Chapter 75

Thaddeus saw, and frowned at him, then pinned a wide grin on his face when he realized Billy Bob was watching him. “Rush’s older brother is getting married. Want to come, Mopp?”

For a second, Billy Bob’s mouth hung open, but then he hurried to close it and swallow. “I wasn’t invited.”

“We’re inviting you.”

“But I’d be one extra guest they weren’t expecting. They wouldn’t be prepared for that, for an extra mouth to feed.”

Thaddeus frowned at him, but Tom could see Billy Bob wasn’t trying to be difficult. He was just that concerned, something Tom had noticed and liked about him.

“Rush’s family is rich as Croesus,” Thaddeus explained.

“Who?”

“Some rich guy in mythology.”

“Um…Okay.” Poor Billy Bob seemed genuinely clueless.

“Besides, his brother told him he could bring some friends. Becca’s going as Rushboy’s date.”

“Excuse me?” Billy Bob glanced from Thaddeus to Rush and back. “But I thought you and Rush were boyfriends.”

“We are. Becca’s gonna be Rush’s beard.”

“That’s a horrible term to use.” Rush sounded affronted.

“But true.” Thaddeus laughed, and Tom watched in fond amusement as the son of his heart pinched Rush’s chin. Rush sniffed and stuck his nose in the air, but that only made Thaddeus lean over and kiss Rush’s cheek.

Rush turned back to Billy Bob. “You see,” he started to explain. “The thing is—”

“His family are a bunch of whack-a-doodle-doos.”

“Tad, Rush is standing right here,” Becca hissed. “He can hear you.”

“That’s okay, Becca.” Rush sighed. “Tadder is right. But what I was going to say was that I haven’t come out to my family yet.”

“So you see, Mopp? You have to come with us, if only for moral support.”

“You could take Mr. Cooper.”

“We could, but he happened to mention to JT that he’s got work.”

After leaving Lucas Robinson, Josh had decided to remain in Savannah. He’d been able to find a good-paying job and had purchased a spacious house by the river. He was so alone, though, and Tom could only hope he would eventually meet someone who would love him for the wonderful man he was.

Mopp cleared his throat. “I don’t have any clothes.”

“Good grief, are you a girl?”

“Thaddeus!” Rush frowned at him.

“What?” Thaddeus tried to look innocent.

“Don’t be rude. Mopp, if you’d do us the honor of accompanying us, I would be very grateful. You and I are about the same height and size. I think I have a suit that should fit you.”

“That’s very kind of you. I’ve never been to Atlanta.” The little redneck boy sounded wistful.

“You’ll love it!” Thaddeus assured Billy Bob.

“You’re being silly, Tadder.” Rush shook his head, but he grinned. “Mopp, come with me. You can try on the suit I have in mind.”

* * * *

The day before the wedding, Jack went and rented a big, black Hummer that would comfortably seat the seven of them and the suitcases they’d need to hold clothes, shoes, and toiletries. Since Mopp was coming with them anyway, Jan had graciously agreed to be Mopp’s arm candy, but it was on the firm condition that if someone caught her eye, Mopp would make himself scarce.

Once they had all piled in, Jack drove them up to Atlanta, and they checked into the four bedroom, bi-level suite Rush had reserved at the Apex Hotel across from the CNN Center.

Thaddeus, Rebecca, and Mopp looked around in wonder.

“Yeah!”

“Oh, wow!”

“Holy smokes!”

“I suppose it will do.” January’s tone was bored, and Tom frowned—he knew how much effort Rush had put into booking their accommodation and how stressed he was by the upcoming wedding. But before he could take January to task, Tad exchanged a glance with Rush that clearly communicated his belief she was trying not to appear as impressed as she was. Tom realized that was true and let it go.

The lower level of their suite contained the dining area with a table that sat four—”I didn’t think it mattered, since mostly we’ll be dining out,” Rush told them.—and a living area that had a mini bar and a flat screen TV. To the right was a small kitchen with a microwave, and cabinets and a small refrigerator the hotel would be happy to stock for an additional charge.

The master bedroom was on this level as well, and it took Tom’s breath away. Windows looked out on a view of downtown Atlanta, which was nice, but what drew his gaze was the king size bed, the 50-inch plasma screen TV, and the adjoining bath with a Jacuzzi tub and a separate shower enclosure.