Page 88 of Rescued Hearts

“Anything, man. Just name it.”

“It’s about my novel.”

Understanding dawned on the man, and his expression grew more intense. When he gave a solemn nod, Honor’s throat tightened at the exchange.

“I’d be honored to help you with that particular matter, Gray. In fact…” He shuffled his boots in the short grass. “I think it would help me too.”

Gray tugged on his hat brim. “Figured as much.” He reached out and clapped Crew on the shoulder.

As night folded over them, firelight flickered over faces Honor knew and loved. Someone pulled out a guitar, and the low strains of music mingled with the scent of wood smoke and roasting marshmallows.

Aspen and Colt laughed beside them, Colt tossing a pinecone into the fire like a wish. Carson was with Layne, the two of them beaming as they shared their upcoming wedding plans. Something else to look forward to.

Gray stood with Honor tucked under his arm, her head on his shoulder. He glanced at her, then drew her aside from the group.

“There’s something I’ve been wondering,” he said.

She looked up, the glow from the flames making her eyes even softer. “Yeah?”

“I never thought I’d want to risk my heart again. Not after everything. But now…I can’t imagine life without you.”

Her breath caught.

“I know it’s early. But you dated your ex for six years and never got married. I just need to know…” His voice dropped. “Is that something you didn’t want? Or were you waiting for the right person?”

Honor smiled. “I’d love to get married. I just had to find the right guy.”

He made a small humming noise. “What kind of guy is that?”

She tilted her head. “Well…he’s steady. Loyal. A little gruff on the outside but protective and sweet underneath. He listens, even when he pretends he’s not. He shows up for me when it counts.”

He grinned. “You’ve got great taste.”

“I know.”

They stood quietly for a while, watching the fire.

Then a commotion stirred by the outer path. A figure emerged—a tall, lean man with slightly hunched shoulders.

“Denver.” Gray’s low murmur sounded with pain.

Honor stared hard at the man who walked into the wreath of firelight. Willow jumped up and threw her arms around their brother, who seemed to falter under the force of her affection.

Honor didn’t know much about Denver Malone. Everything about him seemed steeped in mystery and silence.

She only knew Gray’s younger brother hadn’t been in contact with his siblings lately, and no one had expected to see him tonight. He approached cautiously, as if unsure if he belonged.

Gray stepped over to him. “Denver.”

Denver looked up, a smile breaking through. But behind the smile, Honor saw it—a shadow. Pain.

“You made it.” Gray pulled him into a hug.

“Barely,” Denver roughed out. “Got lucky.”

Honor stepped up and touched Denver’s arm. “You hungry? I can get you some food.”

Denver nodded. “Yeah. That’d be great.”

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