"How'd the riding lesson go?" Boone asks Mason, his tone innocent but his eyes knowing.
Mason's jaw tightens. "Fine until I got distracted and Daisy spooked."
"Distracted by what?" Colt's grin is wicked.
"None of your fucking business," Mason growls.
"Language!" Tucker says again, pointing at Emma and Rosie.
"Sorry." Mason doesn't look sorry at all. "But seriously, drop it."
But Colt's already looking between Mason and me, reading the tension, the way we're sitting too close, the flush on my cheeks. "Oh, this is good. This is really good."
"I will murder you in your sleep," Mason threatens.
"Worth it to see you actually interested in someone," Boone says, and there's genuine warmth in his voice. "Been a long time, brother."
My face is burning now. They know. They all know Mason's interested in me, and they're giving him shit about it in front of everyone. I should be embarrassed. Should want to sink through the floor.
But instead, I feel... accepted. Like their teasing includes me too, like I'm already part of this makeshift family instead of an outsider looking in.
"Leave him alone," I hear myself say. "He saved me from getting trampled by Daisy. He's earned a break from the harassment."
The table goes quiet for a second, and then Rhett starts laughing. "Oh, I like her. She's got spine."
"Told you she was good people," Mason mutters, but there's satisfaction in his voice.
Lunch continues with more easy conversation. They tell me about the ranch, about Frank and how he saved each of them, about Sierra's investment that's finally giving them breathing room financially. They ask about Rosie—her favorite foods, her favorite toys, whether she likes animals.
Tucker mentions that Emma would love to have another kid around more often, and Emma enthusiastically agrees, asking if Rosie can come play tomorrow. The way they include us, make space for us, it's overwhelming in the best way.
Nobody pressures me or makes inappropriate comments or treats me like I'm just another woman Mason's fucking. They treat me like a person. Like someone who might actually stick around.
Rosie finally relaxes enough to sit in her own chair, munching on the sandwich Tucker made for her: cut into tiny pieces, crusts removed without me having to ask. Emma shows her the coloring books she brought to the table, and soon both girls are absorbed in their art.
"So, when do Wade and Sierra get back?" I ask, suddenly aware that I'm staying in their home without their knowledge.
"Sunday," Tucker says. "But don't worry. They'll understand. Wade's a softie under all that grumpy exterior. And Sierra's been trying to get us to be more welcoming to newcomers anyway. She'll probably be thrilled Mason actually took initiative."
"I take initiative," Mason protests.
"You hide in your cottage and avoid people," Colt corrects. "Taking in Lily and Rosie is the most social thing you've done in months."
Mason's hand finds my thigh under the table, his palm warm through my jeans. It's possessive and reassuring at the same time, and I don't pull away. Just let him touch me, claim me in this small way in front of his brothers.
"Well, I'm grateful," I say. "All of you. For welcoming us. For not treating me like an intruder."
"You're not an intruder," Boone says firmly. "Frank taught us to help people who need it. That's what we're doing. What we'll keep doing for as long as you need it."
The sincerity in his voice makes my throat tight. These men barely know me, and they're already offering unconditional support. It's more than my own family ever gave me.
"Besides," Rhett adds with a grin, "it's nice having more women around. Balances out all the testosterone. Once Wade and Sierra get back, and you're here, plus Marley stops by for the animals, and Nicole's always around, and Harper's moving in with Colt next month, we're actually becoming civilized."
"Is everyone here dating someone?" The question comes out before I can stop it.
"Just about," Tucker says with a smile. "Mason and Rhett are the last holdouts. The confirmed bachelors of Promise Ranch."
"Hey," Rhett protests. "I'm not confirmed anything. I'm just selective."
