Chapter 78
“You need to get some sleep and I need to go to work.”
Wade smirked. “Are you sure you need to leave right now? I can think of something that would definitely help me sleep.”
Lance chuckled. “It’s tempting, but yes, I have to go.”
“I could make it really worth your while, baby.”
Lance trembled and his breath came out on a shudder. God, all Wade had to do was talkand his body reacted. He was so crazy about Wade it was almost ridiculous. But he rose and forced himself to the door. “Keep those thoughts—I’ve got plans for you when I get home tonight. Get some sleep. Talk to you later.”
Lance forced himself out of the room. God, he really wanted to stay. Sleeping without him had been hard.
The scent of Lorna’s legendary cinnamon rolls filled him with joy as he entered the kitchen. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to stay for a family breakfast. He had a conference call in less than an hour.
Allyson stood at the island, plating the fresh rolls. She was humming a tune—quite badly—under her breath and he smiled at the thought of her singing so off-tune to her baby. But that kid was going to be lucky. Casey and Allyson were going to be awesome parents. Although, he was sure looking forward to razzing Casey about all the new parenting issues that were sure to come along.
Allyson caught his eye and grinned. “Fresh from the oven. I didn’t make them, of course. They’re Lorna’s.”
“They smell amazing. But I’ve got an early call.”
“That’s okay. I can put a couple in a to-go container for you.”
“I can do that.” He took a storage container from the cabinet but she pulled it from his hands.
“Excuse me, Lance. Don’t argue with a pregnant woman. Apparently, I’m ‘nesting.’ At least that’s what the books tell me.” She set two rolls inside the container before clicking the lid shut.
“Nesting?”
“It’s like this need to set up house. To get ready to take care of my baby. It’s driving Casey crazy, too. But I can’t help it. I have this compulsion to take care of people right now.” She handed him the container. “They’re still warm.”
“Thanks. See you guys tonight.” He turned to head out, but stopped when she spoke again.
“Oh, have you talked to Casey yet today?”
“No. Why?”
“He got the final approval to be a foster parent. They called this morning. He just needs to sign some paperwork.”
“That’s amazing! And incredibly fast.”
“I think Sheriff Hunter had a lot to do with it. Not to mention, Jake is older. I guess finding homes for teenagers can be difficult. And Ruby’s a small town.”
“Well, I’m really proud of you guys for choosing to help the kid. I’ve dealt with a few adoptions in my line of work and it can be challenging to navigate all the rules.”
“Once we’re married, I’ll be added as a foster parent.”
“So a teenager and a baby in the same year? Good luck!” He grabbed some napkins on the way out of the kitchen, and by the time he was pulling out of the ranch, he’d already scarfed down one cinnamon roll.
* * * *
The bar and grill was packed. Ruby Nights Barwas one of the town’s older establishments, but the owners had recently remodeled and Lance was impressed. Glossy hardwood floors covered all but the dance floor in front of the stage. Obligatory cowboy pictures hung from the walls, and round wooden tables dotted the room, with bar top tables around the edge. One side wall, adjacent to the bar, had a line of booths, but they were all full.
Lance realized all but one table was already full—and it had a “Reserved” sign on it. Shit.They should have arrived earlier.
Wade shrugged. “I guess it’s standing room only.”
“Allyson needs to be able to sit,” Casey said from behind.
“Casey! Stop it. I can stand!” Allyson rolled her eyes and Lance bit back a laugh. Casey was being a little overprotective lately and it was driving Allyson crazy.
Lance spied Landon waving them over to the reserved table. “Oh, he saved it for us. That’s great!”
“Thank God, my feet are killing me,” Allyson exclaimed.
Casey’s eyes widened and he opened his mouth to say something, but Lance shook his head, warning him to let it go. So he just put his hand on her back, guiding her to the table.
“So glad you’re here!” Landon said as he pulled out a chair for her. “But I’ve got to get on stage. We’re getting ready for our first song.”
“Thanks for saving us a space. Had no idea it would be so packed,” Wade said before Landon hurried away. He turned to Lance as they took their seats. “It’s been a while since I’ve been here. Wonder if it’s something special tonight?”
“You mean like Ladies Night? Something like that?”
“Yeah.”
A young woman in a bright tie-dye shirt leaned over from the adjacent table. “Sorry, not trying to listen in, but overheard you. It’s not Ladies Night. But whenever Ruby Red plays, the place fills fast.”
Wade grinned. “That’s great. Landon is my brother.”
She shook hands with him. “I’m Naomi. My boyfriend plays the drums.”
Once introductions had been made to the friends she had with her, they turned to the cheap, paper menus that were ripped and faded. The place sold beer, pop, and some wine, along with basic bar snacks. They decided on beer and mozzarella sticks, while Allyson opted for ice water. Casey ordered a round of potato skins, and just as their food arrived, the band hit the stage.