Page 40 of Death Dance

“With extra gravy. You may pretend you are seven again and out for my steak. One of my brood, who helped make your meals, is in the kitchen tonight, so it’ll be just like you remember.”

As the steaks were one of the better parts of my childhood, right along with the mashed potato volcanoes brimming with gravy, I fully intended to make a fool out of myself before someone had to roll me out of the buffet. “You’re definitely getting at least three good mugs now for Christmas.”

My brothers laughed.

“Don’t worry, boys. I haven’t forgotten about you. You’ll be getting your childhood favorites, too.”

Without a care in the world, they cheered.

Emerick raised a brow. “I thought you were all about holding the gravy.”

“I changed my mind,” I replied with a dainty sniff. “If you’re nice to me, I’ll even let you try mine.”

“I hope I don’t regret this.”

I grinned at the despair in his tone. “You’ll be fine.”

“Those are famous last words, Pepper. Please don’t make them my final last words.”

“I’ll think about it.”