He turns, and when he notices Jade’s hand in mine, a smirk rises on his face. “About damn time, big brother.”
I squeeze Jade’s hand. “Where’s everyone else?”
“They should be back any second. A fence was down out in the pasture.” His eyes scan up and down Jade’s body, and I want to throttle that damn smirk off his face. I clear my throat and step forward, raising my eyes in warning.
He gives me a smirk that says trouble before turning his gaze back on Jade. “Just as pretty as I remember,” he says in a thick drawl, stepping forward and grabbing her free hand and placing a kiss on top.
“Okay, that’s enough.” I scowl, taking the hat off my head and swatting him with it.
“What?” He chuckles. “Worried she’s going to ditch your old ass for a much younger and better-looking Donovan?”
“Fuck off. How’s Sarah?”
The smile on his face vanishes, and he shakes his head, turning back around to the saddles.
The sound of a side-by-side catches our attention. “Mom said to gather everyone up,” I tell him before leading Jade back outside.
“Well, well, well. Who is this beautiful young woman?” Dad asks, stepping out onto the grass.
“Dad. This is Jade. She co-owns Lemon and Lavender with Sarah. Jade, this is my dad, Beau.”
“Nice to formally meet you, Mr. Donovan,” Jade says, sticking out her hand for him to shake, but like Ma, Dad pulls her in for a hug.
“Nice to meet you, hun. You can call me Beau. It’s about damn time one of my boys brings home a woman.”
“Hey. I’ve brought home plenty,” Hayes says, joining us.
“Shut up, boy,” Dad says, rolling his eyes and making Jade giggle.
“Hi, Jade. I don’t think we’ve ever formally met either,” My brother says, sticking out his hand. “I’m Cade.”
“Hi, Cade. I met your children back in the house. They are sure adorable.”
“Thanks.” My brother smiles with pride.
“Nice to see you again, Jade,” Colter says.
“You too.” Jade smiles.
“Well, welcome to the fam, hun. Now, who’s ready to eat?” Dad asks, taking off towards the house.
“So, Jade dear.” Mom smiles from across the table. “Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?”
I feel Jade stiffen next to me, and I know based on the pieces she’s given me that her story isn’t one she likes to share easily.
Resting my hand on her thigh under the table, I give her an encouraging squeeze.
“Well, as you already know I co-own the bakery with Sarah.” She smiles.
“And you met Sarah in college, is that right?”
Jade nods, taking a sip of water before answering. “Yes. We were roommates.”
“So, is your family close by then?” Mom asks, and Jade jerks.
Steering the conversation, I interrupt, which I’m sure will get me a scolding later, and turn to my niece. “Hey, Maysie Daisy, how’s dance going? You have a recital coming up, don’t you?”
My niece slumps in her chair, and her face falls. I look at Cade, who shakes his head. I’m afraid I just stuck my foot in my mouth.
