Chapter 31

Frank laughed as he held his Uncle Melvin across the chest, "You'd better apologize, Kendrick! I don't know if we can hold back this old goat for much longer!"

Kendrick leaned forward, reached across the table, and plucked up Melvin by the back of his shirt.

"Put me down ye damned bollix! I'll bury ye so deep the devil 'imself won't find ye!" Melvin protested furiously swinging his fists as he was lifted back toward his own table.

"All right, all right, Melvin. I didn't mean it. Your wife and daughters are saints." Kendrick apologized with a smirk, placing Melvin back in his chair.

Melvin swiped at Kendrick's retreating hand, slapping it loudly. That seemed to satisfy him but he grumpily scooted his chair closer to the table, shot down some more ale, and turned to Alec.

"Ye didn't beat this boy enough growing up, Alec." He groused with restraint. Then looked up at Twillow, removed his hat quickly and said, "Apologies, Lass."

Alec chuckled, shaking his head and Twillow giggled int