“Damn, boy, you got old,” Brendon said with a devilish grin.
“You’re one to talk,” Stone countered as the man pulled him in for a hug.
“Just better with age.”
“And you…” Stone looked at Braydon. “Not a day over fabulous.”
Braydon barked a laugh, then jerked him in for a back-slapping hug. “You always were a smooth talker.”
“Y’all want a drink? On me.”
“I’ll take a whiskey sour,” Braydon stated.
“Beer works for me.”
While they grabbed a table, Stone went to the bar and relayed the order to Holt. On his way to sit down, he shored up his nerve and sent up a silent prayer.
“How’s the family life treatin’ ya?” Stone asked, directing the question at both of them.
“Keepin’ busy,” Braydon replied.
“And the kids?” He held up a finger. “Lemme see if I can get this right.” He pointed at Braydon. “Rhett, Zach, and Waylon. Seven, six, and five, right?”
Braydon pursed his lips and nodded. “I’m impressed.”
Stone looked at Brendon. “Remington and Thad? They’re … seven and five?”
“Close,” Brendon noted. “Rem’s six. He’ll be seven in March.”
“Six goin’ on sixteen,” Braydon stated as Holt set their drinks on the table.
“Thanks, man,” Brendon said to the bartender. “How’s Bailey feelin’?”
Holt’s grin amped up a few million watts. “Good. Still has morning sickness, but we’re workin’ our way through.”
Braydon looked at Stone. “Their wife’s due in July.”
“Congrats,” Stone told Holt, making a mental note to check in with Rafe to congratulate him, too.
“What about you?” Braydon said when Holt disappeared. “Got any little ones runnin’ around?”
“Not yet.”
Brendon and Braydon traded looks.
Stone glanced between them. “What?”
“Rumor is you’re spendin’ time with Stevie Shepherd.”
“And Nico Daugherty,” Brendon tacked on.
“Guilty.” Stone saw no reason to deny it.
“I stopped in over there last weekend. At D and S,” Braydon said. “Jessie’s on me to spruce up the yard.” He held up his hands. “I tried to tell her these thumbs ain’t green, but she won’t listen.”
“So is it serious?” Brendon asked.
Stone wasn’t sure what he was referring to, so he waited.
