“Sorry I’m late. Got held up at the garage.”
“No worries. You’re here now.”
The men started filing inside, bringing with them the smell of grilled meat and loud conversation. The kids got louder, excited by the energy. The house felt full and alive and overwhelming.
We gathered around the long dining table. It was beautiful chaos figuring out where everyone would sit. High chairs needed to be positioned for the little ones. Cade wanted to sit between Dex and Gage. Amelia needed to be next to Blake where she could reach her.
I ended up between Blake and Xander, which felt safe. Not too close to Dex, who was across the table and down a few seats, but close enough that I could see him in my peripheral vision.
Close enough that every time I glanced up, he was there.
He looked good. Tired, but good. Dark jeans and a simple button-down, rolled up at the sleeves. Hair slightly messy like he’d run his hands through it too many times. The same nervous habit I’d noticed at the bar.
Stop looking at him, I told myself firmly.
But it was impossible not to.
Dinner started with the usual family chaos. Passing dishes, everyone talking over each other, kids needing attention, laughter and teasing and the comfortable rhythm of people who loved each other.
I watched Dex with the kids. Cade asked him something about fixing a bike, and Dex answered patiently, his whole demeanor softening. When Barrett dropped his sippy cup and started to fuss, Dex was the one who retrieved it, making silly faces until the baby laughed.
He was good with them. Gentle and patient and clearly beloved.
It made my chest ache for reasons I didn’t want to examine.
“So Leigh,” Xander said beside me, pulling my attention back. “Blake mentioned you’re working on a photography series about Willowbrook?”
“Planning to, yeah. I want to capture small-town life. The everyday moments people take for granted.”
“That sounds great. You should talk to Booker about photographing the ranch. Second Chance could use updated photos for their website.”
Across the table, Booker nodded. “Happy to have you out anytime. Morning’s best. That’s when the horses are most active.”
“I’d love that,” I said, meaning it. So far I’d been focused on landscapes and people. Adding in some work with animals would be great for my portfolio.
The conversation flowed naturally after that. Questions about my work, stories about the town, easy inclusion in the family dynamic. I was starting to relax, starting to feel like maybe I could do this. Be part of this family. Navigate the weird tension with Dex.
Then Delaney’s phone buzzed on the table beside her plate.
She glanced at it, and her face fell.
“What’s wrong?” Trace asked immediately.
Delaney stared at her phone, then looked up with tears in her eyes. “The photographer. She’s canceling. For good. Family emergency. She’s moving out of state.”
The table went quiet.
“What?” Trace’s hand found hers. “When did this happen?”
“Just now. Her mother had a stroke. She’s moving back to help care for her.” Delaney’s voice was thick with unshed tears. “The wedding’s in eight weeks. Everyone good will be booked. What are we going to do?”
“We’ll figure it out,” Trace said, but he looked worried too.
“Maybe someone knows someone?” Blake offered.
“I can ask around,” Billie said.
“There’s that photographer in the next town,” Gage suggested. “What was her name?”
