The Sweetest Summer(133)

            So much for bodyguards—the dogs seemed thrilled to see the man. Earl had his paws on his chest and Mr. T was rolling around on his back with joy. Both of their tails were wagging uncontrollably.

            Evelyn stopped running. Christina buried her face in her shoulder. Wait a minute. . . .

            Dark curly hair. Blue eyes. God’s gift to women.

            “Look, I’m sorry to startle you.” He cocked his head and stared at her. “I . . . uh, do we know each other from somewhere?”

            It was Duncan! Her answer came out as a hoarse whisper. “We are Clancy’s houseguests.”

            One of his thick dark eyebrows shot high on his forehead. “Oh, reeeeealy?”

            “Was he expecting you today?”

            For some reason, he found that question particularly funny. “Naw. I’m a little earlier than usual.”

            “Maybe I’d better call him,” Evelyn said.

            “Maybe you should.”

            * * *

            “I know you have a key, but you can’t stay at my house right now, dude.”

            “It does seem pretty crowded with your wife and kid and all. I know it’s been a while since we’ve talked, but holy hopscotching Jesus, you work fast!”

            Clancy tilted back in his office chair. “It’s good to see you. Welcome home. How are things?”

            His brother sighed. “Oh, you know.”

            “No, I don’t.”

            “I know.” Duncan grinned. “But I’m good. Lots of changes now with our withdrawal, but just because the troops leave doesn’t mean the problems are gone.”

            “So you’ll be doing another tour?”

            “I go wherever and whenever they tell me. It’s my job. How’s everybody?”

            “Good. Mom’s health is about the same, but, big news—she’s giving up being Grand Poobah of the merms.”

            Duncan’s eyes went wide. “No way! Are you shittin’ me?”

            Clancy shook his head. “Nope. She’s finally letting it go.”

            “Thank God!” Duncan closed his eyes in relief. Clancy knew if there was anyone who disliked the mermaid more than he did, it was Duncan. “Wait. Does that mean . . . has Rowan . . . ?”

            “God, no. I think Ma’s finally given up trying to convince Rowan to join, so she got another lady to take her place.”

            Duncan nodded. “That’s a relief. So how’s Da? Do our parents still hate each other?”

            Clancy held out his hands out. “I have no idea. I think last year’s cookout was the last time they spoke, but I try not to get involved.”

            “Yeah, ‘avoid all preexisting Charlie Foxtrots.’ That’s what my first unit commander always said. How about Rowan and Ash?”

            “They’re great. You’ll get all the deets when you sleep there for the duration of your shore leave.”

            Duncan burst out laughing. Clancy stared at his brother, mulling it over. He had no idea how much to tell him about Evie.

            “Spit it out.”

            “What?” Clancy took his feet off his desk.

            “What’s going on?”