“Do you know anything they have planned for their nursery?”
“No, and I wouldn’t share any details with Andy when he asked me for some insider information.”
“That scoundrel!” Maegan gasped.
“What did you learn about Anthony, Freckles?”
“Why don’t you go shower and change clothes while I start dinner. Then I’ll tell you everything I know.”
“What are we having?”
“Stuffed pepper soup, salad, and breadsticks.”
I took the steps two at a time until I reached the top. Oddly, I didn’t like stuffed peppers, but I loved them deconstructed in a soup form. I showered, changed, and returned downstairs in less than fifteen minutes. By then, Freckles was cooking the diced onions, garlic, and red and green peppers in olive oil. It was one of my favorite smells, second only to Maegan’s arousal. Speaking of which, I was in desperate need of my girl.
I came up behind her at the stove, wrapped my arms around her waist, and propped my chin on the top of her head. “I’m back.”
Maegan pushed her ass against my crotch. “I can feel that. I’m happy you’re home too.”
“I better tell you my news before I get caught up in the ghost story and tangled up in your limbs. I’m a goner once I’m inside you, and there’s no guarantee my brain will start functioning again before the morning.”
“What’s up?” she asked, although I suspected my Nancy Drew had a good idea.
“I finally called my father back and told him we were coming.”
“Are you okay?” Maegan asked, setting her spoon down and turning in the circle of my arms to look into my eyes.
“I am okay, but I didn’t want to stew about it all day, so I kept busy.”
“When are we heading north?”
“That’s the part that might upset you,” I said, grimacing. “I told Jack we would be there by four o’clock.”
“Memphis, Lyric, and I are getting the first crack at an estate up around the Columbus area, but we should be finished in plenty of time.”
“Freckles, I can reschedule. I don’t want you rushing around to accommodate plans I made without consulting you. I can go by myself if—”
“I want to go, Elijah. We can make this work. The guys and I are heading up after brunch, and we will be done in a few hours.”
“My folks live on a farm in Madison County which is north of Columbus. Why don’t I meet you guys at an exit off the interstate? You can ride with me to my parents, and one of the guys can drive your SUV back to Blissville.”
“That sounds perfect to me. Are your parents expecting me?” Maegan asked.
“I told him I was bringing home someone very special to meet them.”
Maegan squinted playfully. “Do I know this bitch?”
“Jack said he and Mom are both excited to meetyou.” I swallowed hard. “He also said he would be happy to see me again.”
“Elijah, that’s wonderful. He’s making an honest effort.”
“Because he has cancer.”
“Or facing mortality gave him the courage to do what he’s wanted to all along.” Maegan reached up and caressed my cheek.
“Happier news,” I declared. “Tell me what Lyric found out.”
“Do you remember Lyric saying the concierge’s great-great-great-grandfather worked for Denver Collins, aka Wallace Bennington III?”
