Page 37 of The Friendship Pact

“Paperwork, politics, and training, but we’ve gotten permission to hire another deputy, so it’s all good.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your dad. He’s on the mend now?”

“He is, and cranky as hell.” Nick chuckled. “Thanks to Kate taking over all the baking, Mom’s been able to spend time helping him with his rehab.”

“I haven’t seen Kate since she arrived and when I met her, it was in passing. Alexis has only good things to say. I know she’s pleased with the work on her living quarters.”

“Yeah, she is. Do-Over did great work.”

“Thanks.” Zeke slapped him on the back. “I hear you’ve been spending time at her place.”

“Not you too.” Nick stood, and they walked into the workout area and joined the others, who were already lifting weights.

Large-screen televisions mounted over the windows in front of the treadmills played the morning news. Owen held the punching bag for Pete; they stopped and raised a hand in greeting. Nick stepped onto the treadmill next to Ethan, and Zeke loaded weights onto the barbell.

“Nick. Glad you made it,” Ethan said.

Nick dialed the treadmill to an easy pace. “Glad to be here.”

After moving around the gym for an hour and completing their cooldowns, they gathered at the snack bar. Ethan handed each of them a bottle of water from the fridge.

“So,” Cole said as he dropped onto a barstool beside Nick. “You and Kate seem to be hitting it off. Are you bringing her to the wedding?”

Ethan and Paige would be tying the knot in just over two weeks. “I wasn’t planning on it,” Nick said.

“Then you don’t mind if I ask her?” Cole asked his brother.

Nick downed half his water. “Do what you want. We’re just friends.”

Ethan tipped his bottle toward Nick. “You don’t need to be dating to bring a plus-one.”

Nick shrugged. “Kate will be at the wedding. I don’t see why we need to arrive together.”

Glances around the room told him the guys thought otherwise. If he asked her to the wedding as his date, they’d be wading into dangerous territory. The pact he and Kate made was to remain friends, though he didn’t like the idea of Cole asking her. Nick figured a subject change was in order. “So, Owen, when are you leaving for Aruba?”

“After New Year’s.” Owen finished his water, and Ethan handed him another. “Maggie doesn’t want to miss the annual New Year’s gala at the lodge. She hasn’t missed one yet, and she doesn’t plan to. Besides, she’s already bought her dress.”

“How about you, Ethan? When and where is the honeymoon?” Nick asked.

“We’re heading to the Dominican Republic in the new year. Paige doesn’t want to miss the gala either, and with Christmas the week after the wedding, we booked a few nights at the Grandview Lodge. Speaking of the wedding, Paige asked me to remind you guys the final tux fittings are this Friday at Chloe’s shop.”

Zeke threw his bottle into the recycle bin. “I’ve got it on my calendar.”

“Me too,” Owen said.

“I’m on duty, but I’ll stop by when I have a chance. Besides, I can go in after hours if I need to,” Nick said.

Cole gathered his things. “I’ll see you guys on Friday. Maybe we can grab a bite to eat afterwards and talk about the bachelor party. I have a few ideas.” He checked his watch. “I’ve got to go. I’m bringing Dad to his doctor’s appointment.”

Nick stood and addressed Cole. “I’ll meet you at Mom and Dad’s.”

“Say hi to your dad. Tell him we’re all thinking about him,” Zeke said.

“I better get going too,” Pete said. “I’m due at the church. Take care, guys, and see you at the bachelor party.”

* * *

After spending a few hours at his parents’ visiting with his dad, Nick headed for the grocery store. He had a craving for vegetable beef soup, a recipe he had perfected over the years and one of the few dishes he made from scratch.