Page 82 of Family Bonds: Carson & Laine

Slowly the helicopter started to descend until they were on the ground.

“Hope your first flight was smooth for you,” Lincoln said.

“It was. Do you have a minute before you take off? I’ve got food waiting for you.”

“Food?” Lincoln said. “I’ve got time for food. Seriously?”

“Yes,” she said. “I had my father’s chef put together something. He’s coming out now.”

She saw the golf cart making its way over and was positive Mario was on it.

She and Carson got out of the helicopter. Lincoln shutting the blades off.

She didn’t want Lincoln to get behind, but he said he had plenty of time before he had to take off for his next flight. It was just delivering products for a private client and he’d put them on the helicopter the night before, saving himself the trip to Boston. That he was just taking off from her father’s and going there instead. She felt better knowing that now.

“Ms. Laine,” Mario said. “It’s so good to have you back home for the day.”

She hugged the man that had been employed since they moved to this house. Mario made all her meals when she was with her father. She often snuck over to get things when she was with her mother too. Mario was available for them both, but her mother insisted on doing her own cooking.

“I’m glad to be here. Mario, this is Carson Mills. And Lincoln Harrington flew us over. You have something for him?”

“I do,” Mario said. “Ms. Laine wasn’t sure if you’d have time to eat in the house or not. I’ve packed you a basket for the day.”

“Sweet,” Lincoln said taking it.

“All things to eat one handed if need be. There are a few breakfast sandwiches on top.” She tried not to laugh as Lincoln was opening the basket and pulled one out immediately that was expertly wrapped in a brown paper wrapper. Mario was great at putting picnics together. Something she and her father did often when she was a kid. Even if it was only on the grounds.

Lincoln took a massive bite of one. “This is awesome,” he said. “Thanks.”

“There are several sandwiches in there also along with some salads, drinks, napkins and silverware,” Mario said.

“Mario is prepared for anything,” she said.

“This saves me from grabbing fast food somewhere between flights,” Lincoln said. “I should tell Egan to waive your fee for this alone. I can’t wait to rub his face in it.”

She giggled some more. “We’ll have a variety of desserts leftover I’m sure for the flight home. Do you like dessert?” she asked.

“I like anything I don’t have to cook. Remember, I lived on MRE’s for years.”

“MRE’s?” she asked.

“Meals ready to eat,” Mario said, shivering.

“Your man has it. His reaction too. This is great and much appreciated, but I need to take off.”

She watched Lincoln go back to the helicopter, the first sandwich all but gone while he went through for something else. She saw the travel mug come out next and was glad that she’d thought to call Mario.

“That was more than nice,” Carson said.

“Thank Mario,” she said, looking at the chef who stood proud at his five foot four inches. “He’s the master.”

“Ms. Laine just told me to load up a day’s worth of picnic food for a big man.”

“Mario loves feeding people. Is my father up and ready?” she asked.

Mario walked back to the cart, she got in next to him and Carson hopped on the back. She was just going to walk to the main house as it wasn’t that far, but this worked out fine.

“He was getting ready the last I checked. He ate and I’ve already told him, no work for the day. Your mother and Stewart will be here by eleven I’m being told.”

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