Page 130 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

He smiled, but he stopped walking and turned toward Doc with a tentative expression. “Do you regret finding out about me?”

“Hell no. That’s something you never have to worry about. Why would you ask that? Do I act like it?”

“No,” he said quickly. “But you didn’t sign up for all this worry.”

Fuck. “Lucas, I love you with every ounce of my being, whether you’re sick or healthy, annoying or sweet, a good guy or a total prick. None of that affects my love for you. I wouldn’t trade a minute we’ve had for anyone or anything in this world. Do you understand that?”

Lucas nodded, his chin trembling. “I wouldn’t, either.”

Doc hauled him into an embrace. “You and your mom are the best things that have ever happened to me. My love for you is unconditional and unwavering. Don’t ever doubt that.”

Lucas nodded against his shoulder. “I love you, Doc. I’m really glad you’re my dad.”

Now they were both teary-eyed.

JULIETTE WAS WAITING in front of the main house at seven on the dot, and she looked as beautiful as ever in a brown suede jacket over a pretty gunmetal-blue sweater that made her eyes pop and what Doc had learned were her favorite jeans. The ones with a small tear under the right knee. They’d become his favorite, too, for the way they hugged her in all the right places. He whistled at her as they approached, and the dogs bounded over to her.

“You’re such a flirt,” she said lightly, but there was no missing the anxiousness in those baby blues.

“Only with you, darlin’. You look gorgeous.” He kissed her.

“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.” She hugged Lucas. “Morning, sweetheart. Did you have fun?”

“Yeah,” Lucas said sullenly. “We’re almost done with the first part of the project.”

“That’s great. How’re you feeling?” Her gaze trailed over his face, and Doc knew she could see the worry in his eyes, too.

“Hungry.”

“I bet,” she said.

“Let’s go eat.” Doc pulled the door open, and the dogs and Lucas ran inside. He and Juliette followed them in.

When he took Juliette’s hand, she whispered, “Is he okay?”

“He will be.”

As Lucas walked into the dining area with his four-legged sidekicks, applause broke out, and everyone pushed to their feet, whistling and shouting, “You’ve got this!” and “We’re pulling for you!” Stunned, Doc took in the large banner hanging across the back wall that read Good Luck, Rodeo! and tried to calm the dogs as his family, their employees, and even the clients Lucas had met converged on Lucas with hugs and well-wishes.

Juliette turned to Doc and said, “Did you do this?”

“No. I’m as surprised as you are.” He glanced at his parents, waiting for their turn to hug Lucas, watching him with so much love, it emanated off them. Tiny looked over and winked, his words coming back to Doc. Love is the cornerstone of hope.

“First bull riding, and now this? Talk about street cred,” Birdie said, and hugged Lucas tight. “You’re the toughest kid I know.”

“Yeah, he is.” Dare hugged him. “You’re going to kick cancer’s ass, dude.”

“Damn right he is,” Cowboy said, wrapping his thick arms around Lucas’s lanky body. “This is tough, Rodeo, but you’re tougher.”

“You’re going to crush it,” Sasha said, tugging Lucas, who was grinning and damp eyed, into her arms. “You’ve got this, Lucas.” Gus hugged his legs and said, “I love you. The medicine’s gonna make you better.”

“Love you, too, buddy,” Lucas choked out as Ezra put his arms around all three of them and said, “We love you, Rodeo. I’m here if you want to talk.”

Doc got choked up as Lucas was passed from one caring person to the next, and then those loving arms found their way to Juliette, and she was surrounded by words of encouragement. Eventually, that support made its way to Doc.

Tiny and Wynnie were the last to embrace them, and as Lucas filled a plate at the breakfast buffet, Juliette stepped out of Tiny’s arms and said, “Thank you. I can’t imagine going through any of this without Seeley and all of you. We are so lucky to be loved by you and all these wonderful people.”

“We’re the lucky ones, darlin’,” Tiny said.