Lawson shifted and pulled out his phone.“I have to text the guys, so they don’t arrive here ready to pound the shit out of anyone.”
“What?”
He texted and then grinned at her.“I was helping Nash and Ford with the cider cabin.They knew I was worried about you and were ready to charge here to help.I’ve called them off.”
Her eyes filled again.“You have an amazing family.”Neither of the two men was his family by blood, but she knew he’d know what she meant.
His gaze softened.“I do.And you’ve got them too, all of them.Whenever you need something, you’ve got it.From all of us.”
Then, his eyes sparkled.“Unless it’s something involving naked times.Then you’ve got me and only me.”
This time she laughed for real.He was right.She may not have her family, but she had Lawson and the rest of his.
That was more than she’d ever dreamed.
She shifted until she straddled his lap.“I’m thinking I need some of those naked times right now.What do you think?”
His grin turned fierce.“When it comes to you, the more naked times, the better.”
Laughing, she leaned down to kiss him.She had everything she needed.
Lawson stewed over the interaction between Dani and her brother-in-law.He’d had her go over it again, trying to get a feel for all the undercurrents.
He should have been there.
She’d handled it—handled them—but it had left her in tears.
He wanted to kick Jeremy Beaumont’s ass.
A spectacular round of afternoon sex had taken the edge off his anger, but he was still worried about her.
It was Knox’s turn to cook at the farm that night, so he texted to ensure there’d be enough if he brought Dani.He got an,Of course,in reply.
Maybe being surrounded by his friends and family would help both of them relax.“My brother’s making supper tonight.I don’t think he’ll poison us.Want to come with me?He said there’s lots.”
She grinned at him.“From what you’ve said about your parents and grandfather, I’m sure you’re all competent in the kitchen and around the house.As well as in the garage and in public.”
He laughed.“You’re right.We were so damn lucky.Our parents and Fox made sure we were well-rounded kids.I’m sorry you didn’t have that.”
“I had Frannie B, though, and she was worth a lot.”
He nodded.“She was.I’m betting she and Fox would have gotten along well.”
“Have any of you figured out what happened between Fox and Jay?From everything you’ve said, family was a priority with him.”
Lawson sighed.“It’s so weird.I don’t remember ever hearing about a brother.Not before my parents were killed.Not after.And you’re right; it’s the opposite of what I expected from Fox.We need to do more digging in the farmhouse and the outbuildings.Knox found pictures of the two of them fishing when they were little.We can tell they’re not twins, but they look so much alike, we can’t tell which one is which.”
“The fact that Jay kept the photos is a good sign.Maybe he has other things as well.”
Lawson nodded.“We’ve poked a little, but haven’t gone through his room yet.It feels like something we need to do with everyone here.”
Dani squeezed his hand.“That’s a good idea.Even if Burke comes for a visit, you could start digging.”
Thatwasa good idea.Burke had continued his stance that he couldn’t leave Boston because his job took all his time.But if he came for a week, that would be good enough.And it might convince him he belonged here, too.His job had to slow down for Thanksgiving or Christmas, didn’t it?
The biggest problem was that Lawson didn’t remember his brother ever taking a vacation.
“Maybe when you organize the barn, you’ll find something there.Did Jay like to play with the machines, too?”
