“You meanTinyFalls,” Duke said with a laugh.
Burke chuckled under his breath as Justine wagged a finger at Duke. “I’ll get even for that one,” she promised.
“Yeah, you better watch it,” Burke added. “You’re talking to the princess, you know?”
James gave Duke a nudge. “He’s just jealous that he’s never won prince of anything before.”
Duke took on a wounded looking pout. “Actually, Iamjealous about that. But I shouldn’t call it Tiny Falls anymore. How about Piney Smalls?”
Justine laughed and shook her head. “You’re horrible.”
“That’s just how future brothers-in-law are supposed to be,” Duke said with a grin.
Funny, since they weren’t carrying on the fake engagement with the Bentons. In fact, the family members were all aware that he and Justine had only just met earlier that month. Still, Burke would be lying if he said he didn’t feel Duke’s suggestion somewhere deep in his heart. An exciting stir of warmth at the thought of marrying Justine one day.
A few last goodbyes, and soon they were tucked into the BMW and winding along the quiet road toward the private property’s security gate.
“Your family’s amazing, Burke,” Justine said while reaching for the Mentos, a pack she’d bought to replace the other. She handed one of the chewy candies to him before popping one into her own mouth and tucking it into her cheek. “What a gift that is. To have so many people who love and care about you, a family that can gather for holidays and decorate trees and cabins and just…dolifetogether.” She sighed. “It’s a gift.”
He glanced over and grinned, thinking of the way Lorraine had calledhimthat very thing—a gift to them.
“You’re right,” he agreed.
Justine reached for his hand and sandwiched it between hers. “Ah! I just really love them all,” she gushed, that dreamy life-loving look in her eye. “Your siblings, their spouses, Lorraine, Claudia, and goofy Michael. And those kids…”
He agreed with a nod, appreciating that she was on the same high he was. “Yes, those kids are something else.”
“And don’t you love the way they all shared their stories with us?” Justine asked. “They were so open. I knew they’d been in the media a lot recently, but I hadn’t paid enough attention to know why.”
She shook her head. “To hear that Duke signed up for a reality wedding show and Zander pretended to be him on live TV. Andthenduring the honeymoon.” A laugh seemed to sneak up her throat.
“And Betzy,” Burke added. “She pretended to be engaged too. If anyone understands what that’s like, we do.”
“You’re right,” she agreed. “At least if they found out about our little Piney Falls charade, they wouldn’t think we werethatcrazy.” She yawned. “Can’t believe how tired I am suddenly. I might rest.” She sighed once more and sank deeper into the seat.
Burke lifted their linked hands and pressed a kiss to hers. “Go ahead, babe. We’ve had an action-packed few days.” But then one last thought came to mind. “Justine?”
“Hmm?”
“I, um…I took on the name Benton after I turned eighteen, and changed my last name—Richards—to my middle name instead. I would have told you sooner, but I was trying to protect the family name, you know? Until they were ready for people to know about me.”
She gave his hand a squeeze. “That makes sense.”
“Good,” he said with a sigh. “It feels good to tell you that. All of it, actually. I’m glad you know who my family is. I’m glad you like them so much. They seem crazy about you.”
“They seem crazy about you too, Burke,” she said. “They’re wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you.” Emotion coated his reply. “I’ll let you rest now.”
Her eyes drifted shut, and soon Burke was left to his own thoughts. It seemed that life was really coming together, wasn’t it? As if everything he’d wanted—everyfeasiblething, that is—had been given to him.
He fought off the pessimistic voice that said it was all about to go south now. The whole rise before the fall. He’d lost in life before, hadn’t he?
It was possible that, despite Justine’s affinity for the Bentons, she’d want to steer clear of a famous bunch that hosted a TV show and cycled through the media without fail.
A dart of fear sank deep into his chest.
Burke tightened his grip on the steering wheel and glanced over at her while she slept. Yes, he could lose her, he admitted. And in a moment flat, it could all go awry. But this time, he decided, determination sprouting within him, it wouldn’t scare him away.
