I stand. "Am I good to go? Do I need to sign anything?"
"Just don't attempt to drive after you've been drinking ever again."
I duck my chin. "Yes, sir." I move for the door, but his voice stops me.
"I don't know what you have planned for yourself now that you don't have community service, but I was out at the HCC this morning, and Wes could use some help." He sorts through papers as he says it, avoiding eye contact.
"They don't need me out there until my dad brings home one of those damned horses that don't want to be contained."
Sheriff lets go of the papers and looks up. He scrutinizes me for a long second, then says, "Family dynamics are a bitch."
"Sure are." I open the door. "See you around, Sheriff."
I'm walking out the front door when Shelby comes walking up from the parking lot. She eyes me warily. "What did you do this time?"
"Very funny," I reply, holding the door open for her.
She steps through and pauses. "Everything okay?"
"Everything is just fine."
"Jo's happy."
"So am I."
Her cheeks twitch like she wants to smile, but she keeps it in. "I'll kick your ass if you hurt her."
"I'm aware."
"Bye, Wyatt." She backs into the building and the door closes behind her.
I hop into my truck and pull the list my mom gave me this morning from my pocket. Time to start on her errands.
24
Jo
The front doorto the homestead is as intimidating as the Hayden family. Maybe it's by design. The thick, solid wood door is nearly twice my height, and in the center is a copper door knocker in the shape of the letter H. I knock with a fist instead, assuming the knocker is just for show.
I wince. It's not for show. That felt like punching a tree.
Wyatt's little sister answers.
"Jo, hi." She has a wide grin ready, and she draws out her greeting so it sounds likehiiiiii. I don't know Jessie very well because she's so much younger than me, but I've seen her around town enough.
She steps back from the door and throws open an arm, welcoming me in. "Here, let me take that." She reaches for the bruschetta I made this afternoon. "Everyone's in the family room," she says, pushing the door closed with her foot. "Go on in."
I wish I weren't so nervous. I wipe my hands on the front of my dress and smile at Jessie. She's beautiful, her face plump and youthful. Her honey-blonde hair matches her mother's, the total opposite of the Hayden men. Still, it's unmistakable that she's a Hayden. Strong cheekbones, full lips, and the swagger they all carry.
I find Wyatt in the gigantic, open family room. He sits beside Tenley, his hand on her stomach. She guides his hand to a spot, and an astonished smile tears across his face.
"That is the coolest thing," he says before he spots me. "Jo," he says, getting up and striding to me. His eyes light up when he sees me.
"Thank God you arrived, Jo," Warner says. He sounds irritated. "I was getting tired of watching Wyatt fondle my wife's stomach."
"Get used to it," Wes says from where he sits in the oversized armchair. Dakota sits across his lap, her legs dangling off the side. "He did that during my wife's entire pregnancy too."
Wyatt rolls his eyes. "There's a person living inside another person. It's magic, guys."
