“Yes. And now I have a new ice chest as well.”
The asshole laughed. Some friends I had. “Should I fire up the pit?”
“Yes, and for your sake, I hope you can turn up the heat and cook these bitches fast. Ari is about to rip my head off.”
“Just give her a Snickers bar. It’s her pregnancy weakness.”
“Ah, that explains the giant bag she threw in the cart.”
Jeff chuckled. “I’m surprised she only put one bag in.”
“Luckily I had a gut feeling and threw two more bags into the cart.”
“Smart move.”
I let out a light-hearted laugh. “We’re on our way back.”
“Good luck.”
Stepping into the truck, I took a peek into the back seat to see both Ari and Heather breaking pieces off of a loaf of French bread.
With a soft groan, I turned back and started the truck. “I’m gonna need it if they run out of bread.”
The small area we sat in was illuminated by the blazing fire. The warmth felt good as it hit my face. I drew Ellie in closer to me as she nestled her head against my chest.
“This is perfect,” she whispered.
I kissed the top of her head and agreed. “It was a good idea, I’ll admit.”
She lifted her head and gave me that sweet smile of hers.
“All right, story time,” Jeff said standing.
Rolling my eyes, I spoke, “And there went the peacefulness.”
Ellie playfully hit me on the stomach while Jeff called Gus over to the sit next to him.
Jeff rubbed his hands together and looked arou
nd at everyone. “We can’t roast marshmallows and sit around a fire without a ghost story.”
“I love ghost stories!” Ellie replied as she snuggled in closer to me. The warmth of her body caused mine to come to life. I fought the desire to pick her up and carry her back to our tent and make love to her. I knew this was what she wanted for now, and I would be content with it. At least for a little while.
Jeff turned on the flashlight and stuck it under Gus’ face.
“There ronce rwas a rory about a roung girl.”
My jaw fell to the ground as Jeff continued to talk like Scooby-fucking-Doo.
“Dude, why in the hell are you talking like that?” Josh asked as Heather hit him on the arm.
Ari giggled. “He’s talking like Scooby Doo. Because Gus is telling the story … get it?”
Josh’s forehead furrowed as he looked between Jeff, Ari, and Heather. “I get the reference, but there are no kids around.”
Jeff laughed. “Jesus, Josh. That’s how dogs talk.”
Now it was my turn to laugh. “Scrappy Doo doesn’t talk like that.”