Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35740 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 179(@200wpm)___ 143(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35740 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 179(@200wpm)___ 143(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)
“There’s something else,” Colt says, looking uncertain. “And you can say no if you want to, but it’s something just for you, babygirl.”
He pushes a slip of paper into my hand, and when I read it I’m still uncertain. “That’s this Thursday. But what’s Parker’s Room?”
“Parker’s a buddy who owes me a favor,” Beau chimes in, but it’s not helping solve the mystery, and I think Colt reads that on my face.
“It’s a recording studio, baby. And ignore the date, this one’s an open invitation. Whenever you’re ready, whenever you feel you want it, you just say the word and we’re there. You have a fantastic voice, and I want to support you.”
“This has all been so quick,” I mumble. “But it’s perfect.”
“Quick nothing,” Jack says with a grin. “When a Boone man knows, he knows. And our baby brother knows.”
Colt lifts a brow. “Baby brother? I’m taller than two of you.”
“You’re still the baby,” Cade says, not missing a beat. “You cried when they took your pacifier.”
“I was two.”
“Still counts.”
After breakfast, the women migrate toward the kitchen with dishes while the brothers launch into a debate about football that I suspect could last until next Sunday. I find myself beside Beau at the sink, and for a moment, it’s quiet enough to speak without being overheard.
“Thank you,” I say softly. “For the pancakes. For all of it.”
He shrugs. “Family’s family.”
“He already loves you. Legend, I mean.”
Beau glances over at the living room, where Legend is now showing off his badge to Cade like he’s in charge of security. “Kid’s got sense,” he says simply. Then, after a beat: “You make Colt happy. Haven’t seen him like this... maybe ever.”
“He makes me happy, too.”
Beau turns toward me, still scrubbing a plate. “Good. ‘Cause if you hurt him, I’ll take it personal.”
I offer a smile that isn’t fake. “Fair warning received.”
“Good.” He hands me a dish towel. “Dry faster. You’re slow.”
“Wow, now I really feel welcome.”
Before he can respond, Legend’s voice echoes from the living room.
“Mama! Look what Uncle Beau gave me!”
I turn to see Colt with Legend perched on his shoulders like a human backpack, his hands proudly gripping a small toy wrench.
I raise an eyebrow. “Uncle Beau?”
Beau shrugs. “Kid decided. What am I gonna do, argue with a deputy?”
As we’re getting ready to head out, Legend makes his rounds like a tiny politician on the campaign trail, hugging everyone, thanking them for the pancakes, the juice, the badge compliments.
When he gets to Beau, he wraps his arms around the man’s massive legs without hesitation.
“Thank you for the pancakes, Uncle Beau. And for my wrench.”
Beau’s face stays gruff, but his hand lands gently on the top of Legend’s head. “You’re welcome, kid.”
“Will you teach me to fix cars someday?”
“If your mama says it’s okay.”
Legend turns to me with that look, the one that combines big eyes, soft voice, and emotional manipulation no adult is immune to.
“Can he, Mama?”
I sigh, already defeated. “We’ll see,” I say, which is universal mom-speak for yeah, eventually.
Legend’s in the backseat as we drive home, still chattering away. He’s now naming everyone in Colt’s family like he’s trying to memorize them for a school test. Colt’s driving with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on my thigh like he’s claiming me quietly, without needing to say a word.
“So,” I murmur, glancing at him. “That went well.”
“Told you they’d love you.”
“Love us,” I correct.
He nods. “Yeah. They do.”
“Your brother Beau—”
“Is a big softie under all that gruff,” Colt says. “Kid’s already got him wrapped around his finger. Hell, me too.”
“And Jack and Delaney—”
“Rock solid. She keeps him grounded.”
“Like Marley does with Cade?”
“Exactly,” he says, eyes on the road. “Like you do with me.”
That pulls something tight in my chest. “I love you.”
“I love you too, baby girl. Both of you.”
From the backseat, a small voice chimes in. “Are we gonna live with Daddy Colt now?”
Colt and I exchange a look. We haven’t had that conversation yet. Not out loud, anyway. But I guess if he’s at the proposal stage then he must be at the living together stage too.
“Would you want that?” I ask my son.
“Yes!” Legend says instantly. “Then we’d be a real family.”
Colt doesn’t even hesitate. “We are a real family, buddy. Doesn’t matter where we live.”
“But if we all lived together, it would be even better.”
I glance at Colt. He’s smiling slightly, already running the logistics in his head.
I reach back and squeeze Legend’s little foot. “We’ll figure it out.”
And we will.
It’s not if anymore.
It’s just when.
Fourteen
Emery
Epilogue – Two Years Later
"Mama, I can't find my bow tie!"
I glance up from the floor, where I’m mid-wrestle with two squirmy toddlers and a half-buttoned onesie that smells like fruit snacks and betrayal. Legend’s standing in the doorway to our bedroom, hands on his hips, dressed in his tiny sheriff’s uniform like he’s about to issue someone a ticket. He looks almost perfect, except the bow tie, which has apparently vanished into the abyss that is our house.