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“Or Mrs T I call her Mama” Bret pulls ain, how did my brother score a fine piece like you?”

Sandy backhands hiht you to talk to ladies with more respect than that”

I stifleMy fa a country boy and turned their noses up at him It’s nice to see there’s still kindness out in the world Josh, on the other hand, doesn’t seem amused and quickly pulls me back into the safety of his arms

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I say

“Look at that, Bret, she’s got manners” Sandy fans herself “Lord help me, Josh, if you screw this one up, I’ll tan your heiney”

Josh groans and rolls his eyes “Damn it, Mom! I’m not five You can’t say shit like that anymore”

“Watch your mouth around me, son” She picks up a spatula from the counter and waves it at hi his face inI’ve heard about you, I expect to see you around more often”

“It’s all lies I swear,” I tease

“Oh, hush now, darlin’ That boy couldn’t tell a lie to save his life He’s real smitten with you”

“Mom!” Josh yelps

“Well, it’s true! Josh is ood boy” She reaches out and takes Josh’s chin between her fingers, bea her potato salad “Bret, on the other hand, that boy is gonna put rave”

“Aw, Ma Don’t say that I’er in the bowl

“Damn it, Bret! Out Everybody out!” Sandy smacks his shoulder then shoos us out the kitchen We almost make it to the back door when she yells, “Oh, and don’t use protection, dear Y’all would make cute babies!”

“Ohthe door behind us Once outside, he heads straight for the coolers and handsone for hi up for air “Sorry about that”

I shake my head and set the drink on top of the cooler “I loved it Your family is so kind, and mine…mine isn’t”