Maggie grinned. “Yeah. Reggie has big ears. I can’t say anything without having to pay for it later.”
“You got that right.” Reggie smiled at her. “I’ll see you later, okay?”
She nodded. Her daughter was spending the night at her father’s, so at least the kid’s virgin ears would remain innocent away from game night.
Seeing how much his friends loved their girlfriends, Mack felt terrible for wanting them to leave. “You guys should stay.”
“Nope. See you losers later.” Avery laughed and left, ignoring Brad’s scowl that turned into a grin.
“You’ll pay later, woman.”
Once they left, everyone turned to Mack.
Brad nodded. “Okay, now we can speak frankly.”
Mack sighed. “You weren’t doing that before, Brad?”
“This is a man-tervention.”
Mack sighed again.
“In addition to the asthma you’ve suddenly picked up,” Tex drawled, “we’ve noticed some concerning things.”
“One, you don’t talk as much in the truck,” Reggie said. He and Mack typically partnered together when on medical duty, two EMTs per aid vehicle, as opposed to all four of them manning the engine when on engine duty.
“I thought you always said I talk too much,” Mack said.
“You do,” Brad agreed, “but that’s part of your charm.”
“Thanks so much.”
Apparently not reading that as sarcasm, Tex nodded. “Exactly. You’re not mouthing off as much, you’re not dating, and you seem off.”
“Off?”
Brad explained, “Not as wacky and laid-back. Which isn’t like you. Are your parents and brothers giving you crap for something?”
As they typically did. “Not any more than normal.”
“Is Alec’s upcoming wedding stressing you?” Reggie asked. “Weddings stress everyone.”
Mack noticed a look on his friend’s face. “I think you’re projecting. You nervous aboutyourwedding?”
Everyone turned to Reggie. Thank God.
“Nah.” Reggie cleared his throat. “Well, maybe. I mean, I love Maggie and Emily.”
“Hell, everyone loves Emily. That kid is six going on forty-five. She’s so smart she’s scary.”
Reggie nodded. “She’s one amazing little girl. But this is a big step.”
“Your family loves them. You love them. What’s the problem?”
“What if I screw it up? I’m really in love. I’m afraid she’ll leave.”
“Oh my God.” Mack smacked his friend in the head.
Reggie rubbed his head and glared.
