Alex tips the neck of his bottle toward me. “Glad you’re here, Sampson.”
I clink his bottle with mine. “Glad you’re here too, sugar.” I’m the only one who calls him that. The only one allowed to.
I know Alex is eager to discuss everything that happened over the past few weeks. I am too. At least the parts I can talk about.
But not here. Not tonight. Tonight is all about family.
Pans are banging and cabinets are slamming in the kitchen, where Nana Mama is hard at work. The aromas of fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and brown gravy waft through the air, almost thick enough to taste.
Back at my house, the restoration company and contractors are repairing the driveway and getting the smoky smell out of the curtains and carpets. So, for now, Willow and I are bunking here with the Cross family full-time. It’s a bit crowded, but nobody minds. For me, it’s like coming home again. Same for Willow, in a way.
The doorbell rings. Ali runs to answer it. I hear him squealing “Damon!” and his big brother walks in, holding hands with a pretty blond girl.
Alex and I stand up as they walk into the living room. Damon comes over and gives me a big hug. He pulls the girl forward. “Uncle John, this is my girlfriend, Melissa.”
I turn to Alex. “So this is the one who—”
He nods. “One of the gutsiest young ladies I’ve ever met.”
Melissa smiles. “I’ve heard all about you, Detective Sampson. You’re the one who punched out the DC bomber!”
“Right. And you’re the one who kicked a kidnapper in the nuts.”
“John! Language!” Nana Mama pokes her head out from the kitchen.
“Sorry, Nana Mama.”
Damon and Melissa hurry over to hug her. Bree and Jannie emerge from the dining room. They get their hugs too.
The floor vibrates as Willow loops through the living room. “Hi, Damon!” she shouts as she speeds by.
Damon waves at her, then tugs Melissa’s arm. “Let’s get our stuff out of the car.”
Melissa gives me a nod. “So nice to finally meet you, Detective.”
“Same here. Call me John.”
Alex and I ease back down into our chairs and pick up our beers.
“They seem like a good match,” I tell him.
“They are,” says Alex. “And even stronger now.”
Bree walks over. “Food’s almost ready. What are you two scheming about?”
I take another sip of my beer. “I was just wondering if Damon and Melissa might get hitched and go into the family business. You know, crime-fighting, conspiracy-busting, ball-breaking—”
Bree slaps my leg. “For God’s sake, John! Give them a little time!”
Alex smiles. “There’ll be plenty of opportunities for them to go into the family business if they want to. No shortage of crazies and criminals in this world.”
God knows he’s right about that. An endless supply.
Damon and Melissa come back with their bags just as Nana Mama pops out of the kitchen holding an empty skillet and a metal spoon. Willow makes another loop through the room and skids to a halt in front of Nana Mama as she bangs the skillet. “Everybody—stop yakking, quit running, and go wash your hands! Supper’s on!”
Alex and I jump up like we did when we were youngsters, back when Nana Mama ruled the roost.
Who am I kidding?
She still does.
