Page 125 of Beating Heart
“Yeah, Collin was not a manly guy, no doubt about it,” Clark said. “Remember when Mom grounded me because I took the dude out on the ice to show him some moves, and he barely lasted twenty minutes with me and the guys?”
“Didn’t you break his nose?” my father asked, holding up his tumbler as if he wanted to cheer him in celebration.
More laughter.
I rolled my eyes. “You did break his nose. He had to have it reset.”
“So it was a win, then.” He smirked. “Easton says your new boyfriend is more like us. It’s about time you date a real man.”
“Well, in her defense, she only dated the one, and he was a bit of shmuck, but she had nothing to compare him to. Luckily, she’s going a different way this time,” Rafe said, as if this conversation wasn’t insulting at all.
“How about you guys stay out of my business for once?” I sniped, as I placed some salad on my plate.
Loud laughter filled the room.
“That’s wishful thinking, my love,” Aunt Isabelle said.
“They’ve always been particularly invested in your business, haven’t they?” my mother said with a chuckle.
“I’m here!” Easton shouted from the other side of the house. “And I brought a surprise with me.”
“I hope it’s a sexy, single woman,” Clark said, and my mom swatted him in the chest.
“I hope it’s some peace and quiet,” Bridger grumped, as he forked a piece of chicken and popped it into his mouth.
“Hi, Sunny.” Cutler came into the room, his gaze searching the table for me. I was on my feet, and he ran to me before jumping into my arms.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, as I wrapped my arms around him.
“We took the ‘copter here to find you,” he said.
“Yeah, the big grump was quick to offer it up,” Easton said over a laugh, referring to Bridger.
Easton walked into the room with Nash beside him, and all the air left my lungs.
“Hey,” Nash said, his gaze locking with mine. “Your brother was nice enough to offer us a ride.”
“Well, first I offered to kick his ass, and then he explained the situation, and the ride came next.” Bridger pushed to his feet and shook hands with Nash, before offering a hand to Cutler when I set him back on his feet.
“He didn’t do anything wrong, so I’m not sure why you were suggesting bodily harm.” My mother shook her head before walking over to Nash. “It’s really nice to meet you. I’m happy you made it in time for dinner.”
She hugged him before doing the same to Cutler, who kept his little hand in mine.
“Bridger likes to lead with anger first, then he softens,” Easton said with a laugh.
Everyone made introductions, but I was still standing there, stunned. “What are you guys doing here?”
“Your mom invited us for Sunday dinner.” Nash smirked. “And I needed to talk to you, and I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow.”
“This is so romantic,” Aunt Isabelle whisper-shouted, rubbing her hands together.
“Well, son, you’re going to learn quickly that this family has no secrets. So, you may as well get it all out there right now, and then we can eat,” my father said, raising a brow.
“You don’t need to talk here. We can go outside.” I reached for his hand as a wide grin spread across his face.
“Easton said this is kind of my christening into the family, so I’m going to say what I have to say right here.” Nash cleared his throat.
“Go Pops!” Cutler waggled his brows.
