Free Cameron's Quest by Lorraine Nelson Page B

skiing before
that happens,” Rena joked. “Hard to ski without snow.”
    While they talked, Lacey saw Rena walk to a
pantry closet and come back with two huge wooden center sections to extend the
table. It was so uncanny how she knew where everything was. She even unearthed
a bright yellow tablecloth, making the scene just a little more festive.
    The girls set the table and Winnie put her
casserole in the oven to heat. The rolls were in the warming oven of the wood
stove, and Lacey had brewed a fresh pot of coffee. “Thanks for thinking to
bring a coffee urn, Zakia. With this crew, we’d be forever jumping up and down
to make more. Does anyone prefer tea?”
    “Lucas and I should, but we’re fine with coffee,”
Winnie answered. “He grabs one every chance he can get.”
    “I used to cater, and the urn does come in handy.
I brought a thermos of decaf for Leah and me. Too much caffeine isn’t good for
the babies or my nerves.” Zakia laughed, a soft sound that did a lot toward
making Lacey feel more like a friend…or a member of the family. Either way, it
was a good feeling. The other ladies joined in, and Lacey couldn’t help feeling
that there was nothing better than shared laughter to make a person feel
welcome.
    Cam
entered the kitchen while they were all
laughing and smiling. His gaze locked with hers, and she knew just how happy he
was to have her here. Maybe it wasn’t too late for them after all.
    “Is lunch just about ready? That brother of mine
is always starving.”
    “Yes, you can tell the men to come on back,”
said Lacey.
    “And that rascal husband of mine better stick to
his diet,” Winnie declared.
    “Aw, come on, luv,” Lucas appealed as he came to
stand beside
Cam
. “It’s a celebration. Don’t
be naggin’ on me today.”
    “All right, but just a little of each. I intend
to keep you around for a good long time.”
    “Yes, luv,” he said, his eyes lighting up.
    Lacey didn’t know if it was due to his wife’s
words or the food set out, but Lucas was positively beaming with happiness as
he took a seat at one end of the table.
    When Rena switched seats with Abby, refusing to
sit by the patio door, it caused Lacey a brief moment of concern. Was it
something to do with her dream? She’d have to speak with her after their
company left. Otherwise, lunch was a splendid time of sharing and getting to
know one another. Even the twins were well-behaved, which earned them an extra
treat for dessert.
    “There’s a new club in town I’ve been wanting to
check out,” said Michael. “It’s called The Rodeo, country music, western line
dances and everything. Would you girls be interested in accompanying me?”
    “When?” asked Rena, clearly excited.
    Michael smiled in response. “Tonight okay? I
have tomorrow off.”
    “Mama?” All three girls looked at her, expecting
an answer, even Abby, the shyest of the three.
    “You are all beyond the age where you have to
ask permission. I think it’s nice of Michael to want to show you around,” she
said.
    “Show them off is more like it. I’ll be the envy
of every guy there.” Michael preened comically and laughter surrounded the
table.
    “Will you be drinking?” asked
Cam
.
    “Not planning to, but if I do, I’ll call for a
ride back. All right?”
    Cam
nodded, apparently pleased by Michael’s
assurance.
    “Should we wait up just in case?” asked Lacey.
    “Nope. I have an entire precinct at my beck and
call. Not to worry.” Michael’s charming smile eased her tension as much as his
words.
    Cam
rose and went to the key rack on the wall. “Here.
You’ll be needing a key if we’ve gone to bed.” He passed it to Lynne, who was
sitting the closest to where he stood.
    “Thanks, Papa.”
    Everyone seemed to take that as a cue to leave.
They got up from the table and had everything cleared away and the kitchen
spotless in no time.
    On his way out the door, Michael said, “How
about I pick you girls up around six? I’ll show you