“That’s a great idea, son,” Big Mac said. “What do you think, Ned?”

“I’ll talk ta Francine bout it. ’Tis all up to her.”

“You’ll be a fine husband if you already realize that,” Big Mac said.

“Ya think I will? Really?”

“I’m sure you will,” Mac said. “You love her and her girls like they’re your own. Maddie says all the time that she and Tiffany had no idea what it was like to have a father until you came into their lives. And the kids adore their grandpop. You’re going to be great at it.”

With his chin propped on his hand, Ned blinked a few times.

For a second, Big Mac wondered if his old pal would hang on to his composure in the face of such a ringing endorsement.

“Thank you,” Ned said softly. “Means a lot coming from ya.”

Luke Harris joined them, along with some of the other daily regulars who came by for coffee, doughnuts and bullshit every morning.

“So hey, before the day gets away from us,” Mac said, leaning in so his father and Luke could hear him. “I need to start spending a little more time at home. This pregnancy is kicking Maddie’s ass, and she needs some help with the kids.”

“No problem,” Big Mac said. “Do what you’ve got to do.”

“I’ll cover for you,” Luke said. “Maybe someday you’ll get to return the favor.”

“I really hope so,” Mac said.

“You know we don’t want to pry,” Big Mac said tentatively, aware that Luke and his wife, Sydney, were trying to have a baby after she’d had a tubal ligation reversal.

“Yes, you do,” Luke said, laughing. “Nothing yet, but we’re having lots of fun trying.”

Big Mac had loved Luke Harris like a son since the fatherless boy showed up at the docks when he was fourteen and asked for a job. He’d been working there ever since. Best thing Big Mac had ever done was make him a partner in the business a couple of summers ago. Luke and Mac were doing a brilliant job of running the place so he could spend more of his time doing what he did best—passing the bull with his friends.

Grant came along a short time later, taking a seat at the table with a coffee in hand. “I have news from the trenches,” Grant said with a triumphant smile that had everyone’s immediate attention.

“Spill it,” Mac said.

“Steph and I are getting married on Labor Day!”

“Oh for shit’s sake,” Ned muttered as the others congratulated Grant.

“What’s wrong with him?” Grant asked, using his thumb to point to Ned.

“He’s having a little trouble fitting his wedding in among all the others,” Mac told his brother. “But I’m happy for you and Steph. That’s great news.”