“I thought you might enjoy coming to Taylor to meet the family,” Dan suggested later in the week when he and Damion discussed plans for getting together again on the phone. “Maybe you could spend the night here. You could even bring Brute and Chauncey. I’ve told Lad and Lady all about you and your kids, and they’re excited to meet you.”
“I like that idea. I’d like to meet Lad and Lady. I’m sure Brute and Chaunce would, too, but maybe next week. I’m really excited. I’ve got a surprise for you. If your neighbor is home, could you ask her to take care of your dogs so you can stay in town with me overnight?”
“Yeah, I could do that,” Dan agreed. “What’s the surprise?”
“If I told you—”
“It wouldn’t be a surprise,” Dan finished the cliché.
They both laughed.
“Why don’t we go out for dinner
