Page 86 of Meant to Be

“You were only gone for two weeks,” I chided.

“Two long weeks. I had to force your father not to do any work. And you know how stubborn that man can be,” she tutted.

I raised an eyebrow at my mother. The truth was, my mother was just as stubborn as my father but I would never say those words out loud.

“Kayla!” my mother squealed, ignoring the look I gave her.

“Mrs. Townsend. Thank you for inviting me tonight.”

My mother waved her off. “You’re family. Please, come in. Robert! Joshua has arrived,” my mother called out. “Come, Kayla.” She pulled Kay toward the back of the house by the hand, leaving me alone.

“Nice to see you, too, Mother!” I called sarcastically.

“Leave my wife alone. She always loved that girl.”

Me too.

My eyes bulged as that brand new thought crossed my mind. It had been an instant response to my father’s words. I shook my head, breaking free of the thought that would obviously need to be scrutinized at a later time.

“Looking good, old man,” I joked with my father. He had definitely gotten a tan while in Greece. It contrasted nicely with his greying hair and beard.

My father’s handshake was firm as he tugged me in closer to him. “We need to talk.”

I nodded, knowing exactly what he was referring to. “You heard about the robberies?”

He gave me a deadpan look. Of course he’d heard.

“You want to know what’s happening?” I didn’t bother waiting for an answer. “Brutus is on it and I’ve got a friend of mine digging in some background channels for me, also. Had a meeting today.”

“And the police?”

“I’ve got it covered, Father.”

Before he could respond, my father’s head rose and turned toward the door. The doorbell had interrupted him. “We’ll discuss this later.” His hand dropped from my shoulder and he strolled to the door, opening it to a grinning Carter and Michelle, with their kids in tow.

“Hey, Grandfather! Hey, Uncle Josh!” nine-year-old Diego chimed, a huge grin on his face.

“Diego.” I lowered my hand for my nephew to clasp and pulled him in for a hug. “What’s up, bro?” I greeted Carter. “Michelle, beautiful as always.” I pressed a kiss to her cheek. “And the little one.” I glanced down to the sleeping baby in her arms. Baby Samuel was a little over two months old and the light of his parents’ eyes.

I wonder what our kids will look like.

Holy shit. Another stray thought. I needed to get a grip before I started saying shit like that out loud.

“Hey, Josh,” Michelle greeted, pulling me from my silent freak out.

I tossed her a smile, taking a step back to allow them entryway into the house.

The baby started to squirm and make noises in Michelle’s arms.

“I knew he’d wake as soon as we got here. I need to change and feed him,” she stated, looking to Carter then to my father.

“Linda’s with Kayla in the kitchen. I’ll take you.” My father took Michelle by the waist and directed her to the kitchen.

“You better be careful before the old man tries to steal your woman,” I teased Carter, poking him in the ribs with my elbow.

“Who’s an old man?” Diego interjected.

Carter frowned, looking down at his son. “Nobody. Your uncle’s just a sh— He’s just trying to be funny.” My oldest brother gave me a sideways glance.