Page 33 of Forbidden Flame

I stiffened. “You’re kidding.”

“I wouldn’t put anything past my brothers. I wasn’t kidding when I said they were protective and overbearing. They’re all in law enforcement of some sort. Teddy’s a police officer.”

“I didn’t realize that.” I assumed they just worked on the farm.

“They needed to supplement their income because the farm is only open for a few months.”

“The Monroes have the same problem. Although lately they’ve added on activities year-round to combat it.”

“You know, you’re part of the Monroe family, right?”

“It’s not the same. I’m just a cousin.” I never let myself forget that. Growing up, the brothers teased me mercilessly about it. It might have been in good fun, or just something to pass the time, but it hadn’t felt good for me. I didn’t feel like I had a home. Not one that accepted me.

“I’m sure that’s not true.”

I hummed noncommittally. “It is what it is. I’ll find my place.”

“Your place is here with your family,” Daphne said, and my heart warmed. Was it too much to ask for a family and a business?

The Monroes already had five sons, and now significant others, wives, and children. They were only getting bigger, and they needed to create a legacy for their descendants. It was too much to hope that there was a place for me.

“Tonight, I want to have fun.” I wanted to focus on Daphne and block everything else out. It was the opposite of what I’d been trying to do for the last few weeks, and I was going to enjoy it.

“I’m on board with that.”

The song came to an end, and Gia announced that dinner would be served. We returned to our seats and listened to the toasts.

Emmett stood as the eldest brother and patriarch now that his dad was gone. “I’m proud of you, Knox. You fell in love with an incredible woman and made her part of our family. You knew something good when you saw it, and you held on tight. I’m not saying you didn’t make some mistakes along the way—”

Laughter filled the room.

“But you didn’t give up. You went after what you wanted and made Sarah and Addy Monroes.” He raised his glass, and everyone followed suit. “Sarah and Addy, welcome to our big, crazy family.”

Sarah laughed, kissed Knox, then stood and hugged Emmett. Knox was right there to slap him on the back. My heart was full seeing my cousins so happy. They deserved this.

I longed for something similar. Would I ever get to meet Daphne’s little girl? Would she let me in? Would her brothers ever accept me? Would my cousins accept a relationship? There were so many obstacles in our path. They felt insurmountable. As soon as the pressure built in my chest, I took a deep breath to clear it. I’d take things one day at a time.

Daphne leaned in close. “That was beautiful.”

“The family keeps expanding.” As happy as I was for my cousins, I wondered where I fit in.

“All good things. I wish my brothers would each find someone so they could leave me alone.”

“Some men take longer to find what they want.” I certainly hadn’t been looking for a relationship when I walked into the barn that night and found Daphne on the stage.

The server set the salad bowls in front of us.

“I was too nervous to eat before, but now I’m starving,” Daphne said.

“Why were you nervous?” I asked.

She blushed. “I was worried about seeing you. If you’d act differently. If your family knew the details.”

So she was affected by my presence. That felt good even though it made her uncomfortable. “And now?”

She smiled softly. “I feel better, more relaxed.”

I covered her hand with mine. “I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

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