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Asher sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Look, Jenna, we just want what's best for you. We don't want to see you get caught up in something that might end badly."
"I appreciate that," I reply softly. "But sometimes, you have to take risks in life. And right now, Josh is a risk worth taking."
Finn leans back against the porch post again, his expression thoughtful. "Okay," he says finally. "We'll trust your judgment on this one. But promise us you'll be careful."
Zach nods in agreement, his gaze more sympathetic now. "We're not saying you shouldn't be with Josh. We just want you to be prepared for what might come."
I take a deep breath, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. My brothers may not fully understand my connection with Josh, but their support means everything to me. "Thank you," I say sincerely.
Josh's grip tightens around my hand, his eyes filled with gratitude. "I appreciate you giving us a chance, guys," he says, gratefully. "I know it might not be easy, but I truly care about Jenna. And I want nothing more than to make her happy. Can I ask that you say nothing to your parents? I feel like I need to tell them about this myself in person."
My brothers look around at each other, but finally, they all nod, glancing back at Josh.
"So long as you don't tell them we knew. They won't be too happy if they find out we knew and didn't tell them," Asher says.
"Deal," Josh says.
Asher nods, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alright then," he says. "We'll trust you, Josh. Just as long as you treat our sister right." The tension in the air begins to dissolve, replaced by a sense of cautious acceptance.
Josh stands and shakes hands with each of my brothers, and then they turn to me and each gives me a hug.
Finn claps Josh on the shoulder. "It's going to take some getting used to, but if Jenna is happy, then we're happy too."
Zach gives me a tight squeeze. "Just remember, sis, we've got your back no matter what."
"You guys will stay for dinner, right? I've got some good steaks calling your name," Josh says.
"Your beef, I presume?" Finn asks.
"Don't serve anyone else’s on the ranch," Josh smirks.
"Then there is no way we will say no," Zach says.
"Besides, I'm pretty sure we all have some questions," Asher says as we follow Josh into the house.
This will either be a great dinner or an extremely awkward one.
Chapter 15
Josh
Aswearegettingdinner going, Jenna's brothers are constantly watching over us and our every move. Jenna and I work well together in the kitchen, and I try to ignore their attention and concentrate on her. Focusing on her calms me and soothes the need to make sure she is okay.
Little things like helping her get the salad bowl from the top shelf or handing her a stirring spoon. But their watchful eyes never leave us. I can practically feel the tension in the air as we prepare the meal. It's clear that Jenna's brothers are still skeptical of our relationship, and I can't blame them. After all, I am the older guy who swept their little sister off her feet.
Asher talks about things going on at the ranch where he is working, Finn about his next string of rodeos he's signed up for, and Zach talks about all the odd jobs he takes on. The conversation flows even if everyone is on edge.
Our hands brush briefly, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. Jenna's eyes meet mine, and I can see the same desire reflected in them. It's as if the tension between us has amplified, fueled by her brothers' presence.
"I think we should eat outside," Jenna says. "As the sun sets, it cools off, and I really like watching the colors fill the sky out here."
"That works. What can we do to help?" Asher says.
"Go get the table cleaned off and chairs too, please." Jenna hands him a wet towel to wipe everything down and he heads out.
Jenna gathers plates and silverware, and then turns to Finn.
"Finn, take these out and set the table, please?" she asks, and I don't miss the look he gives Zach.
