piped up, “Carolina will you or Dylan please tell him to let me pass.”
Trying hard to conceal his irritation, Justin looked toward his uncle, affixing a tight smile on his face while Calder and Callum gave stoked shouts, “It’s Patrick!”
Dylan giving Carolina a fierce look, expressed to his brother, “You have no idea how much trouble, but let him in.”
Chris, continuing to block Patrick's entrance, said to Carolina with a note of concern, “You feelin' okay? 'Cause if not, I can pitch this pup back out on the doorstep.”
Putting on a brave face Carolina smiled fondly at Chris, knowing only an act of God could keep Patrick out if he really wanted in, “I'm fine. You can let him in.”
Patrick, hearing Carolina's voice, didn't wait for the wall of muscle, dressed in Levi's and a Dallas Cowboys jersey, to give way; instead, he slapped Chris jovially on the back before self-assuredly pushing past him. “I know the party isn't for hours but I wanted to drop off some wedding stuff and the chili I made for Chris and Vega.”
Chris gave Patrick a suspicious look, “What chili?”
“It's my own special recipe that I haven't prepared in over six years. Carolina can tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. She was in bed for nearly a week the last time she ate a couple of bowls.” He smiled at the memory, giving her a swift, knowing look and ignored the visual daggers Dylan was hurling his way. Digging in the front pocket of his coal-black, designer jeans, Patrick withdrew a silver and black leather key ring and tossed it to Calder. “You and your brothers take Chris out to the car for his chili, then get her unloaded, including the glove compartment Calder, the gift you wanted for Constance is in there. When you're done give Chris the keys. I don't want you three trying to drive my car. I need to talk with Carolina and Dylan.”
Chris looked down at Patrick from his superior height asking doubtfully, “You're old enough to legally drive?”
Giving