16. Mark
Just as I’m pulling our pot roast for dinner out of the InstaPot, my wrist buzzes with an incoming text.
Harper:
Got a minute?
With Enzo Harper, it could be several things, so I set my roast on the plate I have set out, then pull my phone out of my pocket and call him. He picks up right away.
“Hey, man. What’s up?” I ask in greeting.
“Hey, Mark. I’ve got a situation.”
Shit. This can’t be good. “Okay…”
“I’ve promised my wife I’d accompany her to a big book event in Germany this week, and Carson’s celebrating his anniversary in Belize.
Any chance I can talk you into doing a quick transport to DC?
You’d be on standby while Riggs meets with the brass.
If all goes well, it would be a two-day trip, tops.
I know you’re trying to stick around home this summer, but I’d owe you big time if you could step in for me. ”
Glancing at my grandsons playing Legos in the living room, I ask, “How soon is wheels up? I’m on kid detail until Jax returns from LA.”
If I can help Enzo, I will. He rarely calls in personal favors.
“We’re still waiting on the green light, but the goal is to leave tomorrow night or the next morning and return within twenty-four hours.”
“When I spoke with Sloane earlier, she said Jax and the guys are hoping to catch a flight home this evening….” I draw out, working out the details in my head. When I don’t see any major obstacles, I concede. “I should be able to make this work.”
“Thanks, man. You’re a lifesaver! Not only will Riggs be happy, but I’ll score major points with my wife. Germany is a special place to us, and it’s rare when we get away without our littles in tow. Between you and my parents, I’ll be indebted for a long time to come.”
“I remember those days.” I laugh, thinking about what it was like when my girls were younger. There’s never a dull moment.
Enzo has ten-year-old twins, as well as three older bonus kids, as he calls them. The stories he tells about each of them, but especially Loren and Raine, are wild, to say the least. While I get to send my chaotic brood home, Enzo’s still in the thick of things.
“Riggs says you’re flying solo with your grandsons this week. Are they givin’ you a run for your money?”
“You could say that. But we’re making do.” I chuckle, then admit, “Truth be told, I wouldn’t trade this time with them for the world. They certainly keep me on my toes, but we’re having the best time, ya know? You should’ve seen them on their longboards this afternoon… Man, they were crushing it.”
“Oh, boy. I can only imagine the trouble the three of you can get yourselves into.”
“The key is to keep them busy, my friend… Keep them so busy they crash early and sleep hard as a rock.”
Enzo’s chuckle is infectious. “That only works when you’re with them for short bursts. Sam and I are already busy enough as it is. You have the benefit of sending them home once you’ve tired them out. Cranky kids are no fun. Ever. Trust me.”
“Being a grandparent is the best!” I muse. “Just wait and see….”
“Oh, my wait won’t be long, my friend. We just got word Maddie and her husband are expecting their first this Thanksgiving.”
“Congratulations, Papa! That’s exciting!”
“We’re in for one hell of a treat this holiday season.”
“That you are. Enjoy every moment of it.”
“Papa, I’m thirsty,” Josh interrupts from the living room.
Before I can respond, Enzo interjects, “Listen, I’ll let you go. We’ll catch up when I return. The kids have been asking to visit the coast this summer. Maybe we can meet up.”
“Anytime, Harps,” I offer, reaching into the cupboard for some cups. “Just let me know when you’re coming, and I’ll fire up the grill.”
“Roger that, and thanks again. Riggs will be in touch.”
“I’m sure he will. Say hello to Sam for me, and enjoy your trip.”
“Will do,” Harper says before disconnecting the line.
“Who’s ready for dinner?” I holler to the room. “Josh, I’ve got milk or apple juice. What will it be?”
“Juice,” both boys say in unison, and they jump up from their projects on the floor.
Just as we’re dished up, there’s a knock at the door.
Instantly, I wonder if it’s Faye, but before I can move, it swings open.
Disappointment rushes in when I register that she wouldn’t be comfortable enough to just walk in. But then I hear a loud, masculine voice call out, “Man, this place smells amazing,” and my heart picks up a beat.
Maybe there’s hope to spending time with her this evening after all.
Jax’s booming voice fills the room as he walks into sight. “Did I make it just in time for dinner?”
“Daddy!” the boys shout excitedly, as they dash across the room to greet him.
Both boys throw themselves at him with a force that could knock over a grown man if they’re not prepared.
In a well-practiced move, he bends in one fluid motion and scoops the two of them into his arms, where he hugs them tight. “God, I’ve missed you.”
