“Fine.” I put one hand on my hip and pointed the other at him. “But if you hurt yourself again, I’ll kick your ass.”
His gaze sent shivers down my spine as he looked me up and down. “Noted.”
“Come on, Cowboy. Let’s go.”
Chapter 63
Nathan
“You knew about this, didn’t you?” I asked Ashley. It was a stupid question. Gran was front and center welcoming me back.
“Who, me?” Ashley batted her long eyelashes, playing innocent while beaming at the crowd and the Welcome to the Family banner hanging in front of my office. A Welcome Home banner hung over John’s door.
I didn’t tear up often, and if anyone asked I’d lie about it, but damn if my eyes weren’t a little blurry.
Family.
A bark cut Ashley off just as she opened her mouth.
“Havoc. Come here, boy.” Havoc sat at my feet, sweeping the floor with his tail as I praised him.
“Good to see you back on your feet.”
I stood and hugged Kroupa. “Thanks, man. I see Havoc is cone-free.”
“I took it off for the party.” He laughed. “He may not let me put it back on.”
Havoc barked again before rushing off to play with the only kid in the office. I assumed he wasChase, Doug’s son. Watching them play, I couldn’t tell who was happier: the kid or Havoc.
“Thanks for letting Havoc play with Chase.” Doug’s voice sounded anything but thankful. “Of course, now he’ll never stop asking for a puppy.” Doug clapped Kroup on the shoulder.
“Sorry.” Kroup laughed. “If you want help finding one, I know a guy,” he answered.
“You don’t look or sound sorry,” Doug said. If his smile was any indication, he’d buy that kid the moon.
“I’ll be around more often now that Blaze is settling in. I’d be happy to train your new puppy.” Kroup suggested as if it were a given that Doug would have one sooner rather than later.
Doug ran his hand through his copper-red hair. “Beth would kill me.”
We all laughed.
“Ma just texted. They’re almost here.” Meg updated the group.
A few minutes later, John and Mary walked in. They looked tired, but seemed happy. And genuinely surprised.
John scanned the room, nodding as he made eye contact with everyone. “Thank you,” he finally said.
He walked slowly around the room, stopping to hug or shake hands with everyone. When he got to me, he pulled me into a hug, slapped my back and said, “Welcome to the family.”
If anyone asked, I’d have to lie again about the extra moisture in my eyes.
“Thank you. How are you feeling?”
“Good. Mary’s pissed I won’t take more than ibuprofen, but I’m done sitting around. You?”
I glanced up to see Mary watching John like a hawk. If I had to guess, it’d be a long time before she let him out of her sight.
“You’re lucky to have her.” He looked over and smiled. His love radiating off of him.
