“Language,” Judd called up the hallway.
He had been the big brother of our little trio for years, starting physical punishments on Bonnie when they were dating. He was only three years older, but sometimes he acted like those years made him so much wiser. Bonnie’s parents hadn’t been into discipline of any sort, and his firm hand had guided her back into place. Small towns left for little privacy. Back then Judd started keeping tabs on me too. He never spanked me, but he became an informant. Nothing got past Sam after that. Especially the night before my graduation.
“Mind your business!” I called back.
“Watch your attitude,” Sam warned.
“Aw, for fuck’s sake!” I shook my head, agitated that Sam felt the need to correct me as well.
“Language!” Judd chastised and stepped into the guestroom.
I stomped my foot. “Youcan’t tell me what to do.”
The truth hit much deeper. I loved the idea of Sam keeping me in line and having Judd watching out for me, but I wasn’t sure if I could accept it yet.
“I’ve got eyes on me all over this town.” Bonnie whispered.
“Are you fucking serious?” I replied in a harsh whisper.
“Mikayla Turner,” Judd said exasperated.
“Give me a break. I don’t have to follow the rules you’ve set for Bonnie.”
“If you curse around Bonnie, soon enough her pretty little mouth is going to be cursing too. I don’t need her pointing fingers at you while trying to get out of a punishment,” Judd said sternly while shooting a look at Bonnie, who shrugged innocently. “So enough of it. Please. You’ve got lots of other less colorful choices.”
“I’ll attempt to clean up my mouth because you asked nicely,” I finally relented.
“I know you won’t stop overnight, but keep it in mind or neither one of you will be so quick to sit in church.” Judd waggled his eyebrows at me. “I heard you might already want to stand the whole time.”
“Seriously? Can’t you keep anything to yourself?” I snapped at Bonnie, who bit her lip. “You had no right to tell him.”
“If you want to blame somebody, blame me,” Sam said as he appeared in the guestroom. “I told Judd that you and I are trying out a new dynamic. Let me help you with your bags.” Sam diffused the situation by taking them from me with one hand and taking my hand with the other. “Come on.”
I let him lead me out to Judd’s truck. I shouldn’t have assumed it was Bonnie. “I’ve had a crappy day overall, and I don’t need threats from my best friend’s almost-husband.” But the gentle reminder that I did need that, soothed parts of me that had long been forgotten.
“You should already know he won’t follow through.” Sam set my bags in the back and opened the cab. “He’ll call me, just like he used to.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t know if I like that idea either.” I drew a sharp breath as he planted a kiss on my lips and then another on my forehead. “I mean, if I’ve even got a choice.”
“Then stay out of trouble.” Sam caressed my cheek, then moved back. “I’ll see you at the wedding.”
“I’ll do my best.” I leaned forward to hug him tightly, then let go. “See you.” What I wanted to say was that I should stay with him. Forever if he’d let me. My newly deemed Daddy wouldn’t let me get into trouble. But I wasn’t ready to say it out loud even though my heart believed it too.
I climbed into the cab and buckled my seat belt. Bonnie slid in the back with me and Judd started the truck.
“How many times has Sam taken you over his knee since you got home?” She asked as we headed toward the inn.
“It’s none of your business,” I replied, wanting to drop the whole topic. It was silly because neither of them would ever judge me.
“Apparently not enough,” Bonnie scoffed saucily.
“You’re getting married in less than two days, and you’re worried about the state of my ass? You should be worried about yourself.” I shook my head, unsure what was really bothering me as I tried to calm down.
“I’m only going to say this one more time. You don’t have to listen to me since I don’t set your rules, but enough, Mickie. Mylap’s big enough for the two of you.” Judd’s normal baritone took on an odd authoritative twinge.
“Why don’t you just return me to Sam then? He’ll make good on his threats.” I folded my arms across my chest and scrunched down. I didn’t know why I felt the need to continue to poke Judd. If he did turn around and drop me back at the cabin, I bet I’d be standing for the remainder of my trip.
“Oh, bestie. You wanted to stay, didn’t you? I wish you had said that. I thought I was doing you a favor by bringing you to the inn. I keep messing up.” Bonnie sighed and looked down into her lap.
