Page 121 of Forbidden Flame

Emmett cleared his throat, looking more uncomfortable than I’d ever seen him. “I’m sorry for the way I reacted when I saw you and Daphne together.”

A muscle ticked in my jaw. “You’re going to have to get used to it because we’re in love, and I intend to propose to her.”

Heath’s lips twitched as he kept his gaze trained on Emmett.

Emmett’s gaze fell to the bar in front of him. When he spoke, it felt like he was pulling from somewhere deep inside him. “I don’t like that she’s a Calloway, but I respect that you’re with her now.”

“I appreciate the apology, but I don’t need to hear anything negative about Daphne, Izzy, or the rest of the Calloways.” I was setting that boundary now. I didn’t want there to be any question about where I stood. “I’m still a Monroe, but I want to be part of her family too.”

I was surprised when Emmett rose and came over to me, resting his elbow on the bar, blocking the view of my other cousins. He lowered his voice, his expression sober. “I never meant to indicate you weren’t a Monroe. You’ve always been one of us.”

I nodded, my throat tight.

Emmett’s gaze met mine. “I know things with your dad weren’t great.”

I couldn’t help but ask, “You knew about that?”

“Mom said you preferred to stay with us. At first, I thought it was because you had me and my brothers to hang around with, but eventually she told me your father wasn’t doing well. He was deep in a bottle most days.”

I looked away. “I’m embarrassed to admit that was true.”

Emmett straightened to his full height. “That’s not your cross to bear.”

My chest tight, I said, “I’ve talked to my parents and told them he needs to be sober if he wants to be in my life going forward.”

Emmett nodded. “Good for you.”

I held up my hand. “I’ll be working with Heath as a partner in his business. I’d like to help on the farm. But if that’s an issue—”

“You can’t tell them our marketing secrets,” Emmett said just as Ireland approached. His face softened as he put his arm around her.

Ireland smiled up at him. “What’s this I hear about sharing our secrets?”

Emmett gestured at me. “The traitor can’t tell the Calloways about your marketing plans.”

“That won’t be a problem. I’d never do that. Besides, I’m a long way from the Calloways including me in their business dealings.” In a lot of ways, I was still an outsider.

Ireland smiled broadly. “Oh, I wasn’t worried. Anyone can try to copy my ideas, but they can’t do it like us.”

I loved her confidence. Her influence would take the farm to the next level. I was looking forward to seeing the changes she made.

“You’re amazing, baby,” Emmett said just as he kissed her.

Realizing the conversation was over, I turned to find Daphne. Her arm was hooked through Sarah’s as they waited nearby. Knox greeted Sarah. Then Daphne was in front of me. I touched her hip, pulling her closer to me. “You look gorgeous.”

She wore a red gown that sparkled under the lights. She touched the lapels of my jacket. “You look handsome too.”

“Where’s our girl?” I asked her, and Daphne’s lips tipped into a smile. “She’s running around with Addy and Ember somewhere. They assured me they’d stay out of trouble.”

My heart was full. I was surrounded by the people I loved, and I hoped my definition of family would continue to expand. “How long do we need to stay? I have a few surprises for you.”

“Mmm. Let me see if Sarah can keep an eye on Izzy while we step out.”

“I’d already talked to Sarah and Knox. They’ll keep an eye on Izzy.” No one would miss us at the party.

“Then I’m all yours,” Daphne said with a smile.

I led her to the front lobby to retrieve our coats; nerves knotted my stomach.

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