“Relax. They’re fine.” His dad clapped him on the shoulder. “Why don’t you make yourself useful and cut up these cucumbers.” His father placed a cutting board on the stone countertop and passed him a knife. “Didn’t see a ring on Jane’s finger yet.”
“You will.” He chuckled, glad his father was so eager to welcome her to the family.
“Your sisters are going to beg you to let them plan the wedding. I like her, Sullivan. I don’t want you to let a good girl like that get away. When I met your mother, I knew right away I was going to marry her. Jane reminds me of her. A little rough around the edges, but sweet as could be underneath it all.”
The knife slid through the cucumber, and the rhythmic task helped him relax.
“Look at that.” He followed his father’s line of sight out the window. “A pair of cowgirls.”
“I don’t think Jane’s ever ridden before.” Jesus, she was beautiful leaned back in the Western saddle. Her dark, glossy hair thick around her shoulders and back.
“A natural, then. Those animals have helped your mom more than any therapist could. When Bentley started to struggle, she blamed herself. Has he been leaving you alone?”
“I haven’t heard from him since the day we landed in San Diego.”
“We haven’t either. I know your friends must be doing some digging into him. I want you to know whatever they find, your mom and I will be okay. He’s our son, and for that he has our love, but if he tried to harm you or is breaking the law in any other way, he needs to answer for his crimes.”
“I hope it doesn’t come to that.” Laughter carried in from the open window as he put the cucumbers onto the salad. He glanced up and the sight that greeted him left him feeling weightless. Jane and his mom walked hip to hip, their arms thrown around each other’s shoulders, their empty drinks in their free hands.
The back door slid open, and Sully took in Jane’s relaxed appearance. Her cheekbones were raised in a smile and her eyes danced with light. In fluid movements, she crossed the kitchen and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“I rode a horse.” She bounced up on her tippy toes and kissed him. “Then, she said it was mine.”
“Congratulations.” He chuckled.
“This is nuts,” she said, but her face was glowing with excitement. “She can’t really give me a horse, can she?”
“Mom tends to do what she wants.” He grinned down at the beautiful woman in his arms. “Think of it as a bribe to come over more often.”
“I told you he’d say that. I’m going to take a quick shower. Be down in five,” Kelly called as she jogged up the stairs.
“I’ll go out and start the grill.” His dad took a tray onto the deck, closing the door behind them.
“Let’s bring some of this stuff out.” Jane went to pick up the salad, but he stopped her.
“In a minute,” he whispered, dropping his head, and teasing her lips with his own. She gripped his shoulders, pulling himcloser. He could taste the tart wine on her tongue and a sweetness that was all her own. She pulled back long before he was ready.
“We can’t just stand her and make out in your parents’ kitchen.”
He liked the soft giggle that left her lips.
“Who says?” He wrapped his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck until her laughter grew.
“Me. Your dad’s doing all the hard work out there.” She planted another quick kiss on his lips and stepped back and grabbed the salad.
“I’ll get plates.” He followed her out on the deck. His father was facing the grill, but he could tell he was grinning by the curve of his cheek. Smoke rolled off the grill and the scent of hamburgers made his mouth water. It took a few more trips to get the potato salad, corn on the cob, and condiments to the table, but by the time the burgers were off the grill, his mom had walked barefoot on the deck, her wet hair in a messy bun at the top of her head.
His dad poured Jane another glass of wine and retrieved his mom another beer from the refrigerator before sitting down at the table on the deck. Contentment swelled in his chest at the laughter around the table, the feel of Jane’s outer thigh pressed up against his, and the glow of the sun dipping low on the horizon. They’d just finished their strawberry shortcake as dusk settled over the ranch. The cool night air rustled over his skin, and he put his arm around Jane to keep her warm. He was just about to ask if she wanted to go inside when the glass door to the kitchen slid open and Bentley stepped out.
His brother took in the scene, face souring. “Well, this is cozy. I must’ve missed my invitation.”
“Didn’t know you left Vegas,” his father said easily and stood. “Feel free to fix yourself a plate.”
“No,” he said, eyes moving around the table. “I think I’m good.”
“I wish you told us you were coming. I would’ve made up the spare bedroom,” his mother said. “I still can if you’d like.”
Bentley continued to stare, and his silence made the fine hairs on the back of Sully’s neck bristle. He tightened his arm protectively around Jane. “No. I’ll head out. Enjoy the evening.” His brother stepped back through the slider and closed it shut with a bit too much force. Everyone seemed to fall quiet until Jane cleared her throat. “Maybe we should get going, too.”
