“That’s a tall order, Pappy.”
“But an important one.”
“I’ll do my best.” He and Dan helped Craig to the truck.
Thankfully the doctor’s office was only a few miles from the mine’s main entrance.
Dan held the steering wheel. “I can’t remember seeing Pappy that upset with us.”
“Me either,” Craig said.
He grinned. “You both are a couple of bozos.”
“What about that time you suggested we go up to Suicide Hill with our bikes and blindfolds?” Craig asked.
“I was twelve, not twenty-four.”
“Excuses.” Dan smiled. “Seriously, guys. You heard Pappy. We need to start being more serious about everything. Look at your four-inch gash, Craig. There couldn’t be a better time than now to start acting our ages.”
Craig laughed. “You’re just saying that because you’re going to be jealous of my scar. This is going to be the best of the lot.”
Dillon shook his head. “You’ll never change.” He loved his brothers, but wondered how they would ever be able to start a family together.
“Who the hell is that standing outside Norma’s Diner?” Dan pointed out the windshield.
He saw the gorgeous blonde in the white dress.
“That’s our wife, fellas,” Craig stated flatly. “Pull in.”
“No,” Dillon said. “You’re going to the doctor. No ‘ifs,’ ‘ands,’ or ‘buts’ about it.”
“Damn, Dillon,” Craig said. “Why do you always have to be right about everything?”
“You would look pretty funny on our wedding night with an infected leg,” he said. “Let’s get you stitched up and then we can go back to the diner and see if that beauty is still there. How does that sound?”
“Sounds like we need to hurry,” Craig said. “Come on, Dan.”
“Yeah, bro,” Dillon said. “Hit the gas.”
A few seconds later they heard a siren.
Dillon turned around and saw the sheriff’s car. He rolled down his window and leaned out, shouting, “Wounded man, Sheriff. Got to get to Doc’s fast.”
“Follow me,” the sheriff yelled back, driving past them, keeping the lights and siren on.
“Police escort,” Craig said. “I feel special.”
“Enjoy it while you can,” he said, laughing. “I can’t wait to hear you two tell this little addition to today’s events to Mom, Pappy, Dad, and Pop.”
“You’ve got a mean streak in you, Dillon,” Dan said.
Craig’s eyebrows shot up. “Hey, you were with us when the siren went off. You’re just as guilty as us on this one. More. You’re the one who said ‘hit the gas’ after we saw that cute girl. Besides my leg hurts like hell. I’m going to get at least Mom’s sympathy.”
They all laughed.
“You better try to get the sheriff’s sympathy,” Dan said, parking the truck next to the sheriff’s car.
The sheriff jumped out. “Do you need a stretcher?”