Page 19 of Tye

“It’s done and dusted,” Ice said, waving his good hand.

I jumped as a gong sounded in the hallway.

Ice looked to the door.

“That’s the dinner call for the kids. Ours will be in five minutes. It’ll take me that long to walk to the dining room. If you want to follow me?” Ice asked, and I agreed.

Uncle Deke got up, too.

“Do you need a hand, lad?” he offered.

“Nah, but catch me if I go down. I don’t need a further head injury,” Ice said with a dark chuckle.

Uncle Deke nodded seriously and followed Ice’s slow walk. Halfway to where we were going, Ice stumbled, and Uncle Deke caught him.

Ice had no shame in leaning on Uncle Deke for the rest of the way, which I liked. It showed that Ice was comfortable with who he was and had no need for a front. Which kind of bit me that I’d felt the need to.

My thoughts distracted me and my mouth dropped open as we entered a long dining room. It easily seated thirty, and one end was set. A gaggle of kids was already sat toward the middle and chatting loudly. Ice motioned towards three seats near the head of the table.

“We’ll sit there. I’m in no mood to monitor the brats tonight,” he murmured.

As I took my seat, I caught Eddie’s malevolent gaze aimed at me.

I offered her a nod, and she sent a sneer back. Fine, I wasn’t going to grovel to a kid.

That’s when the smell hit me. My nose twitched in the direction of the delicious scent, and I saw a long sideboard filled with heated dishes.

“We eat buffet style. There are rules, though. First gong, kids hit the table, second gong, adults do. The kids serve themselves and then the adults. Be warned, no matter where you are, if you’re with someone from Rage, children always eat first. Mom has a horror of youngsters going hungry, considering Micah, Jodie, Jared, Christian, and Aaron suffered hunger, and so did some of the adopted kids. Never feed yourself first in front of Mom. It’s a surefire way to get a bollocking,” Ice murmured as adults and older teens began filing in.

Uncle Carter, Gideon, Grunt, and Pops arrived looking awkward, and Uncle Deke waved them over.

Phoe spoke to them and motioned to the table, and they came and sat next to us.

“Jesus, it is like being at home and Mom feeding everyone,” Uncle Carter stated with a grin.

“Not quite,” Pops replied, peering around. The room radiated wealth, which ours didn’t.

“Kids,” Phoe said loudly, and chairs scraped as the children got up.

“Pot roast!” one of the youngsters exclaimed.

“Two vegetables each!” Phoe ordered from her chair. The seat at the head of the table was empty, and I bet it was for her husband. As I thought that, Drake entered, looking tired.

Drake Michaelson was a handsome man. I knew he was forty-seven years old from what Pops had told us, but he looked as fit as a guy in his thirties. Drake’s hair was more grey than dark, but his eyes were sharp and clear. His goatee was streaked with grey, but was well trimmed and taken care of. He walked his very fine ass over to Phoe and claimed her mouth while their kids made disgusted noises.

I smiled as both Phoe and Drake ignored them and continued their kiss.

Drake broke it off and dropped a peck on Phoe’s head.

“I’m sure Mom would have said at least two vegetables, Scout. Don’t you dare ignore her. Garrett, two scoops of parsnips don’t count as two veg. Pick another. Dante, sit your ass down now and leave Payton alone,” Drake ordered with a glance over his shoulder.

I snickered as he sounded so familiar to Grandma. Uncle Deke and I swapped glances and smiled. Clearly, he was thinking the same.

Once the kids were fed, the adults got up, and we helped ourselves. The dishes were overflowing, and the food was delicious.

“I could go for seconds,” Uncle Deke said, patting his stomach after clearing his plate.

“Help yourself. Mrs Ames always ensures there’s plenty,” Drake replied, overhearing him.