Page 2 of Viper

“I heard Carrie Bellmont married a former Navy SEAL,” I mentioned, glancing at Allison.

“Yeah, he’s with SEAL Security. They are very affectionate, unlike Ryan and Patty; I’ve never seen them hug or kiss in public. I’ve often wondered if they are even intimate when they sleep together.”

“Are we really discussing our brothers’ love lives?”

“Oh, there’s no love in Ryan and Patty’s relationship. They tolerate each other. Patty wants to marry Ryan for what he has. I have no idea what Ryan wants.”

“Anything else happen around here that I missed?”

“Lord, yes, a lot has happened. Let’s grab a beer and sit on the front porch. I’ll fill you in.”

“I can’t wait. I need whiskey, not beer.”

“Whiskey it is. Just like old times. Maybe you’ll share some stories about those four years in that Iranian prison; it might help with your stress.”

“And maybe I won’t. Why do you think I’m stressed?”

“Because you can’t sit still for no longer than it takes you to eat dinner. You’re always on the move. That’s why I asked if you’ve ever seen that woman. I almost forgot I was going to tell you that Patty has cheated on Ryan before. He didn’t seem to mind. I told him, he shrugged it off, like he doesn’t care what she does.”

“I can certainly believe that. It’s clear they’re not in love. If they ever get engaged, I might have to say something, but until then, I’ll keep my opinions to myself. Now, stop talking about Ryan and Patty.”

“Jase almost got married to Degan Bennett, and then she broke up with him. He was devastated. I wanted to pull her hair out for hurting my brother.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t.”

“Ryan had a firm grip on my arm, or I would have. She claimed she fell in love with her new co-worker. That was three years ago, and you won’t believe what happened.”

“What?”

“Her co-worker ended up marrying her younger sister, and then they moved away because Degan was so unhappy.”

“Serves her right; karma bit her in the ass for sure. She was always so emotional. I remember her crying at school at the smallest things. I’m glad Jase didn’t marry her.”

“What about Mike? How is he doing without playing football?”

“Mike’s had a tough year due to his injury. We all know how much football means to him. I’m glad he moved back home with us to heal. Maybe you can persuade him to stay here.”

He’s thirty-one if he wants to live somewhere else, we have to let him. He’s a grown man.”

“Yes, but I think he wants to stay. However, because he’s a grown man, he feels like he shouldn’t live at home.”

“I’ll get a sense of how he’s doing. He’s probably pissed because of his injury.”

“Are you planning to run near the Peterson’s cabin tomorrow?”

“Yes, I’ll check it out. I might even stop by and say hello to Carly.”

“I’m glad you’re back home. It feels like I have help with family matters again. It was a lot to handle on my own. This is so nice; I miss our family gatherings in the evenings. Nowadays, everyone just goes to their rooms.”

“We can’t have that. I’ll make sure we all spend time together in the evenings.”

“I’m off to bed; I have lots of visits tomorrow.”

“Why do you stay on the mountain and make home visits instead of working at the hospital or starting a practice?”

“People around here wouldn’t go to see a doctor; most don’t have insurance. So, I accept chickens, pigs, and other animals for my services. That’s how most of them pay. I don’t crave expensive material things."

“And you don’t mind not making more money?”

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