I want to shout it from the damn rooftops—Molly isn’t just some fling to me. She’s mine. My girlfriend, my future wife, my everything. We haven’t slapped a label on it yet, but that doesn’t matter because I know what she means to me. Still, I’m not about to betray her trust or jeopardize her friendship with Regan.
I know Regan only wants what’s best for me—she said as much when we talked right after I got home. But that doesn’t mean she’ll be thrilled to know Molly and I have always had... something. Even back when we were kids, there was a spark I’ve realized.
“It’s not just some hookup,” I say, keeping my voice steady.
Cash smirks, leaning back against the counter, his beer dangling loosely from his fingers. “Mhm... is it that hot therapist you told us about?”
“Liv Brown?” I snort, shaking my head. “She’s not hot. And she’s probably the same age as Max. What the hell would she want with an old man like you?”
Cash throws his hands up in mock surrender. “Hey, I don’t do twenty-year-olds anymore. Learned my lesson there.”
“Sure you did,” I mutter, smirking. “Besides, Liv’s got her head on straight. She’s smart, driven—she’ll make a great therapist once she’s done with school. Meanwhile, you’re a thirty-four-year-old man still living with his dad.”
Cash barks out a laugh and, with zero hesitation, lobs a bone from the meat at me. I catch it mid-air, grinning as I toss it into the trash.
My words are teasing, though, because out of all my brothers, Cash is the most loyal to our family and I know why he sticks around at the main house, still sleeping in his childhoodbedroom. He stays here not because he has to and couldn’t build his own place or move out, but because he wants to. He keeps an eye on Dad, makes sure Regan’s got backup, and does it all without making a big deal of it. Truth is, Cash could’ve built his own place a dozen times over if he wanted to. Hell, he’s probably sitting on a few million from working his ass off over the years and not spending a dime of it. But he chooses to stay because of family andloyalty.
That’s the thing about Cash. Beneath all his play heartedness and sarcasm, he’s solid, loyal to the core and a perpetually happy guy. I swear he’s never had a bad day in his life which at times used to be painful for me to grasp considering I’ve had loads of bad days. And even though he’s giving me grief right now, I know he’d have my back in a heartbeat if I told him that it was Molly—no questions asked just like he did when I was sent away. Out of all my siblings, he was the one who visited me the most in prison.
“Where’s Lawson?” I ask.
“California. Trying to promote our new beer to a big retailer out there.”
“Damn. I haven’t seen him in a while.”
Cash nods. “Yeah, he’s gone more often than home these days, but he’ll be back for all of October and November for the start of Beckham’s new school year and the State Fair.”
Whitewood Creek’s claim to fame is hosting the North Carolina State Fair every October at the sprawling fairgrounds just south of the egg farm. The entire town goes all out for it. A massive parade kicks off the festivities, drawing visitors from all over. Businesses build floats, townsfolk don costumes, and the streets come alive with music and laughter. The parade winds throughthe city center and stretches out into the countryside, a loud and colorful spectacle that’s as much tradition as it is celebration.
The Whitewood Creek Egg Farm always has a float—usually designed by Regan—and this year is no different. Only now, we’ll also be promoting our family’s newest venture: the distillery, our new bar in Charlotte, and its lineup of craft beers and IPAs.
After assisting Cash with the meal prep clean-up, I head to the dining room to help Regan set the table. While I lay out plates, she fixes drinks, humming under her breath. A few minutes later, Dad makes his way downstairs slowly, followed closely by my oldest brother Troy and my new soon-to-be sister-in-law, Georgia Cameron. They’re in town visiting from Raleigh, and Georgia’s practically glowing with her pregnancy that’s due any day now.
Molly arrives last, and if she’s worried about anyone finding her presence unusual, it’s clear she didn’t need to be. Regan wraps her in a warm hug, Cash gives her a squeeze that lingers just a little too long while he smirks over her head at me like he knows I was always talking about Molly earlier, and Dad holds her like she’s another daughter.
“So, is the wedding still set for summer?” Regan asks, her excitement bubbling over as she glances at Georgia.
Georgia beams, her hand brushing over her growing belly. “I think it’ll be late fall now. We figured we’d have this baby, survive all the summer craziness first, then tie the knot right here on the farmstead when the leaves are changing and everyone’s in town for the state fair.”
Regan claps her hands, her joy infectious. “How amazing! And the pregnancy? Everything going well?”
Georgia looks up at Troy, her smile soft and full of love. “Everything’s perfect. We can’t wait to meet this little one.”
The conversation shifts to State Fair prep and the brewery’s grand opening until Dad, with his usual knack for impeccable timing, turns to Molly just as she’s taking a sip of her wine.
“So, Molly, how’s it been being Colt’s parole officer? Hope he hasn’t given you too much trouble.”
Molly chokes mid-sip, her face flushing, and I’m quick to rub her back, trying to hide my grin. She glances at me, her eyes wide with a mix of panic and sheer terror at where this conversation is headed, and I can’t help but think how much I love moments like this—her here, with my family, as if she’s always belonged.??
Cash’s brows jump as he watches the exchange while Troy’s low chuckle fills the dining room. “Oh, this will be good.”
“It’s been…” she’s gasping for air now, clearing her throat aggressively as she tries to right herself. She’s never been great at hiding her feelings and right now, they’re written all over her pretty face. “It’s been fine. He’s been... a gentleman and... he’s abided by all the rules that were laid out for his parole.”
My hand moves underneath the table squeezing her bare thigh tightly.
The perfect gentleman?
I’ll show her the perfect gentleman…
