Page 85 of Last Mile

I merely grinned as I let Samantha led me into the bedroom. After a lightning- fast shower, we made it to Mama Liz’s in less than half an hour. The sounds of laughter filled the air as we swept through the front door. Although I was late, my brothers and sisters-in-law still sat around the oak table in the dining room while Willow and Wyatt played on the floor in the living room.

At the sight of us, Rev grinned. “Well, well, if it isn’t the sleeping beauties.”

“Yeah, what kept you guys?” Deacon asked.

I mouthed a fuck you at him before motioning for Samantha to take a seat next to Annabel. I took a seat at the end of the table.

Samantha gave Mama Liz and the others an apologetic look. “I’m sorry we’re late. Bishop didn’t tell me he was expected at breakfast, or I would have made sure we were here on time,” Samantha said.

Mama Liz smiled. “It’s okay. We’re just glad to have you with us now.” She set a heaping plate full of biscuits and gravy, grits, sausage, bacon, and eggs in front of Samantha. “I just fixed it all for you because I wasn’t sure what you liked.”

Samantha’s eyes lit up. “Trust me, I like it all. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She then brought me my usual plate.

“Thanks, Mama.”

“Ah, so we’re Mr. Manners now that your girlfriend is here, huh?” Deacon asked, a wicked gleam burning in his dark eyes.

I should have realized that my brothers, especially Deacon, were going to love nothing better than to ride my ass about Samantha.

Instead of once again mouthing for him to fuck off, I ignored him and dug into the heaping pile of food.

“Samantha, did you have a good time last night at the party?” Mama Liz asked.

“Yes, I did. Everyone has been so sweet to welcome me.”

“Generally, the Raiders are a friendly bunch,” Mama Liz mused.

“Does the party go on all day?” Sam asked.

Rev nodded. “Most people will start heading back later this afternoon while some will stay and head out in the morning.”

With a smile, Annabel said, “You can count me out for another late night. I have to leave to go back to school tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry, babe. I’ll be turning in early myself. I’ve got that meeting in Chattanooga in the morning.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“You’re still coming with me, aren’t you, B?” Rev asked.

After gulping down some scorching coffee, I said, “Sure am. What time do we have to leave?”

“Five a.m.”

I groaned. “Jesus, why does it have to be so early?”

Rev laughed. “Samantha, will you make sure he gets up on time in the morning?”

The insinuation that Sam would stay another night with me caused both of us to choke on our food.

When we started to recover, Rev gave us a sheepish look. “Sorry about that. I didn’t realize it was such a touchy subject. I just figured things were settled between you guys.”

I brought my gaze to Samantha’s. “They are settled.” When she smiled, I added, “We just have to work all the kinks out.”

“I’m sure you both will do just fine,” Mama Liz said.

“I agree,” Alex chimed in.