Free Gravel's Road by Winter Travers Page B

love your hair, maybe just trim the ends off. Just a couple of inches,” she said, holding up an end of my hair and holding it a couple of inches up from the ends.
    “What about if I wanted to cut it off.” I was testing her, afraid of her answer.
    Her eyes were looking at my hair, holding it this way and that. “I like it long, but you can do whatever you want.” She said, her eyes finding mine.
    “Maybe I could have Marley trim it up,” I agreed.
    “Whatever you want,” she said dropping my hair and smiled up at me.
    “Did you just talk me into getting a haircut?” I smirked. The damned woman just made it seem like getting a haircut was my idea.
    “It’s up to you.” She leaned up on her tiptoes and planted a quick kiss on my lips and slipped into the house.
    I watch the screen slap shut behind her and just shook my head.
    I ran my fingers through my hair, tugging the tie out and sifted it through my fingers. Guess I was getting a haircut.

    */*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/

    Ethel

    “Honey, you can stay here, I don’t mind at all,” I said sliding the door shut in Gravel’s room. The days were still remotely warm, but when the sun went down, there was a definite chill in the air.
    “No, really, it’s ok. I planned on going to the hotel in town and look for a more permanent place to stay tomorrow,” she said combing her fingers through her long hair.
    “I’m not going to take no for an answer.”
    “Who’s not taking no for an answer?” Gravel asked walking into his room.
    “Me. Marley insists on going and stay at a hotel.” I told Gravel.
    “Where is she going to sleep here, darlin’?” Gravel asked.
    “The couch or she could even take my bed. I’m sure you aren’t caught up on your sleep yet.” I offered.
    “Oh fuck that shit! There is no way in hell you are sleeping on that couch! You can just get that out of your head, woman!” Gravel bellowed at me.
    “Really, I’m ok with getting a hotel. I’m also used to having my own space, so a hotel room is best. Really,” Marley insisted.
    “You're an ass, Gravel,” I hissed at him.
    “She can get a goddamn hotel room for one night, and I can find her a place to stay tomorrow. I finally got you, woman, and I intend to have you without my daughter right across the god damn hall!”
    I felt my face heat and knew that I had turned bright read. I had no idea I could still blush at fifty-eight.
    “Jesus Christ, Lincoln, please keep it in your pants until I leave,” Marley said, her nose scrunched up and lip curled.
    “I’ll pay for your hotel tonight and then we’ll look for a place in the morning,” Gravel growled, prowling out the door.
    “I’m sorry, Marley. Sometimes I think your father doesn’t have any manners,” I apologized, embarrassed that Gravel had talked like that in front of Marley.
    Marley shook her head and laughed. “I’ve heard a lot worse from him. I actually think that is the sweetest thing I have ever heard him say,” she smiled.
    “I think you might be right about that,” I agreed, laughing.
    “I’m going to head out and get out of your hair,” Marley said, walking out the door.
    “At least stay and eat. I still have everything out. I figured you would be hungry when you woke up,” I said as we walked in the kitchen. Gravel was standing next to the sink his arms crossed over his chest talking to King and Rigid, who were sitting at the table.
    Cyn was sitting on Rigid’s lap while Meg had a chair flipped around, straddling it, and was quietly talking to Cyn.
    “I’m ok. I can grab something on the way to the hotel,” Marley said, looking around and headed to the front door.
    “Sit and eat, and then you can make your way over there,” Gravel called from the kitchen.
    “Sure I’m not butting in on your time with Ethel?” Marley called, her back turned to the kitchen, but I could tell she was smiling. She sure was feisty. She could help me keep Gravel in line.
    “As long as these four are here,