My stepsister’s face warms. “Good. Tess had her best day at PT yet yesterday. Her therapist is recommending we circle back to Doctor Ward to discuss the next surgery.”
Hannah’s in the doorway now, leaning against the frame, watching me with a hopeful expression. My eyes meet hers for only a second but it’s enough to relieve the pressure against my ribs.
“We have an appointment next week,” Bri continues.
“That’s great.” My eyes dart to Hannah again, then back to my phone. “Give her a hug for me.”
Dubs’ eyes shrink, head tilted.Dammit.“Whatcha keep looking at there, Shaw?”
I push my tongue against my cheek but don’t say a word. The tiniest shake of my head is the only confirmation he needs before he smiles so big I think his face mightexplode.
“I’ll be damned, my boy isn’t there alone,” he exclaims, too smug and way too invested.
Bri perks up and pushes in closer to the camera. I snap an apologetic glance to Hannah who’s laughing again.
“Who is she? I swear to God, Rowan, if you pretend there’s not a woman on the other side of your phone I will be on the next plane to light your pants on fire myself.”
The woman in question crosses the kitchen, brows lifted in question, silently asking if I want her to show herself. Little does she know, I’d show her off every chance I get if she was mine. Right now it feels like she is.
I reach for her hand and tug her to my side before curling an arm around her waist.
She waves shyly, mumbling a soft “Hi.”
“Bri, Dubs, this is Hannah. Hannah this is my stepsister, Bridget Evans, and my best friend, Walker Willis.”
Bri offers a cordial greeting. When it’s Dubs’ turn, he tips his ball cap with a polite “Ma’am.”
Like everyone who meets him for the first time, Hannah’s confused. His brown skin paired with the Texas cowboy persona is a paradox of the oddest sort.
“Does your accent have an on-off switch or something?” Bri grimaces, barely sparing him a sideways look.
“Honey Bunch, I’m aBoricuaraised in Texas. A walking coat of many colors. Can’t help it if my southern charm comes out when I meet a beautiful woman.”
Dubs winks at Hannah. It’s innocent, butGod help me, I tighten my grip on Hannah anyway. He clocks it, folding a hand over his arrogant grin.
Hannah doesn’t miss a beat. “I’m assuming you guys served together.”
“75th Ranger Regiment,” Dubs responds.
The girl in my arms rolls her tongue over her teeth. She catches Bri’s eyes and something beautifully wicked flickers between them.
Bri retreats a step until only her head is visible over my friend’sshoulder, a real life Polly the Parrot. Her sage nod aimed at Hannah has me on the brink. I tuck my cheek against the back of her head.
“Say what you wanna say, Hannah Banana,” Dubs commands.
I could have walked to the lake house and back by the time she finally speaks. “So…Walker…from Texas…is a Ranger.”
My stepsister elbows her way back in front, shoves Dubs back. “Marry her.”
Hannah and Bri laugh softly but I’m looking at my friend. His eyes turn sharp, smug little smirk in place.
“Yeeeaaahhh, a wedding. That sounds…nice,” Dubs drawls. “Tell me, Hannah, do you?—”
“Dubs,” I warn.
He ignores me. Just smiles wider as Hannah cocks her head, welcoming whatever inquisition is coming.
“Any chance you own a wedding dress, Hannah?” he asks.