“We also wanted to check on you. Jude hasn’t exactly been sharin’ how things are goin’ with you two, how were we supposed to know you two were gettin’ along so well,” Ash adds.
Jude’s body goes rock solid behind me. “This is real. As real as it gets,” he grinds out.
Turning my head, I meet my husband’s gaze just as a jolt courses through me at the intensity I find blazing in his eyes.Thump. Thump. Thump.
Oh yeah, not only is my husband handsome, when he’s defending me–us–he’s damn right scorching. I can feel his frustration, his passion, and especially the strength of the conviction behind his words.
I lose myself looking at him, so much so that everything and everyone around us fades away.
Cradling his jaw, I wait for him to meet my gaze. “Feels real to me too, hubby,” I whisper.
Then he meets me halfway, eyes never leaving mine as our lips touch far too briefly for my liking. Even so, the contact makes me feel like I’ve been struck by lightning and turned inside out at the same time.
BJ snickers. “It’s so real, they’re gettin’downto it. I’m proud, sis. Get it.”
“Oh yeah,” Wy says. “There’s no fakin’that.”
Jude sighs, brushing his lips against mine one last time before he makes sure I’m steady and steps back like he didn’t just rock my world in front of my brothers without a care in the world.
“I didn’t mean it like that. I meant—” Ash starts.
“What Ash istryin’to say is we all know this didn’t start out as real,” Dare continues.
“Exactly!” Ash adds. “We were raised thinkin’ Wilsons and Coopers weren’t allowed to evenlikeeach other, let alone get married.”
“I’m OK, Ash. I promise. It’s all good.”
“Because you’re his One,” EJ states, backing it up with a curious look as he takes me in.
“Thereisthat,” I say with a dry laugh, “But Jude’s been visitin’ me every weekend and we’ve been datin’ and gettin’ to know each other better.”Then there’s the fact Jude Cooper is impossible not to fall head over heels for. I never stood a chance.
“We know you’re OK, Em. Also know you’ll alwayssayyou’re OK even if you’re not. That’s also why we’re here, we wanted to see you for ourselves.”
“Y’all make it impossible to stay mad. Do you know how frustratin’ that is?” I say with a grin.
Ash bats his lashes. “It’s because I’m cute, right?”
“It’s because you’re an idiot,” I tell him.
Dare steps forward and opens his arms in front of me, wrapping me up tight before touching his lips to my temple. “Missed you, Little Em,” he murmurs.
As soon as he steps away, the twins move in, the two of them squeezing me so tight it brings tears to my eyes.And not just because I struggle to breathe.
They pull back and stare at me, both of them scanning my face as if looking for any sign I’m not being honest. “Nah. She’sallgood.”
Still feeling a little sassy, I arch a brow Ash’s way. “I’m good, guys. I promise. Dad made sure I’d be OK.” I lean back, knowing my husband is right behind me.Always watching out for me.Looking back over my shoulder, I smile up at him. “He gave me the man I love.”
I freeze as soon as the words register, my eyes going wide as Jude’s fingers flex around my waist, his expression morphing from shock to complete, unquestionable certainty–followed by a flash of possessive heat that has my blood turning molten.
He spins me around so I’m facing him and suddenly it’s like we’re the only two in the room.Brothers? Wyatt? Who are they?
“You love me, wifey?” he murmurs softly.
My heart is racing so fast I swear I’m woozy, but with Jude’s safe arms wrapped tightly around me, I know he’ll never let me fall.
I flash back to the ranch when I said “I do.” I remember the unwavering confidence and certainty in Jude’s gaze. There was no doubt or worries. Just calm. Peace.Home.
Closing my eyes, Dad’s words from that same day come back to me.