"I do." She then wiped her hands on her jean shorts, immediately catching Swift's attention. "Lucky would have loved this." Her voice croaked when Logan immediately pulled her in for a hug.
"He sure would have."
He pecked the top of her head, lightly rubbing her back. When Chevy noticed Starlah crying, he howled loudly. Swift ignored him when he placed one suitcase on the porch and went back for the others. Papa was still growling but surprisingly sat down in his cage when he saw Chevy was harmless… for now.
"Chev, please. I'm fine," Star lied. She wasn't. They all knew that, especially Chevy. "Oh, God. I didn't mean to cry."
"Nonsense. It's to be expected. How about we all go inside, get settled, and chat? We're here to help, but it all starts with you."
Swift grunted with two suitcases, one in each hand. He couldn't believe his father actually watched him instead of helping.
"And you remember our son, I hope. Swift?"
"I do." Starlah grinned and swiped each cheek.
"Oh, I guess I must be invisible," Cain teased when his wife didn't introduce him, causing them all to laugh.
London wanted to stomp on her husband's foot. If he thought it, he said it. She hoped Starlah would quickly catch on that he was harmless.
"I'm Cain, her husband, and the father of that big, handsome guy."
"He does look just like you," Starlah offered, and he grinned.
"See, baby. I make good-looking children," he replied, causing Logan to shake his head.
"This nigga's still the same, I see. Never a dull moment with him, Star."
London patted Starlah on the shoulder. "I'll apologize in advance for anything he says in and outside of my presence."
"Papa!" Swift belted when he leaped from the cage and took off. When he made it to the porch, he and Chevy walked around each other in circles, sniffing and growling until Chevy started wagging his tail. He barked once, and Papa did, too.
"Okay." Swift smiled, his dimpled cheeks getting Starlah's attention. "I guess that's doggy talk for 'what's up' or something."
"Maybe, but imagine an almost eighteen-hour ride over two days with a four-legged friend that barks at anyone who comes near us? Practically gave me a heart attack."
"That means he's being protective, and his jet-black coat is beautiful," Starlah offered, watching him and Chevy as they both leaped into the grass and ran around.
"So, y'all mind if we take it inside?" Swift asked, wiping sweat off his forehead. "It's hot. This country sun hits differently."
"Right this way," Logan directed, letting them all inside.
Swift had two more trips to make when he brought in dog food and groceries they'd picked up on the way, after he had a cool bottle of water to drink. On his last run, his father stopped him on the porch.
"Son, I know your mama puts pressure on you about settling down, but no funny shit out here."
Swift smirked. He wasn't hard for pussy, although Starlah wasn't Little Starlah anymore.
"I'm not saying you can't have your fun but try one of these country girls away from the house."
"Pops, I'm good," he assured him. "Besides, I plan to spend time with Granny and Papa Jay. Relax. You know, sightsee and kick back. Might as well since we're here for a minute."
"Yeah, I hear you, but not me. After this funeral, I need to head back. Now, if any of these country bumpkin motherfuckers look at your mama, let me know. Trust, there'll be more funerals these motherfuckers will have to attend when I make my rounds."
"Pops?" Swift laughed, shaking his head. "It's not that serious."
"It is when you find the right one. You've never felt that way before. When you do, you'll understand. And go get Papa's crazy ass."
They both laughed when he tackled Chevy a few times. Papa was slightly bigger, but Chevy was faster… like his name. As soon as Swift went toward them, Papa thought he wanted in on the fun when he leaped up and knocked him down. He tried to swat Papa away, but he leaped up and knocked him down yet again, licking all over his face.
