We’d finally completed the renovation on the ranch house, and we’d invited everybody here today to show it off. It had taken an entire year and countless weekends. Late nights when I didn’t have a shift at the bar, or—during the winter—whenever I wasn’t too exhausted from a day of teaching beginners how to ski or snowboard.
Keira had helped out whenever she wasn’t on duty and when she didn’t have a mission with the Protectors.
Honestly, I seemed to have far more free time for home improvement than my girlfriend did. She was in high demand, whether it was as a senior sheriff’s deputy or as an official member of the Last Refuge Protectors.
But Keira and I had picked all the finishes and paint colors together. Every last detail. The only room that was the same as when she’d moved in last summer was our bedroom downstairs. Keira hadn’t wanted to change a single thing about it.
Apparently, I’d done a great job of decorating the place. Simply because I’d done it with her in mind. Even then, I’d already known her so well.
My partner. My everything.
If anything,Ishould’ve been the anxious one. But Keira didn’t know what I had planned for later.
I kissed her nose. “I think you’re just nervous about meeting your mom’s boyfriend.”
Keira huffed. “Of course I’m nervous. All these years and Mom has never dated anyone until now. What if I hate him?”
“Regina wouldn’t be introducing him to you and Stephie unless the guy’s a saint. You know that.” My kisses trailed toher neck as more footsteps thumped on the front porch. The doorbell rang again. “Besides, all the women in your family have great taste in men.”
Keira snickered, pushing me away playfully. “Take that big head of yours to the front door and greet our guests.”
“All right, all right.”
Then she smacked my butt on my way out of the kitchen, making me laugh.
At the front door, Stephie and Colby were the first to arrive, holding six-packs of soda and beer. Stephie gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, while her boyfriend shook my hand.
She was close to getting her cosmetology degree, and just a few months ago, Stephie had moved in with Colby into a tiny new place of their own. The guy was still completely smitten.
The Marsh women had a way of doing that to a man.
It had taken Regina a while to warm up to Colby, considering the sneaking out situation. But now, Colby was another part of the family. If maybe notquiteas favored as me.
Vivian and her boyfriend stood right behind them, smiling as they followed Stephie and Colby inside. And here was Regina, walking up with a casserole dish and a look of pride on her face. A tall man stood beside her with gray dreadlocks, a full beard, and a friendly grin.
“Hello, Dean.” Regina handed the casserole dish to her man, then dove in to deliver one of her patented momma hugs.Oof. “Couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day for a barbecue.”
“You’ve got that right. And this must be…”
“Raymond. Great to finally meet you, Dean.” He shook my hand. Then he held the door and stood aside for Regina to head in, the two of them exchanging a shy, lovey-dovey glance.
Oh, yeah. Regina was in love, and it sure seemed like the feeling was mutual. I was thrilled for her. Regina was the closest thing to a mom that I had, and I wanted nothing but the best for her. For all the Marsh women.
And I was especially glad they could be here with us today. Because I had a secret reason for inviting all our friends and family here. A certain piece of jewelry had been burning a hole in my pocket for weeks now.
I’d been waiting for the right moment. But I expected this one to be perfect. Sun, smiles, good food. Everyone we cared about standing there to witness it.
Assuming Keira said yes when I popped the question.
I mean…of course she would say yes.Right?
Owen and Genevieve showed up a few minutes later, followed quickly by Aiden, Jessi, and Zoe Shelborne. Aiden held up Ziploc bags of marinated meat. “Where’s the grill?” he asked gruffly.
“Uh, out back. Keira’s firing it up. Hello to you too.” I laughed, giving him a fist bump and Jessi a quick hug.
Owen and Gen had brought wine, and she went off to the kitchen for a corkscrew with Owen gave me alookand dramatically pulled me down the hallway.
“You’ve got the ring, don’t you?” Owen said.
