Page 126 of Mr. B

“Um…” He glanced at Cassandra. “It’s all Abe’s fault.”

“What did Abe talk you into doing?”

Wes smiled. “It’s not really his fault. It was his idea, but he didn’t twist my arm or anything.”

“What was his idea?”

“Taking the bikes to the racetrack.”

“Weston. My goodness.”

“I know. I’ve already been reprimanded by Cassandra.” He reached for her hand. “Not really. She was very cool about it.”

John put his hand over Allie’s. “Leave the boy alone. He needed a distraction.”

She sighed. “I hope the pain was worth it.”

“It definitely was, Mom.”

She looked at Kai. “Just about the time you two realize you’re too old to be careening around a dirt track on the back of a motorcycle, this little one will want his first dirt bike.”

Kai banged on the tray of his highchair. “Bike, bike, bike.”

Bailey came up to the table. “Mr. B, everyone wants you to say something.”

“Phew, I’ll try.” He got up and headed to the order counter. Gentry, Abe, Luke, and Maggie were busy making pizzas. Gentry tossed dough into the air, then set it on a pan and smiled at Wes.

“Seems these people like you.”

“Go figure.” He turned back to the room and whistled his everybody-pay-attention whistle. The room fell silent. He swallowed the lump in his throat, then wiped his sweaty palms on his pants. He blew out a breath. “Wow. That sounds so inadequate. But…wow. I, ah…didn’t expect this. I’m, well, I’m speechless. I don’t know what to say. So I’ll just say this. Thank you. Every single one of you, thank you.” He glanced at Cassandra. “And, um…while I have everyone’s attention, and to stop the rumors before they start, Dr. Jordan and I are dating. If anyone has a problem with that, take it up with the school board.”

The room erupted in clapping and cheering. He remained for a moment, then made his way back to the table. Cassandra stood, and he grinned at her. “I hope you don’t have a problem with me making that announcement.”

“It’s a little late if I did.”

“Do you?”

She put her arms around his neck and kissed him. Once more, the room was filled with cheering.

They sat down, and John cocked his head. “You two are dating?”

Allie nudged him. “Of course, dear. I knew it the second they walked into the house together.”

Chapter thirty-one

“He broke your chair?”

Wes was leaning against the counter with a cup of coffee when Cassandra walked into the kitchen. “Look at you all, raring to go.”

He smiled. “I don’t think I slept at all last night.” He finished his coffee and set the cup in the sink. “Let’s go do this.”

“I need to tell you something before we go see Ryan.”

“What?”

“He and I…dated.”

“You dated?”