“Believe it or not, she’s really doing well. She’s only part time on the days she doesn’t go to school so it’s not an every day thing, and when a customer does push her buttons she smiles at them coldly and simply throws a little of that terrifying condescension Delilah is famous for their way without a single word, until they suddenly decide it might be better to apologize — which they usually do quickly. She’s never actually rude, she just makes them very uncomfortable though they can’t put their finger on why. Then she graciously gives them a rehearsed smile and extra cookie or cupcake or whatever they’re buying to begin with and all is well in the world,” Bailey said.
“Mmmmm, they’re two of a kind,” Shaun said.
“Aren’t they, though?” Tempest said, handing Sammy back to Bailey. “Go see your mommy, little girl. Aunt Tempest has a sour stomach.” Tempest grimaced and belched a little while looking away from everyone in an effort to hide it.
Bailey leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear. “When are you going to tell him?”
“Never. Not ‘til she gets here,” Tempest whispered back.
“You can’t wait until she’s walking,” Bailey said even quieter than her first whisper.
“He’ll freak. He said no more after Eli because it freaked him out so bad.”
“He’ll love her,” Bailey said.
“I’m sure he will. But the nerves up until that point will drive me insane. And I’m not up for that right now,” Tempest said.
“Christian?!” Addie called out from the front porch of Havoc’s home having gone to the bathroom yet again.
“I’m coming, baby!” Christian shouted. He’d been standing beside the grills talking to Havoc as he flipped steaks, and Barron as he tended the chicken and sausage. He sprinted up the curved stone staircase to where Addie waited and supported her as she started down the stairs.
“That girl’s gonna pop any minute now,” Havoc said to whoever had just walked up beside him. He turned to look at whoever it was, and found Emmalyn standing there regarding him coldly.
“What?” he asked.
“May I have a steak, please.” It was not a question, it was a statement.
“You want one of my steaks?” he asked.
Emmalyn sighed, allowed her haughty demeanor to deflate some. “Nobody makes steaks like you do. Can I have one?”
He cut off a bite of one those he’d moved to the back because they were closer to being ready. “They’re not quite there yet, but here’s a taste until they’re done.”
Emmalyn took it from him and closed her eyes while she chewed, savoring the flavor. “God, Havoc, nobody makes steaks like you do.”
“Thank you, ‘Em.”
“You’re welcome. Save me one?”
“I'm already making one for you. Perfect medium just like you like them.”
She smiled at him then stood a little taller, put her shoulders back and looked over her shoulder. “I’ll be back for my steak,” she said, all haughtiness returning, then walked over to Barron and kissed him before going to check on the kids.
Barron smiled at Havoc who just shook his head. “She thinks the world of you, you know?” Barron asked.
“Yeah, the feeling’s mutual. Mean ass Bear…” Havoc muttered.
“You want to sit by Abby, baby?” Christian asked.
“No, I’m miserable. Can I just lie in one of the hammocks?” Addie asked.
“Bring her over here by me. We can commiserate together,” Daisy said as she reclined in one of the two hammocks Havoc and Analise had strung between several of their trees.
“You should be ashamed of yourself for making that girl push out your big headed baby,” Havoc yelled to Christian.
“At least his head is literally a big head to accommodate all those brains; yours is no more than ego. And it just deflates when challenged — no room for extra brains,” Addie snapped as Christian got her settled in a hammock near the one Daisy was already lying in, and laughed delightedly at his mate defending him to Havoc.
“Ohhh! She got a sharp tongue with that pregnant belly,” Havoc exclaimed.
