“You guys didn’t have to get me anything at all. It’s just another day.”
“Wrong,” Lena says. “It’s the best day of the year because you were born on it.”
Christ, my heart.
I ignore Willow’sawwand Ryker’s grin, and lean over to kiss her lips.
“You’re all the present I need, Rebel.”
“You guys are way too gooey,” Willow says as she takes another sip of her drink. “Come on, the wait is killing me.”
Lena bites her lip, then grabs the long, thin wrapped box that she stowed between her and the wall and hands it to me.
I don’t bother to try to save the paper as I tear into the gift, then open the lid of the box and feel the breath catch in my lungs.
“Holy shit,” I whisper, and drag my finger over the glass covering my mom’s face. It’s a sketch of my parents, sitting on the porch of the farmhouse, laughing and looking so in love, my heart aches. It’s exactly how I remember them from the time when Ry and I came to live at the ranch.
I pass the frame over to my brother, and then I cup my girl’s face in my hands and kiss her.
“Thank you. That’s the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received.”
“You’re welcome.”
“This isincredible,” Ryker says, shaking his head as he stares at my girl’s art.
“Right?” Willow wipes a tear from her cheek. “You’re so talented, Le-Lisa.” She winks at Lena, making her laugh.
“I’m glad you like it.”
Very few people come in and out of the pub, and soon, I start to let my guard down just a little and let myself enjoy this time out with my favorite people.
“What kind of book are you recording now, Willow?” I ask after our food is delivered and we start eating. Lena puts two of her onion rings in my basket and grabs a small handful of fries.
“It’s a hockey romance, actually. I’m enjoying it. Next up, I have a dark stalker romance.”
“I bet it’s fun to work on such diverse projects.” Lena licks some ketchup off her finger, and it has my cock standing up and paying attention.
“I love that it’s always different,” Willow agrees. “I have a fun job.”
“Gideon mentioned that you have a degree in finance?” Ryker lifts an eyebrow at Lena. “That’s my jam, girl. What kind of portfolio do you have?”
“Mostly IRAs, but the bulk of my money is in trust, from my parents. I come into the rest of it when I’m twenty-five.”
“When is that?” Willow asks. “Not because I need any of your money—I’m just curious when your birthday is so I can prepare.”
Lena laughs at that. “I turn twenty-five in January.”
January 14.
Maybe I’ll propose to her on her birthday.
Because if she thinks I’m not marrying her, she doesn’t know me at all.
Ryker and Lena keep talking about dividends and stock trades, and Willow and I stare at each other with glossed-over eyes.
“This isnota fascinating conversation,” Willow finally says.
“Yes, it is,” Lena objects, shaking her head and passing her empty glass over to Sarah in exchange for a fresh one. “I just learned like three new things from your husband. Whoever said that jocks can’t be smart are wrong.”
