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Our dynasty.

Delilah.

That’s all I need.

I let myself break, but in the process, I forgot to put myself back together again. And that’s what Delilah’s done this summer. She’s made me whole. Brought me back into the family fold without even realizing it.

“I need to put little girls to bed.” Wyoma huffs, breaking the heaviness of the moment, and rises with a sleeping Evangeline in her arms.

“I hope that includes me.” Hassie stands and stretches. Delilah hops off my lap and links arms with her. River and Wells follow them at a distance as Delilah walks her to her Bronco. Warren and Vaughn clean up the bottles. Which leaves me and Ezra.

I look at my brother, who stands to gather Evangeline’s teddy bear and tiara. I shove up, scrubbing a hand over my mouth. Summoning courage. Honesty.

“I’m sorry, Ez.”

He blinks. “For what?”

“For leaving all those years ago. For staying away as long as I have.” Out of all my brothers, he needs this the most. “I know you were pissed at me.”

“I’m not pissed because you stayed away, Cole.” Ezra’s brow creases. “You protected us from the road. You sent money back. You called every birthday. You came when Evvie was born. You did everything you could.”

I stare down at my hands, the W carved into my palm. The pact. That night. Our lives changed forever.

There’s a long pause, then Ezra says, “I’m pissed because I missed you.”

I lift my head.

“I had already lost one brother, and it felt like I had lost another.” Ezra sticks his hands in his pockets. “But I know you probably needed to do whatever you did on the road.” With a snort, his thick mustache lifts. “Even if riding bulls is a stupid fucking hobby.”

I chuckle, then sober, looking my brother in the eye. I need him to hear how much I mean it. “I should have come home a long time ago.”

“Well, you’re here now.”

We stand there, the only noise between us the crackle of the fire.

Ezra takes a quiet breath and goes on. “You’re a good uncle, Cole. I’m glad you’re sticking around so Evvie will have a chance to know you.” He shakes his head. “What you’re doing for her…the barrels and all that…I never told you thanks.”

“Not needed,” I gruff around the knot of emotion in my throat.

He gives me a curt nod, his eyes shiny in the firelight. “You’re a good brother too. In case you needed to hear it.”

Clapping my hand on his shoulder, I give it a squeeze. No more apologies. Only promises. It’s what I owe my brothers. “I’m here now. I’m not leaving again.”

“I know that.” He grins.

Silence for a long few minutes as the night buzzes around us. All the bullshit between us doesn’t matter now. It’s over. Done.

“Think of a name for the whiskey yet, Cole?” Ezra’s deep voice breaks the silence.

My gaze drifts to Delilah, standing near Hassie’s Bronco, watching me watch her, a soft smile on her face.

“Yeah. I have.”

* * *

When we get back to the ranch house, I take Delilah’s hand and lead her into the living room, where I put on a record, not ready for this night to end. I take her in my arms, and we sway to the music.

“That was fun,” she muses as she rests her head on my chest. “I never had nights like this. With family.”