While they dressed, Tucker said, “In the bright sunlight, I could see that Tanner has the same sea-blue eyes and wheat-blond hair that you have. It’s easy to see that you’re fraternal twins.”
When they were ready, they climbed up to the top deck. Ellie heard her family long before she stepped onto the deck. Her brothers, all in swimming trunks, were arguing over a baseball game between the Diamondbacks and the Padres. Her mom and dad were at the wet bar, her mom on a stool, and her dad handing her a hard lemonade.
“Elsa.” Her mom set down the bottle, slid off the stool, and walked over to them. She smiled. “You must be Tucker.” She took his hand and gripped it in both hers with a smile. She was not a hugger. Ellie had always figured it was part of her German heritage.
Ellie smiled. “Tucker, this is my mom, Greta.”
“A pleasure, ma’am.” Tucker gave her a nod and smiled. “Thank you for inviting me.”
Greta smiled. “We are glad you came. Our little Elsa has talked about you quite often.”
“I’ve heard a lot about your family as well.” Tucker smiled then spoke in a light but serious tone. “I can see where Ellie gets her beauty. There is such a strong resemblance that you could be sisters.”
Greta laughed and cocked her head at him. “And I can see why she thinks you are such a hot catch.”
“Mom.” Ellie knew her face had reddened as Tucker chuckled. “I never said he was a ‘catch,’ just that he’s hot.” She looked up at him and smiled. “But you can catch me anytime.”
Tucker grinned. “You mean I haven’t already?”
Ellie gave an amused look, then hugged her father, who had come from behind the bar, and turned to Tucker. “This is my dad, Hoss.”
“Welcome, boy.” Hoss shook Tucker’s hand.
Tucker gave a nod and a smile. “Thank you, sir.”
“Call me Hoss.” Her dad rested his hand on Tucker’s shoulder. “Let’s see what the boys are up to.” He guided him past the hot tub, toward three of Ellie’s brothers, who sat on lounge chairs near the stern as they argued.
Tucker looked over his shoulder and mouthed, “Elsa?”
Ellie rolled her eyes and shrugged. She’d explain later.
She turned back to her mom as the boat’s engine came to life. It rumbled, and soon they were gliding out onto the lake.
“As you said, he’s a very handsome man.” Greta spoke a little too loudly for Ellie’s comfort. “You have done well.”
Ellie groaned. “Mom, he can probably hear you.”
“He knows already.” Greta shrugged. “I can see it in your eyes and his.”
“That obvious, huh?” Ellie glanced in Tucker’s direction and saw him in the middle of her brothers. “Now if those guys don’t chase him off.”
* * *
Tucker had taken a seat in one of the lounge chairs at the stern, and Ellie’s brothers thoroughly grilled him while her dad looked on with an amused expression. Tucker had three brothers of his own, and they were all protective of Maddee. These guys were just as protective of Ellie. They made a point of letting Tucker know they’d be watching him and that he’d better take care of their little sister.
And then there was Hoss. It had been clear as daylight that he’d taken Tucker over to the brothers to let them have a go at him.
Tanner took the Serenity out on Lake Havasu, and the craft cut through the water as Tucker talked with the male portion of Ellie’s family. It wasn’t long before they were all cracking jokes and making Tucker feel right at home with the guys. He had no doubt that if he screwed up with Ellie, they’d let him know about it.
He knew Tanner and Jace but had never met Braxton and Levi. During a conversation about the Diamondbacks’ chance to make the playoffs this year, Braxton asked who’d like a beer, and everyone chimed in that they’d take one.
“I’ll give you a hand.” Tucker got up from his lounge chair and fell into step with Braxton as they headed to the wet bar, where Ellie was chatting with her mom. Behind the bar was a cooler stocked with beers and sodas. They had a selection of beers from several craft breweries.
“It’s kind of a grab bag.” Braxton reached for five different beers, handing three to Tucker. “You get whatever you end up with.”
Tucker smiled at Ellie, who was sitting at the bar. She was so beautiful, wind teasing her wheat-blonde hair, her sea-blue eyes sparkling. He winked at her, and she gave him her radiant smile.
She had clearly inherited her looks from her mother, Greta, who was a gorgeous woman who could have been a model in her youth. He smiled at Greta and turned to head back to her brothers and dad. He wondered if Elsa was Ellie’s given name. Likely it was, and she’d shortened it. Ellie suited her.
