All They Wanted (Wanted 5.6)

My little happy man laughed the entire time I changed him and got him dressed. Holding him close to me, I headed downstairs. He was growing up so fast and now that he was full-on walking, he was everywhere. I took full advantage of the moments he let me hold him.

The smell of bacon and pancakes filled the air. Rounding the corner and heading into the kitchen, I came to a stop.

“Hey, Ari.”

“Dad, what are you doing here?”

Jeff turned and looked at me with a frown on his face. “He decided to show up early and hang with me some today.”

Pressing my lips tightly together, I attempted not to chuckle. “Oh. Um. Why?”

Luke cried out for my father and he quickly made his way over to me. He took Luke from my arms and proceeded to fly him around like he was an airplane.

“Do I need a reason to spend time with my family?”

“Yes,” Jeff mumbled. I pointed to him with my brows furrowed and mouthed stop. Jeff and my father had been at odds with each other since day one. Daddy didn’t think Jeff was good enough for me and Jeff swore up and down the only goal in life my father had was to take him out. Deep down, I knew they both loved each other but were too damn stubborn to admit it.

“No, of course you don’t need a reason, Daddy.”

Taking off into the living room, Jeff started shaking the spatula at me. “Why is he here and why does he want to hang with me today?”

I shrugged and whispered, “I don’t know. Maybe he wants to get to know you better?”

“Ha! He’s trying to get my schedule down so he can hire someone to take me out! He’s been waiting patiently all this time and now he’s ready to make the hit.”

My hands went to my hips. “Really, Jeff? Take you out? Make. The. Hit?”

Jeff pinned me with his eyes. He looked so serious I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re ridiculous, Jeff,” I said as I got Luke’s breakfast ready.

Dad walked back into the kitchen with Luke and proceeded to put him in his highchair.

“I think the little guy is ready to eat.”

With a grin, I handed the bowl of oatmeal and bananas to my father.

“So, are you kids packed up and ready to go?”

Jeff placed a plate full of bacon, and another with pancakes on it, in the middle of the table. For some reason with this pregnancy

, I craved both all the time. “We are. I got everything packed up yesterday. The truck is ready to go.”

“Did you get both of my cases?” I asked with a sweet smile.

Rolling his eyes, Jeff replied, “I did. But you do know we’re only gone for three nights, right?”

“You never know. They have dance parties at Garner!”

My father chuckled. “Camping with you was always … fun.”

I sat and made a plate while Jeff did the same. “Where’s Mom and Matt?”

“They stayed at the hotel in Fredericksburg so Matt could swim in the indoor pool this morning.”

Jeff cleared his throat. “And look at you, up all bright and early.”

With a smirk, my father replied, “Well, if I’m going to be playing you for a few days, I need to know your routine in and out. What is it you do every day, Jeff?”

When Jeff’s head snapped up, I had to fight hard to keep my composure. His eyes widened as he glared at me and mouthed, I told you so. He motioned his throat being cut and all I could do was shake my head and look away.