His expression shifts into something more thoughtful, measuring. “Hm…” He swirls the beer in his bottle. “I don’tneed the details. Just hope you know what you’re doing. Regan has dreams, you know. Dreams of having arealhusband and a family someday.”
I nod again, this time more slowly. “I understand.”
That seems to satisfy him. At least for now. His gaze drifts to the dance floor, where his wife Rae, the mayor of the small town, waves him over eagerly. “Alright, I better go dance with my woman. Catch you later, Hayes. Congrats again.”
“Yeah, see you.”
I take another sip of my beer, trying to shake the tension that’s curling in my gut. There’s no reason for me to feel this tense tonight. I’ve got the girl, a perfect evening and everything went smoothly. I plan on talking to her about where we go from here when I take her home later tonight, but still, something feels off. There’s something that’s crawling its way up my spine, telling me not to get too comfortable just yet.
Another hand lands firmly on my shoulder and my whole body tenses. I turn, only to find someone who looks a hell of a lot like Cash except slightly older. Familiar, too.
“Hayes Walker, right? Good to finally meet you. Sorry I wasn’t at the rehearsal last night.” He extends a hand. “Troy Marshall.”
I clasp it firmly, nodding. “The governor brother.”
He chuckles. “Yeah. I guess that’s me. I’m bummed I missed the first wedding though I heard it wasn’t as eventful as this one.”
“Colt and Molly were there. It was simple.”
He nods, studying me. “So how are you holding up? Regan seems happy.”
“I’m good.” I glance around. “The Mayberry Manor really came together, and your farm looks great. There are a few things Iwant to do with the barn and stables before the horses arrive, but we’ve been slowly chipping away at things. Regan’s taken the lead on most of the renovations”
“I need to get over there and see it soon.”
“Anytime.” I shift my beer between hands. “I met Georgia and your littlest one before the wedding. Congrats on the family and winning the re-election.”
His face softens. “Thanks.” A beat of silence. Then, “You want kids someday?”
The question punches me in the ribs. I swallow thickly. “I’m not sure.”
Troy tilts his head. “You’re around my age, right? Just wondering if it’s something you’ve thought about.”
I exhale, dragging a hand over my jaw. “If you’d asked me a few months ago—or hell, anytime in the last ten years—I’d have said no. Never wanted them, felt like I missed my window of opportunity but even if I hadn’t, I don’t think I would have been a good dad. But now…?” I shake my head as my gaze falls to Regan who’s smiling so pretty and dancing with her friends and family. A little girl with dark, auburn hair just like hers and bright blue eyes who calls me Dad? Damn, that doesn’t sound so bad. “I don’t know.”
He watches me, eyes sharp, assessing like he knows it’s his sister that’s changed that thought for me.
“I raised Regan, you know.” His voice is calm, but there’s weight behind it. “When our mom died giving birth to her and Colt, our dad spiraled. Lawson and Cash were still wild as hell, so I stepped in. Stayed up with the twins, got them ready for school, did her hair, all of it. I probably know more about her hopes and dreams than anyone, well, at least the ones she had before I leftfor New York.” His gaze hardens. “So, what happens if this thing between you two doesn’t last? If you guys end up divorcing when the dust settles? I just hope you give her a real shot at the things she’s always wanted and don’t block her blessings that I know are coming.”
A muscle jumps in my jaw. I get it. He’s not just her oldest brother; he’s been a stand-in dad. The one who kept her world steady when it could’ve crumbled. But I also don’t want to stop her from getting all the things that she desires. She deserves it all.
I swallow hard. “I like her a lot. She’s special.”
Same thing I told Cash. Same thing that suddenly feels like the weakest possible way to describe the way she’s in my head, mind and body now.
Troy hums, unconvinced. “Liking her ain’t enough.” He slaps my shoulder, a final warning. “I look forward to seeing the ways your love grows as you two live together these next few months.”
And just like that, he walks away, disappearing into the dancing crowd.
But my heart is still racing.
My head is still spinning.
I need to talk to her.Needto tell her what I’m feeling and be sure that I’ve made myself clear. All my fears and hopes feel like they’re right under the surface of my skin, waiting to be exposed if I can just get to her and explain. She’s understanding, fuck the most understanding woman that I’ve ever met. But first, I need a second to clear my thoughts.
I turn, booted feet carrying me through the grass, past the glowing venue and toward the main house where Regan grew up. The night is quiet out here and cooler. With each step awayfrom the music my pulse starts to slow to an even pace, and I feel like I can finally breathe again. But before I reach the porch of the home, a figure stumbles out of the shadows. And the second I see them, my blood runs cold. Because it’s a face I swore I never wanted to see again.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I growl, stalking toward the sorry excuse for a father I had to live with for years. He’s swaying in the breeze, suit undone at the front and looks a mess.
