“I’d like the privacy, if nothing else. I mean, we got rattlesnakes up my way.”
“That’s what I meant, cher. I seen you come under the house with your rope. You ain’t scared none. I just want you by yourself for some fun.”
“Oh.” Hell, yes. “Then we’ll stay out here.”
Landon’s smile was pure naughtiness and Adam’s body tightened, loving how it turned him on. “We will, us. Come on, now. We got comp’ny and a pig to wait on. You like pralines? Sister made some.”
“I love them.” If there were any left. Bri had a terrible sweet tooth.
There had to be a hundred more people in the yard and house when they came out, a dozen of them calling to Landon. Landon just smiled and moved through the crowd, hugging this old lady, touching that kid’s hair.
Bri was standing by the house, watching him, a scowl on his face. Like a thundercloud these days, his middle brother.
“What’s up, Bro?” He hated seeing Brian so unhappy. They should chat, maybe. Adam felt a little selfish for wallowing in Landon.
“Nothing. Just ready to get on the road. I got things to deal with, and Chris is following that girl around like a stalker.”
Adam grabbed Brian in a bear hug. “Whatever it is, we’re here if you need us.”
Brian rested against him a second, proof that his brother needed him. “You sure about this, Bubba? You want you a…bayou baby?”
He squeezed hard enough to make Brian grunt. “I am. I mean, I know it’s hard to understand. I’m just getting my head around it. But he’s a good man, and he’s mine.”
“He’s got some weird ideas, that’s for sure.”
“I bet his people would say we do.” He knew Landon was stunned by their operation.
“Bubba, his people want to be what we are.”
Adam wasn’t so sure of that. He’d never met a man so sure of who he was than Landon. Landon wanted him—Landon didn’t want to be him. It was humbling. Amazing. Adam felt like he’d have to keep earning it for a long time.
“I think part of the trouble is that we assume that, and it ain’t true.”
“Maybe.” Brian grinned against his cheek. “No one wants to be me right now, anyway.”
“Whatever it is, we can help. You’re not alone, Bri.” None of them ever had been. Not since before birth. They had each other when nothing else meant a damn thing.
“I know. I need to handle this, though. I’ll tell you when it’s not raw.”
God, he hated when his brothers hurt. Hated it. He was the oldest. It was his job to protect them. He hugged a little more before letting go. “I love you, bro.”
“I know. I do. Go party, Adam. I’ll call.”
“Promise?” He whacked Brian’s butt, knowing Bri would call. The three of them couldn’t not keep in touch. Bri could be stubborn, though. Go the longest.
“I swear on Granny’s bloomers.”
“Don’t talk about my Granny.” Adam winked. “Don’t leave without telling Chrissy goodbye.”
“I won’t. Be happy.” Bri hugged him once more, quick, then headed off.
Adam shook his head, hoping whatever was eating Bri got settled soon. He wanted to fix things.
Coke came over, the basset hounds following behind. “Hey, old man.”
“Hey, Coke. How’s it going?” He reached down to scratch long old basset ears.
“It’s going. Dillon’s in there hounding the Cajun about his damned gumbo.” Coke winked.
