“I do.”
“Then it’s a good thing I came to Hillmore. Not only to see you and Heather but to get to know your young lady. If she’s important to you, she’s important to me. I can’t wait to tell her all kinds of embarrassing stories about when you were a kid.”
“Goodie,” Heather said, clapping her hands under her chin. “That will keep me entertained.”
He groaned to keep up the pretense of being annoyed by their antics, but teasing was a love language to his family. And if they planned to include Suzy, he had no doubt she’d fit right in.
Suzy pushed asideher empty plate and covered her mouth with her hand, doubling over with laughter. They’d finished the pizza Lane had dropped off for dinner, and she’d spent the last fifteen minutes listening to stories about Duke’s childhood. She had to catch her breath if she wanted to hear the rest of Dorthy’s story, but it was so hard when giggles continued to roll from her mouth.
Duke sat beside her and chuckled. “If I’d known you planned to tell Suzyallof my embarrassing moments, I would have insisted we leave you two to eat your dinner alone.”
“Mama hasn’t even gotten to the best part yet,” Heather said, her own laughter interrupting her words. “Mom was so mad when he stole half a container of whipped cream before dinner that she replaced the rest with sour cream and waited, knowing he’d come back for more.”
“Oh no,” Suzy said, pressing her hands to her aching stomach. “And did he?”
Duke gave an exaggerated groan and leaned to the side, resting his forehead on her shoulder. “It tasted so bad. I’ve never been able to eat sour cream—or whipped cream—since.”
“Serves you right.” She gave him a playful slap. “Making your poor mother think the dog was eating the Thanksgiving turkey so you could sneak a treat before dinner.”
“What can I say, I’ve always had a sweet tooth.”
“And zero concern for consequences.” Dorthy cackled. “You’ve always been one to act first, think later. One of your most, and least, charming attributes. It’s what made you such a good bull rider. But I have to admit, I’m glad you’ve left that world behind. Even though it seems danger is still following you around.”
“Do you miss it?” Heather asked. “I mean, the rodeo was your entire life for so long. It’s weird that you’re just done.”
Suzy stiffened, anticipating his next words. She was falling fast for the man, had been falling for him for months, but a part of her held back. Not because she wasn’t sure about her feelings, but because she was afraid that after the danger passed and Duke’s problems were over, he’d move along to something more exciting.
Something new where he could act first and think later.
“I thought I would,” Duke said. “Honestly, my plan was to always go back. But things change.” He slipped his hand in hers and squeezed.
She wanted to believe she was enough to keep him in town, but she’d learned the hard way, more than once, she wasn’t enough to keep any man from chasing their dreams.
Dorthy stared at Suzy for a second before settling her gentle gaze on her son. “I can’t wait to see more of your life here. Suzy, you grew up here, right?”
“Born and raised.”
“Did you ever want to leave?”
“Not for more than a week or two. This is my home. These are my people. They helped raise me and make me into the person I am today. My roots might not be all pretty, but they run deep.”
“Then this sounds like an amazing place,” Dorthy said. “Texas holds my heart like this town holds yours. I understand that pull. I’m lucky my girls felt it close to me, but Duke always wanted out. Wanted more. It looks like he found what he’s been searching for.”
She mustered a smile and held on to the sentiment. She hoped it was true, that Duke’s mom knew him well enough to see that he was settled and happy and would stay because this was where he belonged.
“He’s a lucky guy in more ways than one, but he met his match in games. Suzy wins every time,” Heather said.
Duke lifted their joined hands and kissed her knuckles. “I guess I can live with that.”
Another cackle from Dorthy lifted Suzy’s lips. “I knew I liked you from the second I saw you. Knowing you put my boy in his place makes me like you even more.”
“You say that now, but the second she beats you in Uno you’ll sing a different tune.” Duke wagged a finger in his mom’s direction.
A knock sounded on the door followed by a young nurse in green scrubs. Her dark hair was pulled into a high ponytail. “Sounds like you guys are having a party.”
“Sorry, are we being too loud?” Suzy asked.
“Nope, just making everyone on the floor jealous that we can’t join. I’ve got to check Heather’s vitals. Are you feeling okay?” She walked to the monitor beside the bed and studied the numbers.
