Lord, this dinner of Maverick’s kept growing and growing. All week, I’d had to hear the reports. The event had gone from Maverick, Colt, the girls, and Maverick’s sister Faith to include Mom and Aunt Georgia, and the list kept on lengthening.
“I think Maverick wants a sort of welcome to the gay-borhood for you two.” Adler offered a light laugh. “Also, Grayson can stare down anyone with opinions. Including your brother.”
Jude looked a little green at the mention of Colt.
“I told you.” I elbowed him before giving Adler a friendly glare. “Colt’s not mad.”
“Yeah, but that man has the sheriff glower down to a science.” Adler waved a hand, like there might be something attractive about Colt’s ability to intimidate with a single look. “Older brothers are both blessings and curses.”
“True that.” I chuckled because Colt was definitely some of each.
“Shall we head over?” Adler asked.
“Yep.” As we walked from the barn toward the ranch house, I grabbed Jude’s hand. Felt good, so I gave him a little squeeze.
“What’s this?” Jude glanced down at our linked hands.
“Reinforcements.” I winked at him. “Got you now.”
“You do.” His expression turned more tender and serious. “I’m not going anywhere.”
That much I believed. Jude might be working past some doubts, but he was in this thing as much as I was. We’d get there, and one dinner wasn’t going to derail us. I did, however, stiffen my shoulders as Maverick threw open the front door to the ranch house.Incoming.
“Welcome!” Maverick ushered us into the house.
“I brought cookies by earlier.” Adler was his usual chatty self as Maverick led us toward the rear of the house, past the formal living and dining rooms. “Spice with cream cheese frosting. Seemed seasonally appropriate.”
“I brought Jude.” I held up his hand. It hadn’t occurred to me to bring a dish, but the kitchen island was already piled high with options.
“That counts.” Maverick chuckled, clearly enjoying his role as host. “We have more than enough food. Colt’s trying his hand at brisket.”
“The sheriff does know his meat.” Adler gave Maverick a pointed look.
“Hush.” Maverick shook his head at Adler before turning back to us. “You should go say hi to Colt.”
“Suppose it’s that or dance.” Jude gestured toward the nearby family room, where the teen girls were showing Faith some dance moves. Adler was quick to join in the fun.
“The girls are obsessed.” Maverick gave a fond smile at their antics. “The latest episode of their favorite show dropped a new song, and the dance has gone viral. You should try it.”
“We’re good.” I tugged Jude toward the back porch, where the grill and smoker were located. I’d much rather deal with Colt than attempt some teen dance craze.
Laughing, Jude dug a heel in by the back door. “Hey, I like dancing.”
“We can two-step later.” I gave him as heated a look as I dared with others nearby.
“Guess that answers the question of whether you want to come over after dinner.” Jude blushed, a rarity for him, and I couldn’t resist a fast kiss.
I never would have figured myself the public-affection type, but I’d waited long enough for this. I was damn well going to enjoy it.
Naturally, Colt chose that moment to open the back door.
“Fair warning.” He gestured for us to join him on the deck. “If you kiss in front of Mom and Aunt Georgia, they’re gonna start planning a wedding.”
“Uh. Um…” Jude looked nauseated, complete with a hand on his stomach, like I’d just asked him to drive a tank. I couldn’t resist having a little fun.
“Spring sounds good,” I deadpanned. Jude gulped. I nudged him with my shoulder. “You can laugh.”
“Oh. You’re joking. Ha.” Several emotions passed over Jude’s face, and I couldn’t tell whether he was relieved or disappointed.
