“That’s okay, Pops. I’ve got it.”
“Nonsense. Don’t argue with me. I’m old. You don’t want me to die tomorrow and the last thing you did was fight with me, now, do you?” One bushy brow lifts with his smirk. The same one his grandson likes to give me.
“Does that usually work for you, old man?” I tease, giving in and handing him my bag.
“Most of the time.” His grin grows, and so does mine. “Come on. Waverly’s inside with Maggie, giving the boys hell. I’m sure she could use some backup. Even out the numbers a little bit. You know you remind me of her. You’re feisty.”
“Feisty or bitchy, Pops?” Jasper asks as he walks out of the garage. His scowl set in a firm line on a face that would be handsome if he wasn’t such a dick. I get being a protective sibling, but this particular one has it out for me in a way Rafe and Waverly don’t. In the few weeks I’ve lived here, this asshole hasn’t had a single nice thing to say. He’s basically taken every opportunity to avoid me whenever he can and to be cruel whenever avoidance isn’t an option.
“Knock it off, Jasper.” Pops chastises with a shake of his head as Jasper makes his way to the stables. “Ignore him. He’s all bark and no bite.”
He’s an asshole is what I want to say, but Pops is being sweet, and I don’t want to be rude, unlike some people. Motioning me forward, I follow the sweet old man who reminds me a little of my dad’s dad before we lost him.
“Where’s the wedding you’re all heading to?” he asks as he holds the door open for me.
“Just outside of Kroydon Hills at Cherry Creek Vineyards.” If I shower faster than I ever have and we don’t hit any traffic, we should be on time.Hopefully.
He looks down at my hand, or more specifically, my ring finger.
My very naked ring finger.
I haven’t worn my ring outside of the ranch yet.
Not yet.
Not until we’re ready.
“You gonna wear that pretty wedding ring tonight?”
When did everyone in my life become so observant?
“Probably not.” At least that’s not a lie. “We’re not telling my family until after tonight. We don’t want to take any of the attention away from the bride and groom.” Another half truth. I’m getting alarmingly good at that.
Pops nods, clearly not convinced, but he chooses not to push it either.
I offer up a quick thanks to whatever higher entity is watching out for me and my ridiculously late ass and follow him inside.
The kitchen is empty when he hands me my bag, concern etched in the deep lines of his weathered face. “He’s a good man, Livvy.”
My heart sinks, and my stomach churns.
Not him too.
I don’t want this man to feel the need to protect Logan.
Jasper can feel however he wants, but not Pops. He’s done nothing but go out of his way to be kind to me. And the love he feels for Logan and the Langleys is evident in every breath he takes. Pops is the heart of the house, and the idea that he thinks he needs to defend Logan... I’m not sure what that says about me.
“I know that,” I whisper, and I mean it. I do. Logan might be a giant jerk most of the time, but even I can see he’s a good man. A good father, brother, and even a good husband too.
“Give him a chance, darlin’. Not many people have given him many things in his life. You give him that, and my boy might just surprise you.” He winks, and I swear there’s a twinkle in his blue eyes that makes tears burn behind mine.
“I will,” I promise, and in a way, it’s my truth. I lift up on my toes and kiss his cheek, then shoulder my duffle. “Thanks for the help, Pops.”
“Anytime, darlin’.” He turns back for the door, and I hurry up the stairs and fling the door of our room open.
“Oh.” I drop my bag to the floor and spin away, not alone. “Oh my God. I’m sorry.”
But am I?
