17
CAMMIE
When we pulledup in front of Zeb’s parents’ house, my eyes widened and I had to laugh as I looked through the windshield. I noted the big house, how pretty the ranch was and all that, but my gaze was snagged on one thing in particular. Oneperson.“Um, my brother is here and holding a rifle.”
Standing on the front porch were an older couple I assumed were Zeb’s parents, plus guys I assumed were some of his brothers. The only one I knew of was Trig, who’d competed in bull riding along with Beau in the past. We’d never been introduced, but I’d seen him compete when Mom and I were able to get to a rodeowhere Beau competed. Beau and Lainey pretty much eloped at the courthouse, not telling anyone for two days and settling into her house on the family ranch.
I’d only met Lainey once the week she and Beau met. Some loser cowboy had tried to get me to go with him unwillingly. Lainey’d stepped in and rescued me. I hadn’t known who she was at the time and never imagined she’d end up being my sister-in-law.
On the porch with the others, Lainey had her arm wrapped around Beau and was smiling. Beau, my much older and protective brother, was not. He was holding a large weapon and eyeing not me, but Zeb.
Zeb chuckled. “Guess we’re having a shotgun wedding.”
My head whipped to him. “That isnotfunny.”
His smile slipped. Even though his entire family–and my older brother–were waiting for us, he ignored them and looked to me. “I’m marrying you, sweetheart, but I sure as hell am not doing it because your brother’s threatening me. I’ll be doing it someday soon because that’s what we want.”
“Married?” I repeated.
He grinned. “You popped my cherry. Gotta make an honest man out of me.”
I rolled my eyes as he hopped out of the car. I followed and met him by the bumper to take his hand.
“Oh, what a treat to have you both here,” Mrs. Wilder exclaimed, coming down the steps and greeting us. She hugged Zeb and he leaned down for a kiss. “And together,” she added, turning to me. “Welcome, Cammie.”
I smiled. “Thanks.” I looked over her head to Beau.
He was making his way over, rifle still in his hands, his gaze fixed squarely and murderously on Zeb.
I weaved around Mrs. Wilder to Beau. Smacked him on the chest. He pulled me in for a one armed hug.
“Put that thing away,” I snapped.
“You two together?” he asked, his gaze quickly flicking to me but pretty much laser focused on Zeb.
“Yes,” I replied as I looked over my shoulder at Zeb. God, he was so handsome and he wanted me. Me! My pussy was sore from the night before. I wouldn’t be able to forget what we did for a few days.
“Beau, lay off. Look how cute they are!” Lainey exclaimed. She and I looked similar. Same height, blonde hair.
“Cute? You call what they’re doing cute?” he repeated.
Zeb set his hands on his mother’s shoulders and gently moved her to the side. He approached Beau,who, while a dozen years older, was smaller both in height and weight, but no less formidable.
He stepped close and spoke to Beau low enough that I couldn’t hear.
I watched my brother. His gaze shifted from anger to murderous to… I had no idea what.
Zeb stepped back and held his ground.
“You hurt her, I bury you,” Beau promised.
I rolled my eyes. I loved my brother. Loved that he’d always watched out for me, but this was ridiculous. “Enough,” I said, wrapping my arms around Zeb. “I’m with Zeb and if you don’t like it, that’s your problem. We can just go.”
I started to turn back toward Zeb’s older pickup truck and Zeb went with me.
All hell broke loose. No one wanted us to leave.
“We have an understanding,” Beau said. I turned back, eyed him and watched as he handed off the gun to Trig, who’d come down along with the rest of his family to circle us.
