A Midsummer's Caress

Chapter 35

A/N: How cute is Reese? Yes, he actually sits up like a little squirrel. <3 There's no real reason for adding this picture, I just wanted to show off Reese's cuteness, lol!

She set the table for five before filling two sippy cups of milk for the children. Figuring the two men would like something to drink, she took out two beers and headed to the patio to hand them to both men. Chibs and Quinn both thanked her for their drink before she headed back inside. The chicken wouldn't take that long to cook on her little George Foreman grill so she let them continue to marinate in the fridge while everything else was making. Once the potatoes were done boiling, she drained the water off then moved the pot back to the stove. She added two tablespoons of butter, some milk, and salt & pepper to taste. As she was mashing the potatoes, Reese came in to get some water followed by Roxie. Once they had gotten all they wanted to drink, both dogs ran straight back outside making Harlow laugh. With the potatoes sufficiently mashed, she spread all the cheese she'd grated across the top followed by spreading out the full package of bacon bits across the cheese. Finally the last thing was spreading the green onion as a finishing touch. The corn was boiling so she took out the chicken from the fridge and got the little grill going to cook the chicken on. It took a few minutes for the grill to heat up where it was supposed to be.

It was only going to take a few minutes to cook the chicken so she put the rolls in the toaster oven to start heating up. While that was happening, she moved the corn and potatoes to the table. Once the chicken was done cooking, she put each piece on a platter and brought it to the table. The rolls were ready so she moved them to the table as well. She shouted for Quinn that dinner was done so he could get the kids inside. The dogs came too but headed into the living room to their beds as everyone else got settled around the dining table. Harlow was cutting up the chicken for the two kids as everyone had seats. Once the chicken was cut up, she put a spoonful of the loaded mashed potatoes, one ear of corn, and one roll on each of the kid's plates before making her own.

"Looks amazing, lass!" Chibs smiled.

"Thanks! Hopefully everything came out as well as I hoped it would." Harlow chuckled.

"You're an amazing cook, Baby Doll. Never doubt yourself." Quinn quickly stated.

"Thanks babe." Harlow replied.

"What's this?" Willow pointed to her potatoes.

"It's called loaded mashed potatoes. It's mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and green onions on top. It's really good, try it." Harlow explained.

Kian was quick to dig in even though he did get some potatoes on his face. Willow was hesitant to try the potatoes but she took a bite. Harlow laughed when Willow's eyes widened as she tasted the loaded mashed potatoes for the first time. A wide smile spread across the young girl's face as she ate the first bite making Harlow laugh again.

"This chicken is delicious! What did you marinate it with?" Quinn inquired.

"Just some BBQ sauce. Then I grilled it." Harlow replied.

"It's marvelous, lass. Very good." Chibs added in.

"Thank you. I thought it would be." She chuckled.

"Yummy, momma!" Kian had to add his two cents into the conversation making all three adults laugh.

"Thanks, baby!" Harlow smiledat her son.

Chibs and Quinn had to go meet up with Happy and Jax about the protection run that night so the tall blond wasn't able to help clean up the kitchen like he normally did. He kissed his 'ol lady goodbye and told her to keep the door locked. She promised she would and told him to be careful while he was gone. He kissed her forehead and said they were all careful. The two kids and dogs ran out into the backyard to play while Harlow cleaned up from dinner and put away any leftovers. The dishwasher was full again so she got it going before heading out to the back patio to watch the dogs and children and relax before calling the kids in for their nightly baths. Harlow was very thankful the dogs took the children so well and liked playing chase with them. It ran off everyone's energy and let them bond at the same time. As it began to get dark, Harlow called everyone inside. It was time for their baths and to start getting wound down for the night. With all the playing both kids had done, they were already sleepy by the time they were in the bathtub for their baths. Harlow let them play for a little bit before getting down to bathing them and washing their hair.