“I heard that,” Finn drawls, staring down his nose at his husband. He feigns annoyance, but the love in his eyes is undeniable. “It ain’t happenin’. We have enough pets to last a lifetime. Y’all just brought home another six chicks last week. No more animals.”
Ash and Tucker look at each other for a moment before saying in unison, “Fun sucker!”
“Yeah, Dad, don’t be such a spoilsport,” I tease, nudging the oldest Moore son with my elbow.
“You keep your mouth shut,” he says. “Youget a dog, then Tucker can come visit?”
“Yeah!” Lukas blurts out. He’s now sitting on the gravel while Bubba lays sprawled out with his head in his lap. “I think that’s a great idea.”
Ash chuckles. “Look what you started, babe,” he says before glancing at Lukas. “We haven’t met yet. I’m Ash.”
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Lukas.”
“And I’m Tucker. I’m seven. How old are you?”
Lukas smiles warmly. “I’m thirteen.”
“Whoa, a teenager! How cool.”
“I like your shirt,” Lukas says, gesturing toward Tucker’s Pokémon print tee. “Do you collect cards?”
“Does he ever.” Ash snorts.
“I swear, those two come home with more cards every single time they leave the house,” Finn mutters. “They have more cards than they know what to do with.”
“We started collecting about a year ago, but you should see his collection,” Ash says. “In fact, wanna come with us to the house right now?”
“I-I’d love to.” Glancing at me, Lukas says, “Can I?”
“Of course, you can.”
“Yes! Thank you, Remi.”
“No need to thank me, kid. Go, have fun. I’ll swing by and pick you up in a bit.”
I watch him walk up the hill with Finn, Ash, and Tucker, smiling at the way Bubba stays glued to his side.
Well, this went well.
Shoving my hands into my pockets, I turn toward Gentry, amused that we’re now alone. His shoulders are tense, and he’s still wearing a scowl. It’s fucking hot.
“Thanks for showin’ him around.”
“Happy to do it,” he murmurs. “Seems like a great kid. Eager to help.”
“The beginner pottery classes restart in a couple weeks. Am I gonna see you there?”
Gentry regards me with a furrowed brow and pinched lips.
“Bet your doctor is thrilled you took his advice, huh?”
“I’m not goin’ back,” he grits out. He’s so annoyed, and I have to bite back a grin.
“That’s what you said the first time,” I point out.
“Yeah, well, I mean it this time.”
“Why’s that?” I tilt my head to the side, the corner of my mouth lifting. “What’re ya so afraid of?”
