Page 58 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

They finished their waters, and as they tossed the empty bottles into the cooler, Cowboy’s truck pulled down the driveway. “There’s Cowboy. No pressure, but if you want to meet one of your uncles, he’s a pretty great guy.”

Lucas’s expression turned wary. He lowered his eyes and kicked the grass. “Was he one of the people looking for me the night I took off?”

“Yes, but we’ve all been there. Remember what I said about not judging people?”

Lucas nodded.

“He’s never walked in your shoes. He’s not going to judge you just because your life was turned upside down and it was overwhelming. Remember, he puts his jeans on the same way you do. One leg at a time. And by the way, I’ve seen Cowboy cry. You’ll understand why that’s astonishing when you see him.”

That earned a smile, and they headed for the truck.

Dare practically flew out the passenger door, shouting, “Have no fear. Your coolest uncle is here.” He ran across the grass and did a flip in the air, holding his cowboy hat on his head as he did it.

“Whoa!” Lucas exclaimed.

“That’s Dare,” Doc said with amusement. “He’s the biggest daredevil and show-off you’ll ever meet.”

“He’s the therapist? Look at all those tattoos.” As Cowboy climbed out of the truck, his tank top showing off his massive muscles and breadth, Lucas’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “There’s no way you saw that guy cry.”

“Don’t let his size fool you. He’s got a big heart behind all that muscle. And for the record, there are only two times when size matters. The first is if you run up against a guy Cowboy’s size, swing first and pray later.”

Lucas laughed. “And the second?”

Doc eyed him. “You’re not old enough to worry about that yet. Come on.” He strode toward his brothers. “Thanks for bringing the wood, guys.”

“Your wood always did come up short.” Dare laughed at his own joke. Lucas and Cowboy joined him.

“Very funny,” Doc said. “Which one of us produced an awesome kid? Oh yeah, that’d be me. Now stop talking crap and say hello to Lucas.”

“Hi, Lucas. I’m Dare.” He sidled up to Lucas and hiked a thumb at Doc. “He’s almost as bossy as Cowboy. Was he a pain in your butt all day?”

Lucas’s gaze flicked to Doc, then back to Dare. “Nah. He’s been pretty cool.”

That surprised Doc, but damn, it sure felt good to hear it.

“That’s good, because I’d hate to have to kick his ass,” Dare teased.

Doc arched a brow. “You and what army?”

“He’s secretly terrified of me,” Dare said to Lucas.

“Of your smell, maybe,” Cowboy said.

Lucas laughed.

It was good to see him less on edge.

“How’s it going, Lucas? I’m Cowboy, and I’m really happy to meet you.”

“Hi.” Lucas fidgeted with his tool belt, his gaze flicking briefly to Doc.

Loving that he trusted him enough to look to him for reassurance, Doc gave a slight nod. I told you it’d be okay.

Cowboy motioned to the pasture. “Those your horses?”

“Yeah.”

“They’re beautiful,” Cowboy said.