“I think it’s cute,” I say genuinely. “It’s like one of those adorable romance book worthy meet-cutes.”
Before long, Boone and the guys come back out, and we have cake and ice cream, and then Suzy opens her presents. She was beyond spoiled by everyone, and she was beaming by the end of the party. It’s a little after seven in the evening by the time everyone leaves, and Jade stays to help me clean everything up while Boone gets Suzy into the bath and ready for bed. They’ve worked out a fifty-fifty parenting schedule with her, and tonight is Boone’s night.
“We’re going to light the fire outside and have a couple beers out there once Suzy’s down,” I tell Jade as we finish up. “Want to stay?”
“Thanks. I would, but I have plans with Ford.”
“Is that vet meet-cute’s name?”
She hits me with a look that has me chuckling. “Yes, that’s his name.”
“Invite him. Could be fun.”
“I don’t think so.” She laughs. “It’s a little soon for him to meet my ex-husband slash kid’s father and his boyfriend, also known as my brother.”
“Well, when you put it like that,” I mutter, scrunching up my face before we both bust up laughing. “No, I get it. I’d love to meet him sometime soon, though.”
“You will,” she promises, tossing the dish towel on the counter. “I’m going to go say bye to Suzy before I head out.”
Thirty minutes later, I’m changed into pajama pants, joining Boone out back where he’s got the fire going and a couple of cold ones set beside him. His face lights up when he sees me, and the sight makes my stomach bottom out. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to Boone looking at me like I hang the stars in his sky. It’s surreal, but I love it so damn much.
Before I have a chance to sit in the chair beside him, he hooks his arm around my waist, pulling me onto his lap. “I don’t think so,” he murmurs, burying his face in my neck. “I need you right here, G.”
I wrap an arm around his shoulders and bring my lips down to meet his. “Today was perfect,” I say.
“Yeah, it was. Thanks for all your help.”
Kissing him again, and then once more for good measure, I rest my forehead against his, breathing him in. “I can’t believe we’re here,” I admit softly.
“Where?” he asks. “In this house?”
I chuckle. “No, I mean us. Together. I never thought this would happen. You just don’t have crushes on your sister’s husband and have it work out in your favor.”
Boone pulls back slightly, a grin tugging on his full lips. “Hold up,” he mutters. “Are you telling me that Shooter’s annoying ass was right this whole time?”
Breathing out a laugh, I ask, “What do you mean?”
“You had a crush on me?”
“Um, obviously?” A grin splits my face as his eyes widen.
“When?”
“When what?”
“When did your crush start?”
I feel my cheeks heat, and I know they’re red. “Well, basically since I met you,” I admit. “But it was mostly just a physical attraction until I came to stay with you guys.”
Boone leans forward, smashing our lips together in a messy kiss. “That’s so fucking hot,” he breathes before sealing our mouths together again.
“It is?” I ask once we break apart.
“Yes. I don’t know why, but it is. And I was so clueless. I’m glad I finally caught up, though.”
His words make my chest tighten, and my smile grows even wider. “Me too.”
“I love you, G.”
