“Start what?” She frowns. “I’m just pointing out the obvious.”
I shoot Adam what I hope is a comforting smile, letting him know it’s okay. I can tell he’s still worried that I’ll change my mind and push him away. I don’t know how things are going to turn out between us, but I do know that I want him in my life.
I hold out the container I brought with us to give it to Rosie. “I didn’t know what you planned for dinner, but I hope you don’t mind, I made a dessert.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know, but my grandmother taught me to never show up to a dinner invite without bringing a dish. I figured a dessert was safe.”
“I think I would like your grandmother very much.” She leans in for another hug. “Thank you so much.”
Rosie walks back toward the oven, setting the pie I made on the center island.
“Camille, you’ve met my brothers, Matt and Joe. This is Sam. He manages the day-to-day operations of the ranch.”
“Hi, Sam. It’s nice to meet you.” I hold my hand out for a shake.
“Ma’am.” He nods.
“And this here is Lizzy.” Adam reaches for Lizzy and pulls her in for a hug. “Camille’s daughter. Lizzy, this is most of my crazy family. Where’s Leann and Emmie?”
“We’re right here.” A young woman calls from behind us. I turn toward the sound of her voice and am hit with a younger version of Rosie. Same infectious smile, same bright green eyes, and same dark red hair. “We were upstairs painting our nails.”
“Uncle Adam!” The little dark haired girl bounces through the kitchen and right into Adam’s arms. She wraps her arms around his neck and hugs him for dear life with the biggest smile on her face. Then she pulls back and plants a wet kiss on his cheek. “I missed you!”
It’s the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen.
“I’ve missed you too, munchkin.” Adam boops her on the nose and looks at her with the most caring smile on his face, and I swear my ovaries flip. If I could still have kids, this is a sight that would make me want to procreate with this man. There’s something about seeing a grown, strong man like Adam melt because of a little girl like Emmie. “Did your daddy get you that horse yet?”
“Adam.” Matt warns with a pointed stare.
“No.” Emmie frowns. “He says I’m still too young. But I’m four now, and I can ride real good.”
“Well, I guess you’re just going to have to keep growing, aren’t you?” Adam hugs her closer. “Keep working on your riding skills, and your daddy will have no choice but to give in.”
“I will!” Her face lights up at the prospect of getting her own horse.
“Let me introduce you and your Aunt Leann to friends of mine. Emmie, this is Camille and her daughter, Lizzy.”
“Hi.” Emmie’s smile turns shy, and she buries her face in Adam’s chest. This girl is too cute for words.
“It’s very nice to meet you.” I smile. “I love your pink dress. Pink is my favorite color.”
She perks up at that. “Mine too. I have a pink and purple room. Daddy doesn’t like it, though. He says pink is for girls.”
“Nonsense,” I say. “A man who’s comfortable with his manhood would wear pink with pride.”
Her face beams as she looks up at Adam. “Is that why you let me paint your nails, Uncle Adam?”
“That’s right. Unlike your daddy, my confidence in my manhood is completely intact.”
Matt groans and rolls his eyes. “Will you stop encouraging her?”
“Never.” Adam’s smile grows. He leans in and kisses Emmie on the cheek before he continues, “This little munchkin is my ticket to torturing you. I’ll never give that up.”
“All right, you guys.” Rosie calls from her place in the kitchen. “Dinner’s ready, so make your way to the dining room.”
We head into the next room, everyone taking their seats. Adam pulls out a chair for both Lizzy and me before taking the seat next to mine. He’s still holding Emmie when Matt reaches over for her, but Emmie buries herself into his arms.
