“I’m glad we talked about this. I understand how you feel. But that doesn’t excuse the awful things you said and did.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Another sniffle. “At first, I thought Iwasjust really, really pissed. But then I dug a little deeper and realized?—”
“That your anger was really sadness. Mollie talked about that because she went through the same thing when Garrett died.” I rest my cheek against Colt’s chest. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it a bigger priority to tell you about me and Ry. We’ve all been so busy. And to be fair, I had no idea where our relationship was gonna go. I also had a feeling you’d react the way you did, so…”
My older brother has the grace to scoff. “So you had some very good reasons why you wanted to keep your relationship on the down-low.”
“Imagine that,” I reply with a smile, letting him go so I can take a step back. “I’m proud of you for being in therapy.”
Colt nods, spearing a hand through his hair. “Ain’t easy, but I’m trying. For Dean. And for myself too.”
“Can you do me another favor, pretty please? Since I got you where I want you.”
Colt chuckles. “You ain’t afraid to push your luck, huh?”
“Nope. Give Lainey a chance, okay? The ranch is gonna benefit from a little refresh, and believe it or not, all these youngsocial media girlies are incredibly savvy when it comes to that stuff.”
“That’s a big ask.”
“Not if you’re willing to be the bigger person.”
“You’re barking up the wrong tree, sister. Clearly I’m petty and small-hearted.”
“Only with me. With Lainey, you can do better.”
He grins, and my heart lifts. “Maybe.”
“Definitely.” I nod at my horse. “Wanna help me put her up, and then grab a beer? Because we have to come up with a game plan for what you’re gonna say to Ryder. I think we need some kind of grand gesture, don’t you?”
“No?”
“Glad we’re on the same page. I think…Hell, I almost think you fuck with him a little bit. Make him laugh hard so he’ll be more likely to forgive you for your terrible fucking behavior.”
Colt runs a hand down his face, shaking his head. “You’re outta your goddamn mind. But I really did show my ass, so…I dunno, maybe I give your plan a try.”
“Perfect.” I gasp. “You know, he did leave his pocketknife on my beside table.”
Colt gives me a look. “Really?”
It’s all I can do not to rub my hands together. “Yes, really.”
CHAPTER 30
What the Actual?
RYDER
“Why didno one tell me they smelled so good?”
“Everyone knows that.” Duke blinks at me. “Kinda like we all know the sky is blue, and how there’s always a more handsome identical twin.”
I sniff one of the little bald heads curled up against my chest, then the other. “They need to bottle this shit up. Sorry,stuff. They need to bottle thisstuffup.”
Wheeler laughs from her perch on the nearby couch. “Pretty sure we have some time before we need to start watching what we say around them. Although being with kids makes you realize just how bad your language can be.”
“Right?” I smile when the baby dressed in a blue onesie yawns. “Aw, Robbie, you tired? God, that’s the cutest sound ever.”
Duke gets a little misty-eyed. “Honestly, sometimes I can’t stand the cuteness.”
