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“Cat?” Rick’s eyebrows shot up

Cooper nodded “The little orange thing The one Dad brought hoinia’s”

“Spice”

Both boys turned to Isabel She leaned back against the sink, drying her hands on a towel Her hair was pulled into a loose bun that tickled her neck, and she was makeup-free Okay Who the hell had stolen his mother? She was dressed in ashed jeans and a simple white shirt—sure they boasted expensive labels, but still

Isabel tossed the towel and ruffled Connor’s head “She was naar Nanny used to make her apple pies”

Son of a bitch She was right

Cooper let the memory settle, took a few moments to savor it, and then cranked his head to the side, eyes on Maverick “Dishwasher out of order?”

His brother grunted “Not great tiot planned for Sunday And the only guy in toho can fix it is laid up in the hospital”

“Why don’t you just buy a new one?” That was a no-brainer as far as Cooper was concerned

“Well, that’s what I said But according to Charlie, the da her hard-earned cash on a new one when this can be fixed”

“What about your hard-earned cash?” Cooper knew Rick could afford to buy ten dishwashers if he wanted to

“My goodness, boys A few dirty dishes and your world is turned upside down” Isabel winked at Connor “Do you knohere the bibs are for the lobster?”

“In the cupboard!” Connor shouted

The youngster scras and slipped his hand into Isabel’s The two of them disappeared around the corner, and Cooper could only stare after them

“What the hell, brother?” He looked at Maverick “Is she high?”