“Don’t you ever check your messages? I told your machine we were coming today.” She shakes her head. Masen makes his way to his dad and does the manly shake and half hug thing.

He seems happy to have them here, and they chat while I fix their breakfast. I hear the door open, and Sniffer says, “Is it lunch already? I’m just in time. Hey Mom,” he says while giving her a loud smacking kiss on the check. “Pop.” He tries for the same greeting, but his dad puts him in a headlock and scruffs his head affectionately.

“You ain’t getting my breakfast, boy,” his dad grunts.

As I watch them interact, my heart aches for my parents. Masen comes over and kisses my temple. “They’re your family, now too, yeah,” he whispers.

I nod, more choked up than I thought and turn back to the stove. I make a quick pan gravy with the sausage. The potatoes are nice and crisp, so I grab the eggs to finish off the country omelets I’m making for them. After a sprinkle of cheese, it’s ready to go. I plate Masen’s dad’s and put it in the warm oven until his mother’s is done. “Would you like some coffee or anything else?” I ask when I set the plates down.

“I didn’t get gravy on my omelet. Can I have a bite, Momma?” Sniffer pouts.

“Oh shut it, you. I haven’t had a good home-cooked meal that I didn’t have to make myself in years,” his mother retorts. When he looks over at his dad, Caleb scoots his plate over a few inches and growls low and deep.

I can’t help myself, I bust out laughing. “What is it with y’all and food?” I ask, shaking my head while I watch Masen who looks like he might just try and steal his dad’s plate and make a run for it.

“Now, I’m hungry again,” he grouches. Turning his back on his parents, he looks at me and smiles proudly.

“If you’re still planning on coming with me, Little One, we need to go. I’ve got a meeting at eleven-thirty,” he says, looking at his phone.

“Is it okay if I still come? What about your parents?”

“Cass can entertain them. It’s fine.” We say our goodbyes, and Masen tells them we’ll see them in a few hours and to make themselves at home. He walks me to his standard SUV and opens the door for me. When he gets in, he kisses me hungrily, leaving me breathless and wanting. He places his forehead on mine and says, “Thank you for taking such good care of me and our family.” I’m speechless from his kind words as he starts the car and drives us downtown.

CHAPTER 28

My first thought is Black Industries is huge. The buildings are only four stories high, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in volume. Three buildings surround an open courtyard with tons of shade offered by mature trees. Picnic tables and benches are placed throughout the parklike area.