“Thanks for inviting me.” Her voice is soft. “This was fun.”
“We should do it again sometime. The whole jam-making thing.”
“Or we could just eat the jam we already made. With some artisan bread on Indigo Peak?”
“That works too.”
Country music plays softly from the speakers overhead as my brother Gunnar approaches us. “Hey, bro. We just sat down. Want to eat with me and Luke?” His eyes flick to Izzy.
I shoot a questioning look at Bree, who nods with a smile. As for my brother? He hasn’t looked away from Izzy once. Her cheeks flush under Gunnar’s steady gaze, but I’ve got to hand it to her. She looks anywhere but at him.
“Izzy?” I am not putting her in a situation she doesn’t want to be in.
Her gray eyes flash toward Gunnar before looking at me. “That would be great.”
We’re moved to a round table that comfortably seats six. Somehow my brother squeezes next to Izzy despite two other open chairs. At least Bree’s next to me.
Nothing like scaring off a date by eating with the family.
“So, Bree.” Uncle Luke looks over his menu at my girl, the residents of Indigo Hills chatting in the background. “Ford sent me some adorable snaps of Ladybug. Cutest damn dog I’ve ever seen. When do I get visitation rights?”
“Ford’s already claimed favorite uncle status.” Bree’s smile is bright as she takes water from the server. “What are your qualifications?”
“Well, I did manage to raise Ford’s knucklehead self, for one.”
Gunnar and I both chuckle. Our baby brother earned every bit of the grief we give him. It would be worse if he were here with us.
Bree taps her index finger thoughtfully against her chin, eyes flicking upward as if contemplating something deep. “Let’s make a deal. If you survive a playdate with your shoes still intact, we’ll talk.” She shoots me a playful glance, her brown eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Deal.” My uncle closes his menu with a snap. “But I’ll need a full report on Ladybug’s behavior. Like, will she be a good influence or just another troublemaker like these two?” Luke nods at me and Gunnar.
“Get over it already, Uncle Luke.” Gunner tears open a sugar packet for his tea. “I, for one, think flooding all the tubs and sinks to raise bass was a great idea.”
Luke scratches his head, leaning back in his chair. “I’ve never seen so many dead fish in my life. In every sink, tub, commode.”
We hand off our menus, and I’m still laughing at Gunnar when my phone vibrates. Ford. Something in my gut tightens as I swipe to answer.
“Hey, what’s—”
“Dec, I fucked up.” Ford’s voice is shaking. “Ladybug got into a wasp nest in the backyard. She’s been stung. Multiple times. Her face is swelling.”
My blood runs cold. “How many times?”
“I don’t know, man. Four? Five? Her snout is already twice the normal size, and she’s whimpering. Which vet do you use?”
“Call Stillwater Animal Hospital.” I’m already moving toward the truck. “Tell them we’re coming. Ice pack on the stings if you can. We’ll be there in ten minutes.”
I hang up and look at Bree, whose face has gone pale.
“Ladybug?” she asks.
“Wasp stings. Multiple. We need to go. Now.”
She jumps up, apologizing to my uncle and brother.
Outside, Izzy’s already climbing into the back seat as I throw open Bree’s door. She slides in beside me, her hand immediately finding mine on the center console.
I squeeze her fingers and gun the engine, fighting the panic I feel.
