His eyes get big. “You are so fucking sassy.” He laughs and smacks my butt with a loud crack. “Yeah, well, you’re not off the hook either,” he adds with an evil glint in this eye.

While Masen is in the shower, the doorbell rings. I look over to the clock noticing it only almost nine. When I open the door, a pretty woman with short, white-blonde hair smiles at me. “Hi,” I say, not sure what she’s doing here.

“Well just look at you, aren’t you gorgeous? I couldn’t wait to meet you.” She hugs me close, taking me off guard. “Well, where’s my boy?” she asks, releasing my stiff body while walking past me into the house. I stand at the open door wondering who she is. Her eyes dart around the room.

“Masen?” I question. She finally looks over at me and sees my confusion just as a huge man with salt and pepper hair strides through the door mumbling. “Masen,” I yell loud enough for him to hear me from the bedroom. “He didn’t tell you we were coming?” Her pretty face falls. I inch closer to the hall when the man finally looks up at me, and I freeze. He has Masen’s white-blue eyes. My body relaxes instantly. “You’re his parents?” I smile and blow out a breath. “I’m sorry,” I say, rushing over to grab her hand. “He didn’t tell me y’all were coming today. Please forgive my manners. It’s been a crazy couple of days. Can I get you something to drink? Are you hungry? I can make y’all some breakfast.”

“No, we’re fine, but thank you.” She smiles, and I can see how much Sniffer takes after her now that I’m truly looking at her.

“Well, I’m hungry,” grumbles a deep voice.

She just shakes her head. “I just fed you. I’m Mickey, and this is Caleb. We couldn’t be happier to meet you. Mase and Cass have told me so much about you,” she says excitedly.

“That was hours ago,” he grouses.

“Masen should be out soon. He’s getting ready for work. Come on in here, and I’ll see what’s left.” I lead them to the kitchen. I’m a little nervous to cook for Masen’s dad. I look in the freezer and find some frozen sausage links. I put them in the sink and run cool water over them and grab a couple pans. I peel and shred a couple potatoes and get them frying before starting the sausage.

“Who the hell are you feeding now?” Masen booms down the hallway before entering the kitchen.

I roll my eyes. “He thinks everyone is out to steal his food,” I mock whisper.

“That’s because they are!” he states, finally entering the room. “Mom, Pop? What are you guys doing here?” he asks but walks over to his mother and hugs her tight. He’s casual today in dark jeans and a light blue button-up shirt rolled at the cuffs showing off his strong forearms.