“I think it’s inevitable.” Coke didn’t know what to tell Bax. Everyone had demons. You fought ’em or you didn’t. That was it.
Maybe he didn’t need to say nothin’ anyway. Bax wasn’t the brightest lightning bug in the swarm, but he wasn’t stupid, either. He’d been around the block a few times and no one knew Jase like Andy Baxter did.
The boys would work it out.
“Well, gravity does its work, yeah. I mean in the next hour or so. That would be a hoot.”
“They’re praying hard.” They weren’t hurting, but everyone could use the help on the taxes.
“So am I.”
“Why are we praying when we could be drinking beer?” Dillon popped up in front of them, doing a mean air guitar.
Bax blinked at Dillon, then grinned. “You know, you’re right. You seen Jase?”
“He’s waiting for you.” Dillon’s voice dropped. “There’s dancing going on in the far barn. Tag and the Brazilians, a couple others.”
“No shit? Later!” Andy Baxter did love to two step, and he beat feet as if his ass was on fire.
Coke started chuckling, letting that eagerness buoy him. “Hey, cowboy. How goes it?”
“Better every second, babe. It too cold for you?”
“I’m okay.” Dillon knew him too well. “Our first New Year’s Eve together. What do you think?”
“I think we want to start the year out like we want it to end.” Dillon slid close and grabbed his hand.
“Waiting on babies?” he teased.
“Snuggling? Watching a movie? No one will yell if we disappear. We have our phones.” Dillon tugged him toward the house.
He went easily, even eagerly. He loved his chosen family dearly, but he needed Dillon. He treasured their quiet time, Dillon’s care. Dillon’s sweet ass.
He grinned at himself. Maybe he was younger than he thought.
“Why are you smiling so hard?” Dillon asked, swinging his hand just enough to not pull at his neck.
“I imagine it’s because I’m with you, cowboy.”
“That is the best answer ever.” Dillon tugged him in under the porch of AJ’s house and kissed the cold right off his lips.
“I love you, huh?”
“Duh. What’s not to love, babe?” Dillon struck a pose, lips pursed for more kisses. Such a clown.
His clown. He bent to the task, giving Dillon all he asked for. That kiss was better than anything he’d ever had on a good day with anyone else. Dillon put everything into it, giving him something to look forward to when they made it inside.
Oh. Inside. With a bed and a door and?—
“Y’all! Y’all! Aje called and the babies are here! One of each!” Denver was on the front porch, waving and laughing.
Coke hooted, hugged Dillon hard. “How’s Missy?”
“Tired. Real tired, but they say everyone will be home in a couple three days!”
“Hell yes,” Dillon said. “That’s damned good news.”
“Yes.” Maybe they could go home for a while, his house. He’d bet there were a million things to do, and the bassets would be so tickled.
