“Huh. My family doesn’t have a peacemaker. We just make war or move away from the conflict. World War III hasn’t yet happened in the Sinclair house.”
“Funny.”
He wasn’t exactly joking.
They stopped in front of her parents while her brothers stood behind them, smiling with evil intent.
“So, you’re the man dating my daughter,” Irving Reynolds said, taking the lead. A tall man with dark hair, dark eyes, and the same features stamped on his older sons held out a hand. “I’m Irv. Nice to meet you.”
“Damon. Nice to meet you too, sir.”
Steve rolled his eyes. Ed quietly snickered. Will sidled next to Jeff and whispered something while Jeff nodded, clearly amused. Jeff’s parents introduced themselves as well, then Jeff managed to drag them away, latching onto Will as well.
Lucky bastards.
He turned to the one woman he hadn’t been introduced to yet. “And you must be the sheriff. Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
She studied him, her eyes narrowed. “You look familiar.”
“Maybe because you just saw him coaching the team?” Marlie said with a healthy dose of sarcasm.
Steve and Ed chortled. And they called Damon a demon?
“No. Your family lives here, I heard.”
He nodded.
Her eyes widened. “Big Mike Sinclair is your father?”
“You’ve met?”
“I busted him years ago in one of the worst fights we’ve ever had in town. Never forgot it.”
He sighed. “I never heard about that one. He supposedly left his criminal days behind.”
“Criminal?” Marlie brightened. “Oh, is your dad a stalker too?”
Her mother scowled. “What?”
Damon warned Marlie with a look to shut up then turned a charming—so he thought—smile on her mom. “A minor charge for fighting when he was just a young guy. But he met my mom, fell in love, and fell in line. My mom doesn’t tolerate shenanigans, as she puts it.”
The sheriff grunted. She stood several inches shorter than Marlie but had the same freckles her daughter had. She appeared soft and cute, but the glint in her gaze warned him to tread warily.
The woman stuck out her hand. “Mona Reynolds. Nice to meet you, Damon.”
He shook her hand firmly but didn’t overpower with strength. Before he could release her, she tugged him off balance and down for a hug.
“Mom.” Marlie sounded annoyed.
For a small woman, she had a surprisingly powerful grip. “Good game today.” She pulled back with a grin. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing you for dinner soon, won’t we Marlie?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
He fought not to smile.
“Enjoy your victory.” She turned, spotted her sons, and nodded. “I need some help getting the decorations down from the attic. You’re coming home to help, right?”
“Uh, well,” Ed said.
