Chapter 34

“Reed, are we safe here?” Jim asked with some trepidation. Reed hated the undercurrent of fear in Jim’s voice. What he hated even more was that he couldn’t swear that they were.

“As safe as I can make it, baby. Come down to eat. We have stew, and Laverne and Shirley are waiting.”

“Laverne and Shirley,” Jim wailed. “You didn’t!”

“Yep, I did. I threatened to name them if you didn’t. It was either that or Lucy and Ethel.” Reed grinned, his heart lightening at his baby’s comical expression as he padded down the stairs.

“I suppose Laverne and Shirley is better than Lucy and Ethel. They’re aren’t as old, anyway.” Jim’s nose wrinkled. “At least their reruns are in color. What do I smell?”

“Stew?” Reed teased.

“Not stew, Reed. Apples…apple pie, we have fresh, hot apple pie?” Jim bounced.

“With ice cream and caramel sauce,” Reed answered.

“Oh God, Reed, I feel sooooo spoiled. What did I do to deserve this?”