Page 197 of Ransom
We look at each other and burst out laughing. Blair buries her face in my chest, her shoulders shaking.
"So…no month-long vacation?"
"Maybe we could do a shorter trip?" She traces patterns on my arm. "Like a week? I love the idea of having you all to myself, but..."
"But you don't want to miss any of this chaos?"
"Is that terrible? I spent so many years of my life feeling like an outsider. Now I have this huge, crazy family, and I love every minute of it."
"No, baby, that's not bad at all. We'll go somewhere tropical. Nick messaged that the private island he and Bree are staying at for their honeymoon is beautiful and private. And clothing optional."
"Sounds perfect. We could— who gave him lighter fluid? Colton. Colton! Give that to me right now!"
Laughing, I watch my wife stride across the lawn and yank the bottle out of his hands, then proceed to lecture him, finger in his face and everything.
So maybe I'm the Dad of this group.
But she's totally the Mom.
Across the fire, John and Abby are arguing, voices hushed. In one smooth motion, he stands and throws her over his shoulder.
"Where are you taking me?" Abby squeals.
"Home. Got some talking to do." He stomps across the yard toward their house, while Abby waves at us upside down, then seems to get distracted by John’s ass. "Any of you fuckers disturb us, and you won't live to see morning."
It's less than a minute after the door closes when they start up.
"You know what we should do?" Zach grins, getting to his feet. "Go see if they need some help talking it out.”
“Yeah. I’m trained to help people through disagreements.” Colton rises too, rubbing his hands together.
Micah rubs at his chin, grinning. “Gotta help."
"Sit your asses down right now." Blair's voice cuts through their plotting like a knife. All three freeze mid-motion.
"But-" Zach starts.
Blair points at his chair. "Down."
"We were just gonna-" Colton tries.
"I said plant those butts in those chairs." Blair crosses her arms. "Unless you want to piss me the fuck off...”
The three exchange glances, weighing their options.
"She's got that look," Micah mutters.
"The scary one," Colton agrees.
They all slowly sink back into their seats.
"Smart choice, boys." Blair nods approvingly. "Now, who wants s'mores?"
Three hands shoot up immediately.
I pull Blair close as she passes my chair. "That was hot as hell, baby."
She grins. "Someone's got to keep these overgrown children in line."
