He lumbered up with that same smile now.
“Well, well, well, look who it is.”
Brant started to lift his hand for a handshake, but Pops would have none of it. He brushed Brant’s hand aside and gave him a hearty thump on the back. Then he threw his arm around Brant’s shoulder and squeezed.
“No handshakes with you, Brant! Hell, I’ve known you since you barely reached my knees.”
He leaned his head around Brant’s chest and gave Amalie a questioning glance.
“You sure he’s worthy of my gumbo?”
“Daddy.”
“I’m getting myself in trouble,” he whispered in Brant’s ear and patted him again. Hard.
Then he lumbered around Brant to his little girl.
“How’s Monique?”
In a deft move, Pops stepped between Brant and Amalie. Brant stepped back and let him. Father and daughter walked side by side to the