As soon as they squirm, he sets them down, and they rush back to their plates.
“Have you eaten? There’s plenty to go around.”
Jax rubs at his stomach. “I haven’t. Mmmm… I wasn’t hungry until I walked in.”
Before sitting down, he grabs himself a plate from the cupboard and a glass of milk.
“How was your trip?” I ask once he’s settled.
“Honestly…” he draws out, then hesitates. He cocks his head to the side and scratches at his chin. “Somehow, a total disaster of a trip turned into the most unexpected blessing we could’ve hoped for.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, curiosity piqued.
“At first, the guys and I were pissed that we were stuck in LA due to the storm. We were told this would be a quick trip, and our families would hardly know we were missing. But the unexpected storm forced a production delay, as you well know.”
I nod, wondering where he’s going with this. Sloane never mentioned anything positive happening, other than the shoot finishing. Though, from Jax’s animated expression and the way he’s fighting back a grin, something tells me whatever his news is, it’s big.
“Well… Long story short, the guys and I were dinking around. Just messing with a few chords and lyrics, and a movie producer heard us. He told us how much he liked the sound and flippantly wondered if we could write a song worthy of his next project. The film is wrapped, but the music score is off, so he’s been stuck searching for the right sound.
He spent a few minutes explaining the plot and conflict of the movie, and I kid you not, we wrote the perfect song for him in less than twenty-five minutes. ”
“Seriously?” I gasp in disbelief.
I know the guys have talent, but that’s fast, even for them.
“You know Charlotte Ann, that romance author who’s married to Luke Leighton, the coach of the Renegades?”
“Yeah.” I’d have to be living under a rock to not know those two. “The girls read her books, I’m sure of it.”
“Exactly. I’ve even listened to some of her books on audio because Sloane loves her work.
Anyways… Each book in her latest series is being adapted into full-length films, and the producer who heard us said our song would be perfect.
He pitched it to the other producers, and just as we got into town, our manager says he received a contract for the use of our song. ”
“Congratulations! That’s great news!”
“No, Mark… You don’t understand. This series has a bigger fanbase than you’d imagine.
The films are predicted to become a major hub of pop culture if the initial sales are anything to go by.
The books flew off the shelves. There were major release parties for each book in the series across the country.
These parties grew with each new release.
The series made Charlotte Ann a household name…
And thanks to being stuck in LA, our new song will be a part of the original soundtrack.
This has the potential to launch Ruby Frax into the next stratosphere. ”
“Holy sh—” I start, then realize I should hold my tongue in front of the twins. “That is incredible news. When will it release?”
“Near the holidays. We’ll officially record the song in the studio next week, with some extended versions. Then we’ll get it to the production company.”
“Any word on when Sloane returns?”
“Not sure. When we talked a few hours ago, she said she’s staying an extra day back east to catch a show in Boston tomorrow, but she’s not entirely sure if it’ll pan out.”
Shit. I just made plans to be out of town.
“Is Becca back? Or will the two of you need more help? I, uh… Got called in for a quick trip to DC.”
“I’ve got it covered,” Jax assures me with a grin. “Between my parents and everyone else in town, I’m sure I can get someone to watch the boys for the few hours I’ll be in the studio.”
“Can I have more carrots?” Jason asks, holding up his plate.
“Please,” Jax reminds him.
Jason briefly purses his lips, then quickly turns to me with a smile I can’t refuse. “Papa, can I please have more carrots?”
Reaching for the spoon, as the dish is on the other side of me, I ask, “Want more than carrots?”
“Can I have that potato, too?” He points to a small yellow one in the bowl. “Those were yummy.”
“Me, too, please,” Josh chimes in as he holds up his plate.
“After we clean up from dinner, Aunt Emily is in town and wants to see you.”
“Aunt Emily! Do we get to see Grammy and Papa Cartwright, too?” Josh bursts with excitement.
“Yeah, can we see them?” Jason echoes with such joy, I can’t help but grin.
“Of course! You know they love seeing you boys.”
“Your family is always welcome here, Jax,” I quickly remind him, then add, “If I’d known your sister was in town, I would’ve invited her over myself. I’m sure she’d love to see the boys.”
“Oh, they know. Em just arrived today,” Jax assures me. “I didn’t even know she was coming until she called on her way out here.” Jax shakes his head and shrugs. “Leave it to Emily to always keep us on our toes.”
“With my four girls, that was always the case, trust me.”