“Pops!” He hopped off Dawson’s back and raced over to lift their little sister off her cowboy boots and swing her around.
But Poppy had never liked being mauled by her brothers.
She took off her hat and beat him over the head with it. “Put me down, you ingrate!” But once Huck set her on her feet, she gave him a big hug. “Huckleberry.” She drew back and crinkled her nose. “Ooo, you smell like a boy’s gym locker. And what’s that thing on your lip.”
“That, dear sister, is called a man-stache. And the scent is what real men smell like. You just need a bigger whiff to fully enjoy its aroma.” Huck lifted his arm and tried to ram his armpit in her face, but Poppy was too quick. She ducked under it and then swatted him in the back of the head with her hat.
“Real men? Try stinky immature boys.” She gave him another swat before heading to Dawson. “If you smell as bad, Dawg, you’re not getting a hug.”
Dawson laughed. “You think I want a hug from a skinny little pipsqueak like you?” She giggled as he hooked an arm around her neck and gave her noogies on her head. She stopped giggling when her gaze shifted to Jaxon and all signs of happiness left her.
It about broke his heart.
At one time, Poppy had been his adoring baby sister who followed him around wherever he went and mimicked everything he did. In turn, he had adored the hell out of her and protected and spoiled her. No one messed with his little sister. And if she wanted something, he made sure she got it. He had bought her her first guitar.
The only time he’d ignored her pleas for something was when she’d pleaded with him to stay. She’d only been twelve when he’d left. Too young to understand why and too old to easily forgive.
While he’d worked on the oilrig, he had called, emailed, and texted her. No answer. He’d written her long letters and sent her funny cards, both stuffed with money. They were returned unopened. The only way he’d been able to keep track of her was through his brothers.
Now here she was all grown up and he couldn’t help the tears that burned his eyes and the regret that swelled in his chest.
And she wasn’t going to make it easy on him.
When she untangled herself from Dawson and walked over, there was no teasing twinkle in her blue eyes. No open arms. “So the prodigal son returns.”
“Hey, Pops. I’m glad you could make it.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not here for a family reunion.” She tugged her hat back on, pulling her long brown ponytail through the hole in the back. “I’m just here for the money.” She walked to the doorway of the bar and sucked in her breath. “Shiiit.”
Huck moved up behind her, tucking his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her head. A privilege Jaxon no longer had. “I know it looks bad, Pops, but, with your knowledge of bars, we can do it. I know we can. You’ve been in every bar and honky tonk in Texas.”
Poppy’s dream was to become a country singing star. And since she had a voice like an angel as far as Jaxon was concerned, he believed she could achieve it. Their inheritance would help. Something she seemed to realize.
She only stood staring at the gutted dancehall for a moment before she pulled out of Huck’s arms and turned to Dawson and Jaxon. “Then what are y’all standing around for? We got a lot of work to do. So let’s get—” Her gaze shifted and her eyes widen. “Well, hell.”
Jaxon turned and saw a sheriff’s SUV heading down the street toward them. If they had been another family, they wouldn’t have given it another thought.
But they were the Hennessys.
Chances of the sheriff’s vehicle turning into Honky Tonk Heaven’s parking lot were damn good.
He looked at his siblings. “Anyone want to tell me anything now?”
Huck held up his hands. “Not me. I haven’t done a thing . . . well, except for a little gambling the other night at Mickey’s garage. But everyone was gambling, Jax.”
“We’re not everyone, Huck! Other people can get away with things we can’t. You know that.”
“It might not be Huck the sheriff is interested in,” Dawson said.
Jaxon turned to him. “What did you do?”
“Look, the guy was being an asshole to his girlfriend so I just reminded him of how a gentleman should act. And I only roughed him up a little. Nothing to call the cops for.”
“Jesus.” Jaxon glanced at Poppy. “Anything you want to add?”
Poppy grinned. “Only the small mishap in the town square on the way here when I took a corner a little fast and ran over the flower shop’s sidewalk sign. But Charlene has no business putting it that close to the curb. And it was just a tiny bit of a sign with today’s flower specials. So no great loss.”
Jaxon heaved a sigh. “It looks like the Hennessys are off to a great start.” He jerked a thumb at the dancehall. “Y’all go on inside. I’ll take care of this.”
