Page 66 of Finding Forever

Dave shook it. “It’s good to have you back.”

Ryan looked around once more, and something in his expression changed.

Dave understood that look. Ryan had enjoyed Australia. Beth had told him enough about her brother’s trip for Dave to know that. But he’d missed this. The noise. The activity. The constant stream of decisions and problems that came with turning a set of drawings into something real.

Dave nodded toward the lodge. “Want to see what we’ve done?”

“Definitely.” As they started walking, Ryan took a drink from his travel mug. “Australia was quieter than this.”

“I thought you liked your vacation,” Dave said.

“I did. Blue skies, hot weather, no one asking me where the electrician was at six-thirty in the morning. It was great.”

“But?”

Ryan grinned. “I was going out of my mind by the end.”

Dave laughed. “Beth said you missed having a routine.”

Ryan stopped walking.

Dave took another two steps before realizing his mistake. He turned around. For a few moments, neither of them spoke.

Ryan was the first to say something. “Beth told me you took her to dinner. What are your intentions toward my sister?”

Dave stared at him.

Ryan managed to keep a straight face.

Just.

Dave frowned. “How long have you been waiting to ask me that?”

Ryan shrugged. “Since Beth told me you went on a date with her.”

Dave’s frown deepened. “It’s the twenty-first century. I don’t need intentions to ask a woman on a date.”

Ryan’s mouth twitched. “You do if she’s my sister. Answer the question.”

Dave sighed. “Will you challenge me to a duel next?”

“I haven’t ruled it out.”

Despite himself, Dave laughed.

Then Ryan’s expression became more serious. “I’m kidding about the wording,” he said. “I’m not kidding about Beth.”

Dave’s amusement disappeared. “I know.”

Ryan slipped one hand into his jacket pocket. “So, I’ll ask it another way. Are you serious about her?”

“Yes.”

The answer came so easily that it surprised both of them.

Ryan studied his face.

Dave held his gaze.