Patience, who hadn’t gone into her condo yet, was all out giggling now and it was music to my ears. I felt myself holding back a laugh right along with her.
“Yup!”
That’s it, just a yup and a split-eating grin on my face.
“Well, fuck. You could have given me more warning,” my friend said, mock irritation lining her tone.
I knew she’d go with the flow and was teasing. That was who Dusty was, but it was kind of fun to fuck with her and to see her a bit off her game.
“Payback.”
Dusty shook her head and glared at me. “Asshole.”
A deep chuckle broke free and it felt awesome.
Maybe having Dusty here would be good for me and help her too.
Another step forward.
Not a step backward like I fretted about.
And maybe I could find the words to tell my wife that our marriage wasn’t a ruse, that it was the real deal.
Chapter Twenty-One
PATIENCE
Dusty fit right in.
When we walked into Jett’s childhood home, she was shocked to see the number of people already at the house. However, when they just kept spilling in—men, women, and a ton of kids—she shook her head in amazement.
“We have some family and friends around, but it’s nothing like this when we see each other,” she told us. “And I’m an only child, so there weren't any other kids in the house growing up.”
Alley didn’t wait long to jump into the fray, showing the newcomer her spunky personality. Dusty’s eyes widened once more when the door opened, and Bodie, Gemma, and their clan walked in. Alley leaned toward her and said, “You’re not in Kansas anymore.”
All of us who were there started cackling—Dusty herself joining in. Everyone started to calm down, but when Dusty said, “I feel like I’m back home on the farm. Y’all sound like a bunch of hens,” we started up again.
I knew Jett had been both happy and nervous that she was coming. For the last few years he’d been telling me thathe couldn’t wait for me to meet his buddies—which included Dusty. But I sensed the sorrow that sat heavy in his heart because he’d never get to introduce me to the others.
Sure, there were other men and women he had served with, but the men he’d lost, those were the ones he had been the closest to.
Honestly, I think Dusty coming was just what he needed, and it sounded like it was what she had needed as well. There’d been no reason for him to be nervous because she seemed to be enjoying herself. Although, I was almost sure the nerves stemmed more from worry over how he may react with her around after what happened.
It was pretty incredible how well she meshed with everyone, including the kids.
Griffin had taken right to her when we first arrived. My little man did have a way with words, and he didn’t wait to tell Dusty what was on his mind. He was a spectacular child and made me so proud.
He’d wrapped his arms around her legs, looking up at her like he tended to do a lot with the adults. As with me, he didn’t have to strain his neck as much with Dusty because we were both short and small. Not that it mattered with her—small or not, I had a feeling she probably could take on men twice her size and put them in their place.
Verbally, Dusty could spar with the best of them. She’d already busted Jett’s balls numerous times, which had me cracking up.
But the ballbuster herself teared up when my son said, “Thank you for helping to bring my daddy back to me. I missed him so much.” He gave her a cute smile. “My mommy is happier now too.” Then he looked at her cane before glancing back up to her with a solemn expression. “I’m sorry you got hurt.”
It was then I knew that Dusty might be tough as nails,but she had a big heart. Hurt or not, she slid down onto her knees, even as I tried to protest, so she could give Griffin a big hug. Then she pulled back and looked at him, her hands resting on his shoulders.
“Your daddy saved my life.”
Griffin’s eyes got big, and a thoughtful expression flashed across his face. It was the one I saw when he was trying to determine something.
