Page 96 of Derecho

“Yeah. Of course. It’s just dinner with your family. The first dinner with your family since we said our ‘I love you’s. Since we decided to be together. There’s no pressure there.”

He squeezed the fingers held gently in his grasp. “They’re all happy for us.”

“Isn’t it too fast? Won’t they think I’m taking advantage of you?”

“Well, seeing as how you haven’t been cleared by your doctor to take advantage of me yet, I don’t think they’ll be thinking about that.”

“Lachlan,” I groaned. I hadn’t told him yet that I was, in fact, cleared at my appointment earlier in the week. Not because I thought he’d demand anything from me, but because I didn’t want him to feel pressured to do something just because he’d said those big, beautiful words to me in the middle of my panic.

“It’s going to be great. We’ve got this. Together.”

He took an exaggerated breath, eyes encouraging me to do the same. So I did.

“Oh, look. The newest Ford lovebirds.” Hayes rolled his eyes as we walked into the house.

“Ignore him,” Lach instructed. “I do.”

“Very funny. How about I take the little guy off your hands for a bit?” My face must have given me away, because Hayes took two steps back with his hands up by his face. “Okay, mama bear. I see you. Just saying, I’m the best uncle around. Kids love me, babies love me…”

“If only you could get a woman to love you.” Beau chuckled as he walked into the living room. “Hey, Lach. Lainey.”

“You’re an asshole,” Hayes grumbled, but he smiled looking down at Reid.

“You can take him for a bit,” I said, surprising myself. “Just no⁠—”

“Kissing him. I know.” He chuckled. “Just cuddles from Uncle Hay Hay.”

I managed to get Reid passed over to Hayes just as Nate walked into the living room with drinks.

“Hey, Lach. Beer?” he offered, holding out a bottle to him.

“Yeah, man. Thanks. You good?”

“Better than good. I’ve actually been dying for the two of you to get here, because I have some news.”

Lach slipped his beer into his left hand as he held onto his cane, his right hand instantly wrapping around my waist, pulling me into his side.

“What is it?” I asked, swallowing down my nerves. He’d said he was better than good. It wasn’t going to be something bad…

“Your order of protection was seen by Judge Alonso today. She doesn’t play when it comes to situations like this, and adding in the evidence that Greg showed up here at the ranch and threatened you, he and his wife sought you out at your doctor’s appointment…”

“Spit it out, Nate.” Lachlan’s chest rumbled.

“Your order of protection against Greg has been granted. I haven’t heard back that he’s been officially served, but as soon as he is, it’s done. If he contacts you in any way that isn’t through his lawyer for the contested custody situation, you let me know. I’ll throw his ass in jail so fast…”

My hand slipped out of Lach’s and I wrapped my arms around Nate.

“Thank you. For believing me. For not giving up. I know it’s just a piece of paper. I know it can’t physically stop him if he decides to do something to me again, but I feel so relieved.”

“Good.” Nate chuckled as I finally let go of him. “Does that mean maybe I can sneak a cuddle with Reid? It’s been one of those weeks. Isla and I…” His words drifted off as he looked over at Reid.

“Oh, man. I’m sorry,” Lach said, stepping up beside me again. “That sucks.”

“What? What happened?” I asked.

“We split up.” Nate shrugged. “She’s always wanted to live in Denver and finally got the chance, and I didn’t want to hold her back. Long distance just isn’t my thing.”

“Well, you definitely need baby cuddles.” I turned to Hayes who was sitting on the sofa this whole time.