Clay laughed. “We’ve had plenty of reunion time since she’s been back. Don’t worry about it.”
“If you’re sure.”
“About the reunion time?” He quirked a smile. “Definitely sure.”
Jason rolled his eyes. “Not what I was talking about. And I don’t want to know that part.”
He slanted a knowing smile at Jason. “You’re not interrupting us. I already told Alice I was inviting you over. She was all for it, so quit worrying. You can help me get the burgers ready.”
“Oh, well, if you’re talking burgers, then I’m definitely staying for dinner.”
“Thought you might.”
While Clay was in the process of getting the meat ready, Alice came down the hall.
“Hi, Jason.”
She came over to give him a hug.
“Hey, Alice. How’s everything going?”
“It’s going great.”
“How was the trip to LA?”
“Very productive. I picked up two new clients, and possibly another one based on my very productive teleconference today.”
“That’s great news.” He didn’t really understand how her matchmaking business worked, but according to Clay, she was damn good at it, with a high percentage of success. “Lots of happily-ever-afters in more couples’ futures, then?”
She gave him a genuine smile. “You know it.”
“Burgers are ready to go on the grill, babe,” Clay said.
“Okay. I just need to clean up my work area, then I’ll start working on the sides.”
Clay came over and slid his arm around her. “I said I had dinner handled.”
“And I told you I’d help if I finished work in time. I’m finished, so go put burgers on the grill. I’ll pour myself a glass of wine, then start on the sides.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Clay bent and brushed his lips across hers, then grabbed the tray holding the burgers, looking over at Jason. “You heard the lady. Let’s go.”
Jason followed Clay outside, Homer right on their heels.
While Clay put the burgers on, Jason took the ball Homer had dropped at his feet and tossed it across the yard.
Homer ran and grabbed it, then brought it back, let it fall out of his mouth and waited, his tail thumping madly until Jason picked it up and threw it again. And again.
Homer was a very good dog.
“How come you didn’t bring Puddy with you?” Clay asked.
Jason tossed the ball, then turned to Clay. “I wasn’t sure from your message if there was something wrong with Homer, and I didn’t want to stress him out by bringing Puds with me.”
“If Homer was sick I’d have brought him into the clinic. And next time I’ll be clearer in my messages.”
“Yeah, do that.”
Alice opened the back door. “Corn on the cob, green beans or a salad?”
Clay looked over at Jason, who shrugged and said, “Yeah.”
Alice laughed and shook her head. “Neither of you are helpful. I’ll decide.”
After Alice went inside, Jason noticed some spray-painted area around the yard. “Plans?”
“Yeah.” Clay closed the grill. “We’re building a patio and outdoor kitchen, a shaded porch and an outdoor entertainment area.”
“Oh. So big plans.”
“Yeah. We have the space for it. I figure if we enclose the porch with drop-down screens, it’ll be great for grilling and football in the fall.”
Jason nodded. “Always think big, my friend.”
Clay laughed. “I try. I don’t want to have to redo this in five years. Not when there will be little ones running around by then.”
Jason plopped down in the chair and took a swig of his beer. “You do have big plans.”
“I’m going to marry that woman and have babies with her.”
“Does she know that?”
“She does. I mean, I haven’t formally proposed yet, but yeah, she’s in on the grand plan.”
“Maybe you should get to the formally proposing part.”
“That’s in the works. Her parents are coming to town next week to visit over Memorial Day weekend. I’m going to do it then. I figured having her family here along with my family would make it more meaningful.”
“That’s nice.”
The door popped open. “What’s nice?”
Shit. Jason had to think fast. “How well Homer was doing on his training. That dog can really chase after a ball.”
Alice came out and took a seat next to him, looking cool and beautiful in her long flowery sundress. Homer ambled over and dropped the slimy ball in her lap. Unruffled, Alice picked up the ball and threw it. “He’s so smart, and, yes, he does love his ball. And his fluffy toys. And things to chew on. Plus, he only chews the things he’s supposed to.”
“She’s just happy he doesn’t chew up her shoes,” Clay said.
Alice nodded. “That is a bonus.”
“Clay told me you two are building an outdoor oasis.”
She rolled her eyes. “His idea. I suggested a patio. I go away for a few days and come home to painted lines in the backyard and blueprints for an entire outdoor kitchen and an enclosed sunroom with an entertainment area and drop-down screens and what have you.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t complain about it when I showed you the plans, did you?” Clay asked as he took the burgers off the grill.
She lifted her chin. “I believe I mentioned it was all too much.”
“She came around after I told her how much our future children were going to love it.”
“He agreed we’d put a pool in next year.”
Jason nodded. “You definitely need to add the pool. With a slide. And a playset, too.”
She laughed. “We should probably have children first. Or maybe get married before the kids come along. Though if the first little one should pop up as a surprise, I won’t complain. I’m so ready to have babies.”
She got up and went into the house. Jason shot Clay a look, and Clay’s lips lifted.
He envied his friend. He was one lucky man.
When the food was ready, they went inside, sat at the table and dug in. The burgers were great, and Alice had made a salad plus green beans, along with a nice fruit salad, too, and there was bread. By the time he’d cleaned his plate he was stuffed and very happy.
Alice had opened
