“U!” Dean claps his hands. “Remember you wrote it out for me and I got it because I know how to read now?”
“You are so smart it’s amazing,” Lainey replies. “Of course I remember. Just like I remember how much you’re learning in kindergarten.”
“Kindergarten is the best.” Dean is beaming now. “I’m so good at it.”
I lean over to whisper in Beck’s ear. “Is it just me, or does Dean have a serious crush on Lainey?”
Beck’s lips twitch. “I think DeanandColt have a serious crush on Lainey. Lucky for her, she don’t gotta choose between ’em.”
Mr. Wallace’s eyes go wide. “I think that’s mighty clever. What do you think, Mama?”
“I think I love it,” Mrs. Wallace replies simply. “It’s just different enough to stand out, but still classic and very tongue-in-cheek. Just like my sense of humor.”
“Dean informed me he saw the letters in the color yellow.”
Dean nods. “It’s my favorite color.”
“Well then, our new logo has to be yellow, then.” Billie glances around the table. “I don’t know how y’all feel, but I am really digging this.”
“Thank you, Billie. Appreciate the vote of support.” Lainey looks at Colt. “Although I don’t think the new branding will pass by unanimous vote tonight.”
Colt picks up his water glass. “What makes you say that, Lainey?”
“You and your stubborn behind,” she replies steadily. “You were gonna shoot us down even before we shared our idea.”
I bite back a smile. “For what it’s worth, I like it too.”
“Of course you do.” Colt shakes his head. “Am I the only one who thinks this whole rebranding business is a waste of time and money?”
“Yes,” the table replies in unison.
Colt scoffs. “Great.”
“How about we shelve that conversation for later?” Mr. Wallace interjects diplomatically. “Tonight, I wanna enjoy this delicious lasagna and the company of all mywell-behavedchildren. Plus their significant others.” He nods at me. “We’ve been waiting an age to add some more places at the table. Thank you for coming, Ryder.”
Heat works its way up my face. “Thank y’all for giving me a chance to prove that I’m worthy of your daughter. She’s somethin’ special, and I can’t wait to watch her soar.”
Billie’s eyes get that soft look in them that I’m learning can mean a lot of things.
She’s happy.
She’s tired but in a good way.
She’s turned on.
I’ll take any of the above tonight, please and thank you.
“Amen to that.” Tate raises his glass. “To Billie and Ryder. May the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation he gave her that night at the rodeo be the start of a beautiful love story.”
“Cheers!” Dean raises his own glass with such enthusiasm he spills water everywhere.
The rest of the table toasts us too.
I don’t think any of us misses the fact that Colt raises his glass. He doesn’t say a word. Doesn’t meet my eyes. But he does participate in the toast, and that small but significant gesture means everything to me.
It means shit just might really work out—for the better.
CHAPTER 29
