CHAPTER 53

"What's that delicious smell?" Grant's low voice traveled into the kitchen from the entryway, causing my stiff muscles to relax.

Setting down the ladle, I rushed to grab Mindy out of her playpen as I made my way toward the front of the house.

Footsteps pounded above me as Suzie and Celia appeared. Relief was written all over their faces.

It'd been over twelve hours since the guys left, and it was well past dark. We'd set candles and lanterns up around the dark house, keeping a portion of the central area lit while we waited.

"Where the hell have you guys been? We've been worried sick." I watched the three of them trudge inside, fatigued and filthy.

"I told you they'd be pissed, man." Matt tried to walk past me into the kitchen.

I stepped in front of him, blocking his path as I shook my head. "Uh uh. I just scrubbed that kitchen, and none of you are going in there looking like that. Go change and get cleaned up. Dinner's almost ready."

"Are you kidd