“Whatever happened with her dating that guy she met in college?”
“Don’t know. Tripp never did find out. I guess he doesn’t bring it up to her folks whenever he sees them, and they don’t either. They loved Tripp like a son, and I think they were caught just as off guard as Tripp was.”
“That’s a damn shame. They were good together.”
We walked up the porch steps hand-in-hand. “Did you know she’s moving back to town to be the new vet?”
“I heard. That can’t be easy for Tripp.”
“He’s acting like it’s not bothering him, but I know it is.”
Waylynn walked into the house with me following. She busted out laughing when she saw the tall skinny tree in the foyer. It was a flocked tree with white lights.
“Tree number one. Let’s see if my mom goes as crazy as yours.”
I rolled my eyes. “Let’s think for a second. Foyer, formal living, family room, my folks’ bedroom, and a small one in the guest bathroom. You mom will have to beat that.”
“Holy crap. Don’t tell my mother. She’ll want more.”
I motioned like I was sealing my lips and tossing the key.
“Waylynn! Sexy Jonathon! Come in and join the party!”
With a moan, Waylynn turned to me. “Looks like Aunt Vi’s got herself some booze!”
I laughed and smacked Waylynn on the ass when she turned around, causing her to let out a small scream. Vi motioned to us as she held up her glass and called out, “Awww! Here’s to love!”
As Waylynn walked up to her aunt, she replied, “Amen to that!”
The two women set off toward the family room where everyone was gathering while I paused for a moment.
Here’s to love.
Waylynn didn’t take pause at all to that comment. It was as if it had been the most natural thing in the world. For me, it had been. I knew I was falling in love with her. She said she was falling, as well. In my mind I thought it was way to soon…but my heart wasn’t going to hear any of that. I wanted to tell her out loud that I loved her. Soon.
“Is everything okay?”
I glanced up to see Waylynn. “Yeah. Sorry, I got lost in thought for a moment.”
She grinned. “Does it involve you naked and me on top?”
“It certainly does now.”
Following her through the house, we made it to the family room. A giant tree stood in the corner. It had to be at least ten feet tall. John stood on a giant ladder, stringing lights.
Chloe was sitting on the floor organizing decorations with Paxton and Amelia.
“Hey, how’s it going?”
I turned and smiled at Cord, his hand out for a handshake.
“It’s going. How about you?”
He grinned. “Doing great. So, is this how things are going to be? I only get to see my best friend at family events with my sister?”
I chuckled. “No, not at all. I was going to call and see if you wanted to head to Llano next week for a quick hunting trip after the open house.”
Appearing to think about that for a few seconds, Cord asked, “What days?”
“Tuesday, Wednesday, and coming back Thursday. The lease is quieter during the week. Roy said he saw a huge twelve point.”
His eyes lit up. “Really? Damn, let me see how Tammy feels about holding down the fort for a couple of days.”
“Tammy? Who’s that?”
Wiggling his brows, Cord leaned close. “My fucking hot new manager who has a body to die for.”
“Tell me you haven’t.”
He laughed. “No, I’m not that much of a douche, but she’s pretty and knows how to flirt.”
I put my hand on his shoulder. “Just be careful, dude. That’s an area you don’t want to mess around in when you’re the boss.”
“Believe me, I know. If she wasn’t so good at her job, I’d fire her just so I could screw her.”
“You’ll never change, Cord Parker.”
He winked. “I hope not. I’m having too much fun.”
A slap on my back had me turning to see Mitchell. “How’s it going there, Jon?”
We shook hands, and I replied, “Never better.”
“My sister is good for you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you looking so…happy.”
With a huge smile, I agreed. “I haven’t ever been this happy. Feels like I’m living in a dream, to be honest.”
Mitchell nodded while Cord let out a groan.
“For fuck’s sake. Now you’ve got the damn Smurf smile.”
Drawing my head back, I asked, “What?”
“Ignore him. He’s just jealous he hasn’t found anyone to bring out his inner Smurf.”
“Fuck you, Mitchell.”
“Cord Parker!” Melanie shouted from across the room.
“It’s bad enough little ears are around, but to curse when we’re putting up the Christmas tree?”
John laughed as he made his way down the ladder. “It’s not like the tree will get its feelings hurt, Melanie.”
“You hush up, John Parker, or no banana bread for you!”
John walked over to us, extending his hand out to mine and whispered, “You’d think by now she’d know I can’t stand her banana bread.”