The Benson patriarch ambles to where the cat is still trying to win Byron’s affection. “Isn’t he precious? Just a bundle of joy.”
The grump grunts. “Mhmm, probably has fleas.”
“There’s a pill for that.” As if I’m an expert in pet health.
Dennis glances at me, a twinkle gleaming in his kind gaze. “Ah, my fellow menace.”
“That’s… me?”
“We’ll get along just fine. I’ve been known to cause plenty of trouble and mischief myself.” Gruff laughter shakes his arthritic joints. “Why haven’t we talked since the wedding?”
My mouth flaps open and closed, unsure how to navigate this scrutiny. “Been busy?”
“Yes, I’ve heard.” His focus travels a path to Ronnie and Byron before returning to me. “Figured we were due for another chat.”
“Um, okay?” Why I’m speaking in questions is beyond my scope. This entire situation is making me itchy.
He leans close and drops his voice. “That biker gang won’t be bothering you anymore.”
“Did you scare ‘em off?” Try as I might to avoid them, snark and sarcasm pump through my veins.
Dennis pats my hand in that grandfatherly way I’ve only heard about. “We take care of our own.”
Shock stuns me silent for a moment. My blind faith in this man is equal parts baffling and warranted. He’s not the type to blow smoke. There’s no doubt.
“You…” I begin on a stammer. “You consider me one of yours?”
His keen awareness strips away my defensive layers until the urge to cry tickles my throat. “Don’t you, Frankie?”
My gulp is thick. “I’m not sure what to say.”
He squeezes my shoulder gently. “Just keep doing what you’re doing.”
And that’s the end of that.
Dennis straightens, wiping any trace of malicious actions from his expression. A charming grin is there to soothe my stunned astonishment.
It spreads an unfamiliar calm over me. “Are you sticking around for a bit?”
Dennis shrugs. “Depends what you’re planning.”
“I’ll make supper.” My legs are already in motion when I realize how natural that sounded. Damn, look how far I’ve come. It’s almost scary.
Ronnie is hot on my heels. “Can I help?”
“Of course, kiddo. Couldn’t do it without you.” And that’s the truth.
As I glance over my shoulder, acceptance reflects back at me from Byron’s gaze. It’s intimate, but I don’t recoil. Maybe that’s because I’m fighting to keep a straight face while he tries to sneak a peek at my ass.
There’s something different in the air, and then it hits me. A deep-rooted sense of belonging rushes under my skin as if I’m wrapped in a comforting embrace. Thanks to this family, I know what that feels like.
“Such a softie.” Frankie’s voice teases me before she comes into view at the living room entrance.
I couldn’t care less what she calls me when her tits are swaying in my direction. But then sharp claws dig into my leg, reminding me of the trouble I’m in. “Damn thing won’t leave me alone.”
She leans against the arched doorway while eyeing the kitten on my lap. “He’s making biscuits.”
“The fuck?”