We share a smile which feels like a password into a club we’re both members of. Because we both love Connors family men.
We know how their whiskey-colored eyes will steal your heart and soul with a single look. And how they’ll never let go.
Before anything else can be said, Rian skids into the room in a way that makes me tense and almost lunge toward her before she falls. But she’s fine. Of course she is. It’s only my heart racing.
This is fine.
“Come on, Brielle,” she calls out brightly, “Mimi just put the mac and cheese on the table.”
I walk toward her quickly while ignoring the grunt of protest coming from Everton. She grins up at me when I wrap my arm around her shoulders and head toward the dining room.
“You’re speaking my language,” I tease her gently.
“It’s nice to see you happy, man,” I hear Forest tell Everton behind me.
I don’t have to look to know he’s looking at me. I can feel his eyes. He’s watching me with his daughter and the weight of it doesn’t stifling.
He’s trusted me with his daughter, with a place in her life. I’m going to make the most of it and not just because she’s his, but because she’s special.
I’m not going to ignore how lucky I am to be in her life. Or how willingly she’s opened her heart to me.
She gives me a side hug and squeezes. I tilt my head toward hers and we touch. Just for a moment. Just enough.
When we step into the dining room, Ford is already there and pulling out Arden’s chair. The moment she sees me with Rian,her eyes mist with unshed tears. “I think this is the best family dinner I’ve hosted in a while.”
I shoot her a soft smile filled with understanding. We share a look just like the one I shared with Autry moments ago.
The women who love Connors family men.
It’s a special club. And I’m part of it.
I know what this means, I know the future I’m stepping into. It’s one I desperately want. This time I won’t walk away. No matter what.
CHAPTER 11
COWBOY
I’m standing in the clubhouse lounge while leaning against the bar. My focus is not on my brothers partying around me. It’s entirely on the entryway. Because I’m expecting Brielle to show up at any moment.
I can’t wait to see her, even though it’s only been a matter of hours since the last time I saw her.
And I spent all weekend with her.
Fuck, it was perfect.
I knew she was nervous to go back to Seneca Falls. It’s not like I could soothe her worries. She just had to see how it went to trust it; my words weren’t ever going to be enough.
Since her family moved away from Seneca Falls only a few years after she went to New York, she didn’t have a reason to head back to our hometown for a long time. And she hadn’t. I would have heard about it if she did.
I probably would have ignored every speed limit just to get a glimpse of her. But I wasn’t given the chance.
My chest expands with a deep breath because now she’s back in my life. Exactly where she belongs.
“Is everything set for Rian’s party?” I look over at Ace who is leaning against the bar next to me.
I narrow my eyes because I didn’t even hear him walk up. How long has he been standing there? The smirk on his face tells me he knows I wasn’t paying attention and he finds it amusing.
While my eyes slide closed, I remind myself that I shouldn’t want to punch my brother. It’s still tempting as fuck though.