The men start whispering strategies about Caleb’s introduction.
Grace lowers her gaze, blinks back tears, and straightens her shoulders.“Excuse me,” she says and leaves the room.
I want to go after her, but I wait. She’ll tell me when she’s ready. For now, I watch Asher, his eyes fixed on the stairs she just left. I know Grace has a crush… but what about him? He notices my stare and looks away.
This situation is messy. Maybe college will give Grace perspective. I hope Caleb treats her right. She deserves it.
“I’ll bring my baseball bat!” Ethan laughs, shaking me out of my thoughts.
I turn to see Dex flex his muscles.“Nah, I’ll just greet him bare chested ,” he says, making Ethan double over with laughter.
“I’ll wear my badge and gun on Saturday,” Cas says, a wicked grin tugging at his lips. He folds his arms and leans back.
“Actually, my rifle needs cleaning, since I have to sit down and chat with the kid…” Josh adds, smiling wickedly.
I groan quietly. Poor Caleb has no idea what he’s walking into.
CHAPTER 10
Penelope
Grace’s bedroom is a whirlwind of fabric, makeup, and nervous energy. She’s perched on the edge of her bed, green eyes wide as she fiddles with the hem of her soft blush-colored dress, flowing but just short enough to feel daring. Her cheeks are flushed with excitement and a hint of fear. I kneel beside her with her makeup bag, brushing stray strands of hair behind her ear.
“You’re going to look perfect, Grace,” I say softly, adjusting her necklace.“Just breathe. You’ve got this.”
She bites her lip.“What if I mess up? What if he doesn’t like me?”
I grin.“Grace, first of all, he’s already lucky he’s getting to date you. And second… look at you. You look like an angel. That’s not something a boy can ignore.”
She laughs nervously, softer this time, a small spark of confidence lighting her eyes. I help her with her mascara, brushing it gently across her lashes. The transformation is subtle but stunning; her face now glows with a grown-up, radiant beauty that still feels unmistakably like Grace.
“Thanks, Penny,” she whispers, her voice quivering a little less.“I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’d do fine on your own,” I tease.“But you know I’m here to make sure you don’t spill anything on that dress or poke your eye out with mascara.”
Grace giggles, tensing slightly as I add the finishing touch of lip gloss. Her smile spreads naturally, and I see it: the little sparkle that Caleb’s about to fall for. I squeeze her hand.“Okay, time to face the generals.”
We walk down the stairs, and my chest tightens. Grace looks so grown-up, so radiant. Her green eyes practically sparkle with life, framed by her carefully applied makeup. Her brothers, Dad, and Asher are all waiting, like a panel of judges ready to interrogate.
Cas leans against the wall, still in his uniform, looking every bit the dangerous, protective Hawthorne male he always does. His watch gleams on his wrist as his eyes flick toward the door. Ethan stands near the window with Asher, arms crossed, muscles tight and imposing. Jude broods against the wall, his expression unreadable. Dex, in a fitted white wifebeater and jeans, tattoos and muscles on full display, practically dares Caleb to breathe wrong. I roll my eyes, snorting at the spectacle.
Josh sits casually, polishing his rifle like it’s the most normal thing in the world, radiating quiet menace. Grace takes a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she smooths her dress.
As soon as she steps into the room, Asher does a double take. His jaw tightens, eyes fixed on her as if measuring her in ways no one else sees. Caleb has no idea what he’s walking into.
Dex growls, voice low.“That dress is too short.”
Grace straightens, biting her lip, every inch the angel she is. Her hair catches the light, her green eyes wide and shining, lips soft and inviting. Every move she makes is a perfect mix of innocence and sophistication.
Cas glances at his watch.“He better be on time.”
At that moment, the doorbell rings. Lily opens it, and Caleb steps inside, handsome, cocky, and completely unfazed by the mountain of men in the room. His eyes go straight to Grace.
“You look beautiful,” he says, smooth as silk. The brothers collectively growl.
“Caleb, so nice to meet you,” Lily says warmly.“Would you like something to drink?”
“Oh no, ma’am,” he replies with that grin.“I’ll just introduce myself to your husband and be on my way if that’s okay?”
