Page 135 of Redemption

Graham scoffed. “We’re not handing over the Huxley brand or the Leatherbacks.” He gestured to Knox, who owned LA’s pro soccer team. “Or Rainshadow Productions.” Nate’s film studio.

“No.” I ignored my cards, keeping them facedown on the table. “Winner gets to host an event where everyone has to attend.”

“That’s what you want?” Jasper asked, his tone incredulous. “I mean, of course, we’re going to attend. We’re a family. But why even ask for something that’s a given, when you could have season tickets in a box at the Leatherbacks games, a night in our most decadent suite in the most expensive location of the Huxley Grand resorts. Or…”

“I think we get the point,” Knox said with a bemused grin.

“Good,” I said. “And I’m glad it’s a given that you’d support your family. That’s always been important to me.”

Nate nodded, impressed. “Welcome to the family, Jackson.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Jasper said. “They’re not married.”

“Yet,” I added. “We aren’t married yet. Now, deal. Because I’m going to win, and then you’re all going to have to attend Sloan’s and my wedding when the time comes.” Assuming she said yes, but I had a feeling she would.

Jasper choked on his drink. Nate grinned from behind his glass, but it was Graham who responded, shocking us all. “Regardless of whether you win this hand, we’re going to hold you to that.”

“I would expect nothing less,” I said as Knox dealt us in.

As I glanced around the table at these four men, I smiled to myself. My day had certainly turned out differently than I’d planned. And while I was eager to return to Sloan and finally finish what we’d started, I was happy with how things had gone. Despite her brothers’ ribbing, I knew I had their support, and that was worth more than anything else I could’ve won.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

“Sloan!” Emerson hugged me as soon as I’d stepped through the front door. “I’m so glad you made it.”

“Me too,” I said, glancing around the house where the caterers and the event planner and her team were still setting up. “Sorry I’m a little early.”

“Are you kidding? I’ve been looking forward to your visit.”

“Same. Fortunately, traffic wasn’t as bad as I’d expected. And since the guys kidnapped Jackson, I had more time to get ready.”

She arched one brow. “Kidnapped?”

“You know how they are.” I laughed. “I’m sure they’re off trying to interrogate him about our relationship, but Jackson is a former Navy SEAL, so…” I shrugged. “Good luck to them.”

Emerson leaned her hip against the back of the couch. “Nate mentioned that you were together. I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you.” I ducked my head. “Though I hope that isn’t weird for you.”

“Are you kidding?” She smiled, reaching out to squeeze my hand. Her red diamond engagement ring sparkled brilliantly. “We all love Jackson. He’s always felt like part of the family.”

“Thanks. Let’s just hope my brothers don’t ruin it,” I joked. After everything Jackson and I had been through, from high winds to blackmail to our own past mistakes and fears, I had faith that we could weather whatever trouble my brothers—or anyone else—might try to cause.

“I’m sure Jackson can handle himself,” Emerson said. “If anything, I’d be more concerned about them all banding together to hatch up ways to protect you.”

I blew out a breath. “Good point. I didn’t even think about that. Though, honestly, my brothers try to protect me, but Jackson empowers me.”

Emerson grinned. “Girl, you’re lucky. Did I tell you about the time that Knox had Kendall’s older car towed so he could give her a Range Rover?”

My eyes widened. “He did not.”

“Oh yeah, he did,” Kendall said, joining us. “And we weren’t even together at that point. I was still just his house sitter.”

I rolled my eyes. “Men.”

“Crawford men,” Emerson clarified. We all rolled our eyes at that.

“Congratulations.” I hugged Kendall. “Let me see the ring.”

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