Craving Rose (The Aces' Sons 5)

“Yes,” she said, turning back toward the kitchen.

“In that thermos that keeps shit hot for a long ass time,” he called out.

“I know how to pack you coffee for the road, Asa,” Mom shot back.

As my dad rushed through the house getting his crap together, people started arriving. Molly looked at me worriedly as Reb brought her tablet into the living room and plopped down on the couch.

“Do you know what’s happening?” she asked. “The weather is complete shit. They’re going into snow, for God’s sake.”

“They know what they’re doing,” I replied, watching the door. I understood her fear. I was so thankful that Mack wasn’t riding yet, though I’d never tell him that. He was going to be pissed that he couldn’t go with them.

“We’re here,” Lily said, ushering Gray in from the rain. “Leo and Dragon are going to meet you guys at the restaurant right off the highway.”

“Smart fuckers,” Tommy said, coming inside behind her with Hawk on his heels. “I shoulda thought of that.”

“Grab some dinner,” my mom said. “You, too, Will. Eat before you go.”

“Doubt we have time, Ma,” Will said as my dad jogged down the stairs. “Just waiting on the old man.”

“Let’s go,” my dad said, confirming Will’s words. He strode toward my mom and kissed her long and hard, his hands on her ass. I wrinkled my nose in disgust. So gross.

Just as he pulled away, Mack strode in the front door, his parents and Kara right behind him.

“You got this?” my dad asked.

“Yup,” Mack replied. They did a weird man-handshake. “Go take care of shit. Happy trails.”

“Where are you going?” Kara asked my dad.

“Just takin’ care of some business, sweetheart,” he replied. “Keep an eye on Callie ’til I get back?”

“Sure.” Kara smiled over at my mom.

“We’ll keep her company,” Lou said, wrapping her arm around Kara’s shoulders.

“Appreciate it,” my dad said with a nod.

My brothers kissed their women before following my dad out of the house, and those of us left behind just sort of stared at each other.

“Leave it to my sister to ruin Mack’s birthday party,” Lily said dryly. “Fucking figures.”

I couldn’t stop the laugh that fell out of my mouth.

“Come on,” my mom said, still staring at the door my dad had gone through. She shook her head and smiled at me, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Let’s eat.”

“They’ll be alright,” Mack said in my ear as he walked me back into the kitchen. “Don’t worry.”

I hadn’t been worried, but I sure as hell was now.