“To make Jessie my family. Officially.” He ran his hand up behind his neck and squeezed. “I’m not asking her today. She’d probably rain down a whooping on me if I did. But I’m not saying I don’t want to. I’m waiting for her. To feel ready. Like I said, I’ve been ready for a long time for this step.”
Danny chuckled. “I guess what everyone in town's been telling me is true.”
“What’s that?”
“When you Montgomery Defense boys decided on a woman, that’s it. There ain’t no doubt in your hearts.”
Hawk smiled. “Sure seems to be the way it is.”
“Well, good. I like knowing you’re ready for that commitment, and you’re not going to leave my baby girl, or yours, all on their own.”
“Never. I mean it. Even if she decides she just wants to co-parent. It’ll kill me, but I’ll always be there for them.”
Jessie’s dad nodded. “You’ve got my apologies, Hawk. And my blessing.”
The knot in his chest loosened. “Thank you.” Hawk held out his hand again to Danny, giving him a firm shake. “I know it will mean a lot to Jessie when the time comes to have your blessing.”
“Just make sure you ask her up at the springs. The private ones we keep just for the family.”
“Oh yeah?” Hawk’s brows furrowed as he looked into the woods where Danny was pointing.
“Jess has talked about getting engaged up there since she was a little girl. There’s a tree that damn near blew out of the ground in a big storm when she was maybe five or six. Ended up growing in a giant arch. Her mom and I have listened to her talk about how romantic it would be… gosh… probably a hundred thousand times over the years.”
“You have a minute to walk me up there so I can see exactly what I’m working with?”
Danny smiled. “Sure thing. Just gotta finish up with these old goats. Grab a bucket and start pouring out their supper.”
“You got it.” Hawk smiled as he grabbed one of the stainless steel buckets and shoveled out some pellets from the back of Danny’s tractor. “Oh, there was one more thing I wanted to ask you about…”
Thirty
Early morning sunlight flooded their bedroom as Jessie’s eyes popped open. Hawk wasn’t in bed next to her, but she could hear him out in the kitchen, and whatever he was cooking smelled amazing. Before she could set her feet on the ground, her phone buzzed.
Lacy:
We need to have a girls’ catch up session soon! Nash and I have big news to share!
Lily:
Are you kidding me? You can’t just drop that in the group chat at seven in the morning!
Mae:
I was so mad my phone was going off, but I’m already running to my closet to get dressed. Are we all grabbingbreakfast together?
If we go out, you know Hawk is going to tag along. Or make one of the other guys. I should probably sit this one out.
Mae:
No! We can just take over the conference room at the office. The guys aren’t scheduled to use it today!
Sloane:
I think my first client is at ten today, right Lily? I’ll make Gage run to Dolly’s and pick up our order. Unless you are feeling sick in the morning, Lacy…
Mae:
Why didn’t that even cross my mind!! Have you and Nash been naughty? Is there another cute little redhead on the way?!
