Page 67 of Freedom Ride

Hero shrugged and dropped the boxes on the pool table. “It sounded good in my head.”

“I wasn’t even close to going to prison,” Meg grumbled. “And the damn keys were in it. It’s not theft when the keys are in the ignition,” she insisted. “It’s not my fault that All Mart doesn’t train their employees properly.”

“Uh, I’m not so sure about that, Meg,” Rigid chuckled. “Theft is theft, doll.”

“Well, whatever. I would just like the record to show that I still know how to drive a forklift with the best of them.” She settled back into the couch and tossed her hair over her shoulder. “I am a woman of many talents.”

“Is that why you destroyed ninety boxes of mac and cheese?” I asked.

“She almost had it.” Lennox raised her hand in the air. “Across the room high five for only destroying ninety boxes.”

Meg hit her hand toward Lennox. “Now that is the kind of encouragement and kindness I thought all of you were raised with,” she grumbled. “At least I have Lennox who is on my side.”

“You stole a forklift,” King and Hero boomed.

Meg plugged her ears with her fingers. “I can’t hear you,” she sang, “so Lennox and I are going to make a few shirts.”

“We are?” Lennox laughed. “I’m still busy watching all of the videos you sent me.”

“I know what I’m doing. Come on,” she insisted.

I held up my hand. “She was going to call her brother, Meg. It’s his birthday today. Give her ten minutes and you can make all the shirts you want.”

“No problem. I still need to find the design I want.” She splayed her hands over her chest. “Something likeSilly Goose Universitywould be cool.”

“Jesus,” King laughed. “You’re gonna advertise now?”

Lennox leaned over and pressed a kiss to my lips. “I’m going to go outside to call him. Did you want to talk to him?”

“I’ll give you five minutes and then come out. You should probably break the news to your brother that you’re mine now.”

A blush crept up her cheeks. “I like when you say that.”

“Oh yeah?” I whispered. “I thought it sounded better when I’m balls deep and you’re screaming my name.”

“Jonas,” she breathed out. “I have to go call my brother, and that’s how you’re going to talk to me.”

I nodded. “Yeah, because you like it.” I pressed a hot, searing kiss to her lips, and she leaned into me. “Go call your brother, babe.”

“Okay,” she breathed out. A smile curved her lips, and she patted my chest. “I love you.”

“Love you, too, babe.” I patted her ass when she stood, and she glided out the front door.

Meg held her hands to her face, and a tear streaked down her cheek.

“Oh, Jesus, woman,” King groaned. “Can you please stop crying whenever you see Lenny and Snapper together?”

“You guys are just so good together. I couldn’t have picked a better woman for you, Jonas.” Meg wiped her tears and sighed. “I’m going to go find a goose shirt now.” She plopped in front of the computer but glanced back at me.

“What?” I laughed.

“Your mom would be so proud of you, Jonas. I want you to always remember that.”

I nodded and cleared my throat. “Thanks.”

“Fuck, Meg, can you please not make all of us cry now?” King turned up the TV and cranked up the footrest.

“I’m gonna go see where else I can find some mac and cheese.” Hero headed toward the hallway with Doc and Marty on his heels.

---