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Later, at Cooters & Shooters…
“It’s a flower!”Dylan cries.
“It’s so beautiful,” Allie coos.
“Who knew Mr. Grumpy could be so romantic?” Craig lifts his chin, winking at me.
“I knew.” Rachel’s confident reply warms my chest.
The three women and Craig are huddled around the large silver worktable in the kitchen looking at the ring as Rachel replays everything that happened when I proposed, from what I said to where we were to the position of the sun.
“Good work, bro.” Jack grips my shoulder.
“I knew you had it in you,” Logan teases.
“I didn’t know they were going to dissect everything that happened.” Rubbing the back of my neck, I look down. “I’d have planned something more interesting.”
“They don’t mind.” Thomas sits back on his stool, crossing his arms and grinning.
We’re all standing back out of the way, holding longnecks and watching them.
“Why aren’t you over there?” I glance at Liv, who’s standing back with us.
Her strawberry blonde hair is tied up in a ponytail, and she’s in jeans and a thin red sweater. She’s unusually casual and reserved.
“They don’t need me.” Her voice is quiet, almost guilty.
It makes me wonder what’s really going on with her, and why she’s here.
She straightens at once when the door opens, and her face flushes like she’s seen a ghost. The loud voice tells me immediately who just joined the party.
“What’s all this? Did they find a new pepper in the bog?” Garrett booms, entering the room, and Dylan squeals.
“Garrett!” She runs to him, jumping into his arms for a hug. “I’ve missed you so much! Did you just get here?”
“Just rolled into town.” He lifts her off her feet.
“Don’t tell me you drove the whole way again,” Logan groans, going to his best friend and grabbing his hand.
“I’ve gotta have my truck.” Garrett pulls him into a rough hug.
“You’re going to have a new sister.” Dylan holds his hand, dragging him over to where Rachel stands. “Garrett Bradford, meet Rachel Wells, Zane’s new fiancée.”
Rachel’s cheeks are pink, and she looks up at him shyly. “I’m so happy to meet you finally. I’ve heard so much?—”
“Welcome to the family, sis!” He reaches down, engulfing her in a bear hug. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Where is that brother of mine?”
I walk over to where my oversized younger brother has broken up the group, reaching out to grab his hand.
He pulls me to him, whispering loudly in my ear. “Nice work, old man. She’s a fox.”
“Old man,” I exhale a chuckle. “I’ve got something for you.”
Turning, I’m all ready to present him with Liv, when I see she’s gone. My eyes scan from where Thomas is grilling burgers down the hall leading to the back exit, and I see the screen door is cracked. My brow lowers as I realize she ducked out without a word.
“What’s that?” Garrett follows my gaze curiously.
