Page 20 of Every Beat of My Heart

When Cole started dating Daphne, I’d heard he’d bonded quickly with Izzy. I wondered if Daphne thought I was doing the same with Owen. “I’m just trying to do a good thing. The kid doesn’t have a male role model. I got him set up at a gym, gave him a workout routine. If he can build some muscle, it’ll help his confidence.” It was something I’d gotten obsessed with when I was a teen. We had weights in the basement for my brothers, and a baseball coach gave me a regimen to follow. It was something I could control when I felt my world was falling apart and would never be the same again.

I didn’t have an outlet for my feelings. I was the fun brother, the one you came to when you wanted to hear a joke or just let loose. I didn’t have anyone to turn to.

Conversation changed to the upcoming holiday season for the farm, and Cole leaned over to say, “It sounds like you’re invested in this woman and her son.”

“I’m trying to be careful. Just focus on the kid. I don’t want him to think I’m only there for his mother.”

“Are you planning to be there for his mother?” Cole asked carefully.

“I’m attracted to her, but I can’t get a read on her. She’s so serious all the time.”

Cole chuckled. “Maybe you can be the guy to show her another way of being.”

I swallowed over the sudden lump in my throat. “I don’t know that I’m looking for anything right now.” I’d always shied away from serious relationships. It didn’t fit into my role of a good-time guy.

But I already felt the pressure to get a new place and be more serious about something in my life.

“Jameson’s thinking about moving off the property,” Dad said, and everyone perked up.

Of course they were interested in my life. I was a never-ending source of entertainment for them. Look what job Jameson has now.

Teddy gripped his glass. “What prompted that decision?”

“I think it’s time. I can’t live on my family’s property for the rest of my life,” I repeated the same thing Teddy had said to me over the years.

Teddy nodded. “I’ve been saying that.”

I let out a breath, trying to stay calm. “I’m going to live my life how I want to, and I don’t need your opinions. If I want your advice, I’ll ask for it.”

“And you’re not asking for it?” Cole joked. He was the only one who could get away with it because he wasn’t my brother.

“Exactly.” Our family was tight knit, especially since Mom died. My brothers felt the need to step in and give advice. I usually let it slide off my back, but I was tired of it.

Wes whistled. “Our little brother is growing up.”

I set my elbows on the table and leveled him with a pointed look. “I’m not little. I haven’t been for a long time. Show me some respect.”

We held gazes for a few seconds. Then Wes inclined his head slightly. “I deserved that.”

“I, for one, am proud of you. You’re working at the fire house and substitute teaching. You’re kind of amazing,” Daphne gushed, pulling my attention away from Wes.

“Thanks.” My sisters were more supportive of me. My brothers had certain expectations for how a Calloway man should act, and I’d never fit into that mold. I was protective of my sisters and my nieces, but I didn’t have to work in law enforcement to be a good man. Or at least that’s what I thought most of the time. Other times, I let their criticism get to me.

When most of us were finished eating, Izzy asked to show Faith her dollhouse in the living room, and Ryder said it was okay.

Dad pushed his plate away. “While Ryder is here, I wanted to talk about the farm. We’ve been coasting for quite a few years, not making any changes other than the occasional price increase. At the same time, I think we’re all aware of how the Monroes’ farm has taken off.”

Cole cleared his throat, his gaze shifting to Daphne. “Do you want me here for this conversation?”

“Does anyone have a problem if Cole is present for the discussion?” Dad asked the table.

Teddy leaned his elbows on the table. “You need to decide if you’re a Monroe or a Calloway.”

“You know I’m a Monroe,” Cole said tightly.

Teddy’s jaw tightened. “If you’re involved in the business side of Monroe Christmas Tree Farm and the marketing, you shouldn’t be here.”

“I thought that’s what I wanted, but I took a step back from the business side. I help out if they need it, but my focus is on the contracting business. I don’t have an opinion on the way you do business. That’s your deal, but I’d like to be here to support Daphne.”

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