She nods and looks around the entire restaurant. She turns back to us and takes a deep breath.
“Oh, screw it,” she exclaims and almost runs into Nanny’s arms.
The men move as one, forming a wall so no one can see into the back dining room.
“Oh, Finley.” Maci hurries around to hug her, too.
“Finley. You said screw it.” Everly giggles and hugs her next.
Finley? The preacher’s daughter. Now, it makes sense. The McLeods aren’t allowed to have contact with the Rhodes family. Everyone at our table goes to hug her, even Lauren.
“Everly McLeod, you just said screw it,” Lil Mama teases.
“Uh.” Everly’s eyes widen when she looks at her grandmother. “Logan says worse.”
“We’ll let your grandfather handle your brother.” Nanny turns back to Finley. “It’s really good to see you.”
“I approached you. You didn’t approach me,” Finley says.
“I’m pretty sure they won’t see it that way.” Nanny wipes a tear from the corner of her eye.
“Still, don’t let your family see you.” Lily looks toward the front doors. A wall of Vikings prevents her from seeing anything. Jack gives her a thumbs-up.
“I won’t. I miss all of you.” She looks at the decorations. “The cake is lovely, Emily.”
“Thank you. You want a slice?” Emily grabs the knife again.
“I do, but I won’t take it with me, but happy birthday to whoever.”
I wave. “Thank you.”
“Finley, your to-go order is ready.” Angie sets it on the counter.
“Go, sweet girl, before they catch you.” Nanny hugs Finley one more time.
“Bye.” Finley waves as she hurries to the counter.
The men part and walk back to their table. Finley watches them until they’re seated. She waves to them, pays for her order, and hurries out the door. The moment she steps outside, she swipes a hand across her cheek. I swear, from everything I’ve heard, and meeting her for this one moment, she’s the nicest person in her family. I glance at Darin again. He’s watching my nephew.
Chapter 24
Worley
Today has been great. Usually, I hate shopping. However, I’ve discovered that after two tips, when it’s your woman shopping, you don’t mind tagging along. No, I haven’t officially claimed Nina…yet. I want her, though. Watching Mack and Nanny’s relationship since high school has taught me a few things. Women are emotional, sentimental, and they want memories. Mine will get one tonight.
After nearly two hours at Angie’s, we pack up the leftovers. Once all the ladies got an extra piece of cake to carry home, Nina told Emily to send the rest to the clubhouse. With those guys, it’ll be gone in thirty minutes.
I place my hand on Nina’s back. “Are you ready to go, or do you ladies have more shopping to do?”
“I’m done if you are,” she tells Lauren.
“Yeah, let’s go home.” Lauren, once again, loops her arm around Nina’s.
Do I complain? Absolutely not. They’ve missed birthdays, Christmases, and even phone calls sisters should have for twelveyears. Nina missed seeing all of her nephews graduate. One is even married now.
I hold the door open and follow them across the parking lot to the truck. Jay’s truck has a full back seat, so Nina and I rode with him and Lauren. I thought the ladies would sit together in the back. Surprisingly, Nina sits behind Jay, and I sit behind Lauren. They talk like Jay and I aren’t even in the truck. They stop halfway across the parking lot.
“Uh, Jay.” Lauren points toward the truck. “Why is there a soda can on the hood?”
