Raven:
She may like the Lancasters better in small doses. We’re A LOT when we’re together. I’d be happy to invite her next time I see her, though.
Lizzy:
Gotta run. We’re heading to story hour. Will we see any of you there?
Sloane:
Not me. (crying emoji)
Raven:
Girls are still at camp.
Lanie:
I’m in. See you in twenty.
Sloane:
Give my boys a hug for me if you see them. I hope I wrap this up soon.
Just as I’m pulling our pot roast for dinner out of the InstaPot, my wrist buzzes with an incoming text.
Harper:
Got a minute?
With Enzo Harper, it could be several things, so I set my roast on the plate I have set out, then pull my phone out of my pocket and call him. He picks up right away.
“Hey, man. What’s up?” I ask in greeting.
“Hey, Mark. I’ve got a situation.”
Shit. This can’t be good. “Okay…”
“I’ve promised my wife I’d accompany her to a big book event in Germany this week, and Carson’s celebrating his anniversary in Belize. Any chance I can talk you into doing a quick transport to DC? You’d be on standby while Riggs meets with the brass. If all goes well, it would be a two-day trip, tops. I know you’re trying to stick around home this summer, but I’d owe you big time if you could step in for me.”
Glancing at my grandsons playing Legos in the living room, I ask, “How soon is wheels up? I’m on kid detail until Jax returns from LA.”
If I can help Enzo, I will. He rarely calls in personal favors.
“We’re still waiting on the green light, but the goal is to leave tomorrow night or the next morning and return within twenty-four hours.”
“When I spoke with Sloane earlier, she said Jax and the guys are hoping to catch a flight home this evening….” I draw out, working out the details in my head. When I don’t see any major obstacles, I concede. “I should be able to make this work.”
“Thanks, man. You’re a lifesaver! Not only will Riggs be happy, but I’ll score major points with my wife. Germany is a special place to us, and it’s rare when we get away without our littles in tow. Between you and my parents, I’ll be indebted for a long time to come.”
“I remember those days.” I laugh, thinking about what it was like when my girls were younger. There’s never a dull moment.
Enzo has ten-year-old twins, as well as three older bonus kids, as he calls them. The stories he tells about each of them, but especially Loren and Raine, are wild, to say the least. While I get to send my chaotic brood home, Enzo’s still in the thick of things.
“Riggs says you’re flying solo with your grandsons this week. Are they givin’ you a run for your money?”
“You could say that. But we’re making do.” I chuckle, then admit, “Truth be told, I wouldn’t trade this time with them for the world. They certainly keep me on my toes, but we’re having the best time, ya know? You should’ve seen them on their longboards this afternoon… Man, they were crushing it.”
“Oh, boy. I can only imagine the trouble the three of you can get yourselves into.”
