Page 40 of A Rebel's Shot

“Well, I’m glad you’re finding time to have some fun. I know you weren’t too excited about flying some stuffy bigwig around all summer.”

“Yeah, stuffy bigwigs are the worst.” Tiikâan’s shoulders shook in silent laughter as Merritt whacked him on the arm with a glare.

“I won’t keep you, but well, do you think you might be able to come home tomorrow at two, even if it’s just for a bit?”

“What’s up?”

“Well… you know Sunny.”

He groaned. She’d just gotten out of the hospital. There was no way his sister could already be in trouble again.

“What’s she doing this time?” He held his breath.

“She’s getting married.” Mom tossed out.

Tiikâan blew out a breath in a whoosh. “What?”

Merritt covered her mouth to stifle her giggle.

“Yeah, well, after what she and Davis just went through, she’s not willing to wait another day.” Mom’s voice warbled at the end, and Tiikâan imagined her eyes welling up.

“I didn’t realize she knew him that well.” He rubbed between his eyebrows with the edge of his phone to relieve the worry.

“With their time together last summer and the last two weeks, they both realized how much they mean to each other.” Mom sighed. “It’s sweet, really. Davis is all growly and short with everyone but her. With her, the man is one hundred percent cinnamon roll wrapped up in an overprotective warrior shell.

“He lights up whenever she’s near, and he hasn’t let her out of his sight since they’ve been rescued. It’s like she’s his sunshine. Guess it’s a good thing we named her Sunny.”

Jealousy tainted the happiness he had for his sister. He didn’t realize how lonely he was. He’d been so focused the last six years on getting his guiding license, his planes, and building his business that he hadn’t had time to worry about his lack of love life.

But being with Merritt and suddenly having a ton of time to think had him longing for a future with soft curves and sweet touches instead of just smelly men and long, hard days.

“She tends to make life brighter.” Tiikâan cleared his throat. “You and Dad okay with this?”

“Well, it’s fast, but when you know, you know.” Her words had him glancing at Merritt.

But how did one know for sure, without a doubt, who they were supposed to be with? He had all kinds of emotions jumbling up his mind when it came to Merritt, stuff he’d never experienced with anyone before.

Did that mean there was something special there he should pursue with more zeal?

Should he take a clue from his sister’s boldness and stop tiptoeing around his obvious attraction to Merritt? She still hadn’t pulled her hand from his, so she wasn’t opposed to him.

“So, can you make it?” Mom asked.

“Hold on a sec, Mom.” He put his hand over the phone’s microphone and glanced at Merritt.

She was already nodding.

“Yes. Absolutely, you should go,” Merritt whispered without missing a beat.

Her insistence had his insides warming like one of Mom’s fresh-out-of-the-oven sourdough cinnamon rolls, and he suddenly understood why his mom called Davis that. Looking into Merritt’s expressive face made Tiikâan all soft and squishy.

Cinnamon rolls reminded him of home, comfort, a safe place to unload life’s troubles. He wanted to be that for Merritt.

Dang it.

That so didn’t go with his mighty hunter persona.

“You sure?” He studied her for any hesitation.

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