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I raised a brow and replied, “How hard can it be?”
Tanner laughed. “He’s a Shaw, all right.”
Ty Junior and Brock both chuckled. “We’ll let you spend some time with Grams and Grandad, then swing by around one and show you the ranch.”
I nodded. “That sounds nice, thank you.”
The way all three of them looked at me with a mixture of sadness and happiness was so strange. I just hoped they knew I wasn’t Beck, their brother. I was my own person, and I wasn’t here to replace my father.
As if reading my mind, Brock said, “We all know that no one could ever replace our brother, but having you here is…” His voice trailed off, and Ty Junior and Tanner both looked at him. He drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “It’s like having a piece of him again. Our brother would’ve wanted us to fold you into the family and take care of you.” He held up his hand and smiled. “I know you’re a grown man, Beck…but I hope you’ll let us spoil you a little these next couple of weeks. We’ll most likely chase you away, but I sure hope that it won’t be for forever.”
I felt a muscle in my jaw twitch and realized I’d clenched my mouth in an effort to keep my emotions in check. “From what I’ve seen so far, my father was a lucky man to have such an amazing family. I wish…well…I wish I could have known him.”
Ty Junior let out a shaky breath. “I wish you could have as well. He was an incredible man, soldier, and friend. He would have made one hell of a father.”
I smiled. “My mother used to say the same thing.”
“She was a smart woman, it sounds like,” Tanner stated. Then he frowned at his older brothers. “Why in the hell didn’t I know about Heather?”
Brock and Ty Junior both rolled their eyes. “You were a baby,” Ty said.
“I wasn’t a baby!”
Brock huffed. “You would’ve run and told Mom the first chance you got.”
Tanner looked offended to the third degree. “I would not!”
“Who was the one who told Mom that Beck broke the vase from playing football in the house?” Ty Junior asked.
“And who was the one who told Dad that Beck was in the barn making out with Melinda Jackson?” Brock asked.
Tanner looked away and mumbled, “I liked her, that was the only reason I said something.”
I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “I can’t wait to hear more of your stories.”
Brock grinned like a small boy. “Oh, hold onto your cowboy boots. We’ve got a lot.”
Chapter Ten
AVERY
My parents were talking to Bradly and Mackenzie in the kitchen while Bradly ate spoonfuls of the fruit dip that Beck hadn’t had a chance to taste yet.
“Grams is going to kick your ass when she sees you eating that.”
Bradly jumped, covered his heart with his hand, and said, “You scared me! I thought you were her.”
“She’s right behind me, so if you value your fingers, you better put that away.”
Mackenzie giggled.
“Stella talked Beck into staying here, and for some reason, she suggested I go with him back to his hotel to help him pack his things.” Knowing my father would quickly object, I looked at my brother. “Did you want to go with us?”
Bradly frowned. “Not really.”
“Bradly,” Mackenzie and Mom said at the same time.
“What? She asked if I wanted to go, and I don’t. I’d like to get home, snuggle up with Kenzie, and watch a movie.”
My father folded his arms over his chest and glared at my brother.
“Dad, nothing is going to happen. Is it, Avery?”
“No, but even if it did, I’m an adult.”
Bradly screwed up his face. “Oh, wrong response.”
“That’s enough,” Mom said. “Avery, is Beck going to drop you off before heading back to the ranch?”
I nodded. “That’s the plan. He’s still talking to the uncles.”
“How did it go, by the way?” Dad asked.
“Really well. I think Uncle Brock, Ty, and Tanner are still in a bit of shock.”
The rest of the gang started making their way into the kitchen. Lincoln hugged Merit, and they promptly started whispering about something. I was curious, but the moment I saw Beck walk in, deep in conversation with Tanner, I was instantly distracted. I tried not to react. My heart, on the other hand, started to pound in my chest. I casually looked past him to Grams. She seemed to be happy, but there was sadness in her eyes as well.
“Grams looks sad,” I softly said to my father.
He placed his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sure she’s feeling a deluge of emotions right now.”
Turning to him, I asked quietly, “Dad, you’re not really worried about Beck and me, are you?”
His brows drew down a bit, but he said, “No, I’m not. I think you’re a friend that he needs right now.”
