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No tias station bathroo in and out as fast as we could Thatcher and I htly lit, tiled hall that led to the fast-food restaurant attached to the gas station Tenn called out his order as he moved past us to the front door and out to the pumps

Standing in line, I bounced onthe line to move faster Just when I was about to ditch the idea of food in favor of a few bags of chips, the party ahead of us was gone and it was our turn I ordered as quickly as I could, shoving my credit card at the cashier

"What's with the rush? Does Tenn have a curfew?" Thatcher asked, laughing

"Kind of" Sending a look around the crowded restaurant, I said, "I'll explain later"

Grabbing our bags, I nudged the drinks at Thatcher "Go easy on yours, okay? We're not stopping for another bathroom break"

"Seriously?"

"Seriously," I confirmed

When we reached the car, Thatcher said, "You can sit in the front, Mom Then I can stretch out back here"

I guess he was done with hugs He'd have to put up with onethe food and drinks to Tenn, I hauled Thatcher intoup for almost a week He stood passive in my embrace for a few seconds before his ar "I'm okay, Mom"

"I know" Planting a set what I said about the drink We're not stopping again"

I buckled in and Tenn pulled back onto the highway "We have until 10:48, according to Griffen," he said, a determined set to his chin

Thatcher leaned forward, his hand on the back of et back houys left their mission to help you?"

Tenn sent ed "I think he should knohat you risked to help him"

Tenn nodded and appeared to think for a minute "You knoho I am?" he asked Thatcher "Who my family is?"