Page 23 of Her Steamy Cowboy
Brody leans forward, a devilish glint in his eye. “So, Linds, I gotta ask - what made you finally take pity on this poor schmuck and agree to date him? Did he bribe you? Wear you down with his endless pestering?”
“Hey now!” I protest, but Lindsay just laughs and squeezes my hand.
“Oh, he definitely wore me down,” she banters back easily. “You know how persistent he can be. I figured I might as well give in before he resorts to something drastic like skywriting or a flash mob.”
The whole table erupts with laughter and I shake my head in amused exasperation. “Wow, thanks for that, babe.”
Lindsay turns to me, her expression softening. “But in all seriousness, it was inevitable, I think. He’s my best friend. My person. Falling for him was the easiest thing in the world.”
My throat tightens with emotion and I have to swallow hard before I can respond. “Falling for you was pretty damn easy too, sweetheart.” I raise our joined hands and press a kiss to her knuckles.
A chorus of “awwws” circles the table and I roll my eyes good-naturedly. “Alright, alright, show’s over. Pass the damn bacon already, would ya?”
As food starts getting dished out, the conversation flows easily, everyone catching up and laughing and ribbing each other like always. But through it all, Lindsay and I stay connected, our hands linked, her thigh pressed against mine.
At one point, Melody asks how the shop is doing, and Lindsay animatedly fills her in on some of their new projects. I watch her, captivated by her passion, her quick wit as she jokes with Luke, and the way she includes Maisey in the conversation.
She just fits. Here, with my family. With me. Like a missing piece I didn’t even know I was searching for until I found her.
“So Lindsay,” Savannah pipes up as she passes the dish of Melody’s famous cinnamon rolls, “I hear you’re bringing a special guest to the New Year’s Eve party tonight?”
I feel Lindsay stiffen beside me, and my stomach drops. Fuck.
I told my brothers about Lindsay’s dad being released, but I swore them to secrecy, not wanting to put any pressure on her. I just didn’t want things to be awkward whenever Lindsay decided to tell them herself.
But I didn’t think Savannah would bring it up this morning, putting Lindsay on the spot like this.
Under the table, I give Lindsay’s hand a reassuring squeeze even as I shoot Savannah a warning look.
But to my surprise, Lindsay takes a deep breath and meets Savannah’s gaze head-on. “Um, yes, actually... I invited my dad.”
A hush falls over the table and I see surprise and concern flit across my siblings’ faces. But to my relief, there’s no judgement, only compassion.
Jasmyn is the first to speak, reaching across the table to touch Lindsay’s arm. “That’s wonderful, Linds. I’m sure it means a lot to him, and to you.”
“It really does,” Lindsay says softly, leaning into me a little. “I know our relationship is still a work in progress, but it feels like a step in the right direction, you know?”
“Absolutely,” Wyatt agrees, his usually teasing expression serious and sincere. “Family is everything. Good on you for being brave enough to give him a second chance.”
Emotion clogs my throat as I look around at these people who have been my whole world for so long. And now here’s Lindsay, fitting in seamlessly, opening her heart to them just like she did to me. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life - this woman is my future.
Under the table, I give her hand a firm squeeze. She squeezes back and when her eyes meet mine, I see my own feelings reflected there.
By the time we’re clearing the dishes, I feel like I could vibrate out of my skin with happiness.
This. This is what I want every weekend to look like. Lindsay by my side, surrounded by my family’s love and chaos.
“You’re awfully smiley there, baby brother,” Brody remarks as we carry the plates into the kitchen. “Good brunch?”
I glance over my shoulder to where Lindsay is laughing with Melody and Jasmyn as they put away the leftovers, looking completely at home. A surge of possessiveness and certainty washes over me.
“The best,” I reply, unable to contain my grin. “She’s the one.”
Brody claps me on the shoulder, his own smile wide and knowing. “No shit. I’m surprised you haven’t already put a ring on it.”
My mind flashes to the small velvet box tucked in my sock drawer upstairs, the one that’s been sitting there since the day me and Lindsay got back from Antler Creek.
I clap Brody on the shoulder and give him a knowing grin. “All in good time, brother. All in good time.”