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“Mm-hmm.” I give Davis a flat look. “Ford needs his uncle’s license revoked.”
Davis chuckles. “He needs the practice. I’ll hose her down when we get back to the ranch.”
The kitchen door swings open.
“Dad!” Duke rushes toward Davis, eyes alight.
Davis wraps his arm around Duke and brings him in for a hug. “Hey, kiddo. Keeping your mama busy?”
“We’re making peach pie.”
“Save me a slice.”
Duke beams. The way he’s holding onto Davis and looking at him with pure love and adoration makes my heart squeeze.
Their connection is undeniable. Since the day Duke was born, Davis has been there for every “first.” First step, first tear, first baseball game. The best role model, he’s taught our son about the things in life that matter. Being a good man. Integrity. Honor. Respect for women.
Now and then, I’ll think of Aiden. Some small memory. But it doesn’t get far. Not with Davis around. He’s Duke’s father.
In every way that matters.
“Down, down, down.” Lainie wriggles and kicks her legs impatiently.
With a huff, I set her on her feet. Duke takes her hand and the two of them run, giggling, for the pinball machine.
The best big brother. He’s an even bigger protector than Davis.
Davis shoots me a smoldering look and corners me behind the register. I shiver as a big hand cups the curve of my ass. The other lifts the edge of a lavender pastry box.
“Not yours,” I scold and palm his steel chest. “These are going to Ruby’s for her flower arranging class.”
“Playing favorites, Cupcake? Don’t make me take you back into the kitchen.” I shudder at the husk in his voice. Goosebumps break across my skin as he tugs me tighter into his arms.
I scoff. “You wouldn’t dare,” I say right before his mouth crashes down on mine. Everything falls away. I loop my arms around his neck and drink him in.
The man of my dreams.
A dark shadow passing by the window catches my eye.
“We have company,” I murmur against his lips.
Davis growls at the jingle of the door chimes.
I twist in his arms to see Charlie standing in the doorway. On his shoulders, his two-year-old daughter, Meadow. Though Ruby and Charlie weren’t able to have children on their own, Ford’s wife offered to be Ruby’s surrogate. No gift could ever compare to what she gave them.
“Da-dee! Da-dee! Da-dee!” Meadow smashes her hands to Charlie’s dark beard, and he merely grins as he takes the abuse.
“Got the stash?” he asks.
“There,” I say, pointing at the box. “Twenty eclairs that your brother almost got ahold of.”
He gives me a grin, hefts the box in his hands. “You’re a lifesaver.”
I tug on Meadow’s chubby little foot, and she squeals in delight. She’s a strawberry blonde beauty like her mother. “Anything for Ruby.”
After ruffling Meadow’s hair, Davis points a finger at his brother. “Wyatt’s in town. We got poker tonight. Nine p.m. Bullshit box.”
Charlie rolls his eyes and bounces a squealing Meadow on his back. “Bossy bastard.” With a grin on his face, he ducks his broad-shouldered frame and disappears out the door.
