turn around. Because I’m putting this tattoo on right now. I am not taking any chances.”
Jeffrey spun around and put his hands over his eyes. “Never say I’m not a gentleman.”
Mouth twitching, Dax affixed the tattoo with some water from his glass and walked to the door and opened it. “Never. Ready?”
Jeffrey made like he was throwing a scarf over his shoulder and strode out. “Honey, I’m always ready.”
Their errands went fine. The wedding dress was waiting for them. Dax couldn’t believe how much it had cost to press the thing, but maybe it was so expensive because it had been a rush job. Jeffrey said he had the company card, so to speak, but when they picked up the dress whites from the cleaner in another part of town, Dax insisted on paying the bill.
The flower shop was even more overwhelming. Dax had never seen so many choices. Jeffrey went from one floral display cooler after another, selecting flowers like a pro. Even the owner was impressed by his efficiency.
When they left the shop, Dax pulled out his phone since Jeffrey was carrying the giant bouquet.
We’re just wrapping up errands. Mission accomplished. You need anything else? Also, how’s the tent raising?
Ariel
Glad the mission was successful. We’re still putting the tent up. The ground is still really wet in places. And thanks for asking, but I don’t need anything right now. Thank God!
I’m here for you, babe. See you soon.
Jeffrey glanced over as a woman passed them, sighing, likely over the flowers.
“Hey! I’ll be right back,” he told Jeffrey. Following his gut, he jogged back to the flower shop. He didn’t know if Ariel would sigh or swoon, but he wanted to do something nice. Hell, romantic. After a few questions from the flower shop owner about the woman he was buying for—he recalled her complaining about pastel colors—he jogged back to the car with a bouquet.
“Ah, good choices all.” Jeffrey smiled as he pushed up his green glasses and fingered the edges of the double bloom tulips in red, orange, and purple. “She’ll love them. One thing about Ariel is that she professes not to be a girl in such things, but deep down, most of us love to feel appreciated. Few things say it better than flowers.”
Setting the bouquet in the back next to Tiffany’s, he figured this was a good moment to get more information. “What else does?”
“You asking me?” Jeffrey gave a saucy wink. “A really big dick.”
Dax choked. “I’ll take your word for it. Jesus, Jeffrey! I’m really glad you’re you because I was worried I wasn’t going to like anyone in Ariel’s family.”
“Wait until you meet our dad.” Jeffrey turned the car on. “He’s a pretty serious guy with his own rules, but he’s a good man. He’ll like you.”
