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What would it have been like to grow up with a brother or sister? To have siblings who just got her when her parents or grandparents didn’t?
“They are lucky to have you, Joe.”
He looked down at her, still smiling. “You’re part of us now, Autumn, Don’t forget that, okay? Being here in Ryker Falls and becoming our friend means if you ever need us, you just have to call. Got it?”
Her throat felt tight suddenly. She wanted to cry. No one had ever spoken to her like that.
“B-but you can’t. I mean, we don’t know each other.”
“Is there a reason you’re making Autumn cry?”
She hadn’t seen him approach, possibly because Joe’s words had thrown her off-balance. But suddenly there he was, Ford Winter, the man who had turned her inside out. His forest-green SSR shirt brought out his eyes, and her stomach did that thing it did when he was close.
“Hey, man.” Joe held out his hand, and Ford took it with no hesitation. They did the chest bounce. “I was just explaining to Autumn that we all have her back now that she’s one of us. That you and me, we’re protectors, more so than our younger siblings. It’s in our DNA for better or worse to watch over those we care about.”
Ford’s eyes were locked on Autumn now. He nodded. “It is our way,” he said softly.
“But sometimes you have to let others in or you turn into a grumpy, broody Ford. Right?” Joe said.
Autumn hauled in a breath when Ford transferred his gaze to Joe.
“Something like that.”
“It festers, Ford. You remember that, and like I said to Autumn we’re here for you anytime, bud.” Joe leaned down and kissed her cheek, gripped Ford’s shoulder, and walked away.
“What was that about?” Ford asked, his gaze returning to hers.
“I have no idea. He just started talking about you being a good guy—”
“Which is true.”
“And how you’re like him, the oldest brother, and how I’m part of this town now and a friend.”
“Nice.” Ford smiled at her. “You okay?”
“I think so, but it was an odd conversation. I mean, really nice but still odd. It’s like he was trying to tell me something.”
“I meant are you okay after last night? Sorry I had to leave, but I needed to get stuff done before this, and I’m still not sure why I’m here.” He ran his eyes down her body. “Although maybe I do know.”
“Stop it,” she hissed.
“What?” He gave her that panty-melting smile. “Do you know you snuffle when you sleep?”
“I do not.”
“So do. It’s real cute.”
“Mom!”
“Hey, buddy.” She bent over to catch Ritchie as he ran at her. “You remember Ford?”
Her son smiled, flashing his teeth. “I remember. I helped him carry wood and then rode horses at his ranch.”
“Hey, Ritchie.” Ford held out a hand and he slapped it. “Nice to see you again. Someone told me you had a sleepover last night. How’d that go?”
“It was so cool. We watched movies and ate ch— popcorn.” He shot Autumn a look.
“I don’t mind you eating chocolate now and then, Ritchie. Just not all the time, okay?”
