“I like it when you’re bossy,” he replied.
We went inside and into the kitchen. I turned on the faucet and made sure it was warm. Then I grasped Slash’s wrist and guided him to the sink where I gently washed his palm. When it was clean, I took a paper towel and patted his skin dry.
“Sit,” I told him.
“It’s just a wasp sting, you know?”
“I know. Sit anyway.”
He dutifully sat at the kitchen table. I went into Darcy’s freezer and pulled out an ice pack. I wrapped it in a dish towel and then placed it on Slash’s hand.
“Better?” I asked.
He grabbed my waist and plopped me down on his lap. “Better.”
Darcy came into the kitchen from the living room and said, “The girls adamantly refuse to go back outside because of the wasp situation.” She looked at Slash. “What happened?”
“The wasp situation,” he said dryly.
“Ah,” Darcy said. “There’s ibuprofen on the top shelf of the cabinet. Helps reduce the swelling.”
“Thanks,” I replied.
The other Old Ladies came in from the backyard, carrying trays and cupcakes, but just the ones covered in pink frosting.
“I’m guessing the menfolk want to stay outside?” Darcy asked.
“They do,” Mia said. “I figured we could eat our cupcakes with the girls.”
“They’re watching a movie,” Darcy said.
My phone rang. I dug through my purse and found it. I looked at the screen but didn’t recognize the number, so I let it go to voicemail.
I went to the cabinet Darcy had pointed to, grabbed the bottle of medicine, and returned to Slash.
“Mama!” Lily yelled.
“Are we sure giving them sugar is a good idea?” Mia asked. “They already seem a bit high-strung.”
“I promised them sugar,” Darcy said. “Why do I do this to myself?”
“Have you seen your daughter?” I demanded. “She’s not even mine and I can’t say no to her.”
Slash leaned over so he could press his cheek to my belly and then wrapped an arm around my waist.
“You’re tough when you need to be,” Mia pointed out.
“Eh, maybe,” Darcy said. “It’s just been hard. The last few months. I’ve given them whatever they wanted.”
“When we get back from Wyoming, Silas and I are going to start going to the assisted living facility and bring Captain,” Mia said.
“Who’s Captain?” I asked.
“Our mutt.” Mia grinned. “He’s a ridiculous animal and he always makes us laugh. We thought, why not spread the joy.”
“That’s a great idea,” Joni said, swiping a cupcake off the table. She removed the wrapper, tore off the bottom, and placed it on top of the frosting, making a cupcake sandwich.
“What did you just do?” Darcy demanded.