Lucas leaned his head almost to his shoulder and crossed his arms. “She knows you all are my family.”
Rex tossed a casual hand in the air. “You never know.”
“Can we change the subject, please?” He accidentally kicked a pebble with his loafers. “Is the senator here yet?”
“He couldn’t make it until six-thirty, but he will be.” Rex scanned the perimeter. “I’m nervous that security hasn’t shown up.”
“Give them a half hour. They’re probably traveling with the Senator and staying close to his side.” It was his turn to assure his brother. “There won’t be a repeat of South Carolina. Monica’s in good hands here, and if anybody does try anything, they’ll have to get between you and her first.
“It’s her I’m concerned for.”
“Monica’s not in security anymore. No one would have a reason to go after her.” He pressed a hand to Rex’s shoulder. “After she was injured in the line of duty, I don’t blame you for being worried, but we both know that fear can’t rule our lives.”
Rex cleared his throat. “Really?”
“I’m not afraid of Serena.”
“Whatever you say.” Watching Monica ahead, Rex picked up his pace. “If you’ll be okay, I’m going to join my wife.”
“Go, I’m good.” He stood back, watched a second line of cars arrive.
Mom and Jenna were in one, Sara—Lacey’s cousin from her other side of the family—and her husband Justin in another. He hung around the parking lot, waiting for them to leave their vehicles. Anything to delay seeing her.
Did she know he was there? Would she recognize him? He pulled out his phone, researched flights to Kentucky. How bad would it be to claim he’d been called back?
Pull yourself together, Fontenot.
He returned his phone to the pocket of his khakis, ashamed at the turn his thoughts had taken. Retreating wasn’t an option, not anymore. But avoidance, that was a different story. He might have to be nearher, but that didn’t mean he had to engage with her.
Mom kissed his cheek. “I thought you were coming over this afternoon.”
“Finding a tux took too long. Beau and I barely made it here on time.” A genuine smile crept to this mouth. He couldn’t be upset around Mom and Jenna.
“Come tomorrow for breakfast. I’ll make your favorites.”
“I’ll be there.” He slipped one hand through Mom’s arm and his other through Jenna’s, then escorted his two favorite women to where he’d watched Serena lead Tom and Lacey.
The small group gathered on the back lawn of the mansion. Serena had an arm up, pointing to the right side of the seating area. He was too far away to hear what she said, but it didn’t matter to him.
Against his better judgement, he let his gaze rest on her and take in her appearance. She’d lost weight since high school and could afford to gain a few pounds. Her chestnut brown hair reached mid-back though she’d always kept it shoulder length in high school. He couldn’t see her eyes, but he wondered if they still showed her every emotion or if she’d learned to school them.
He threw his head back and stifled a groan. Why had he allowed her any space in his head? He didn’t care what she looked like now or what she’d been up to that last thirteen years. Her actions affected him none.
Except for the last thirteen years. Wasn’t she the reason he’d run to the army and stayed away? If ever he needed a day on the range, this was it. This is what he got for letting down his guard.
“Lucas, you’re being summoned.” Lacey stared at him, waiting for a response.
He hadn’t a clue what he’d been told to do. “What was that?”
Lacey tilted her head slightly and gave him the exasperated glare she’d sent his way often as a child. “Serena’s putting everyone into position. Pay attention.”
Getting caught off guard grated his nerves. Whatever he did, he would not give Serena the satisfaction of knowing her presence distressed him. If he had his way, she wouldn’t know so much as know his voice.
“Dustin, you’ll be here immediately behind Tom. Rex, you’re next, then Beau, then Lucas.” As she said each name, she grabbed the arm of said person and positioned them in place—until she came to him.
When she called for him, she stood in his assigned spot. Had anyone else noticed the slight? As he approached, she moved away, as though afraid to be near him.That makes two of us, honey.
***
