Page 55 of Brands

Fire races up my throat. “Yea. But, I mean, holy shit.” I collapse next to her, grabbing one of the throw pillows to hug to my chest.

“Are we calling him ‘Daddy Blue’? Or is that reserved just for Dix?” Her teeth flash as she fights the giggles.

“I’m reserving judgement.” I’ll call him anything he wants if he keeps making me come as hard as he did earlier.

“Oh, God. I can see it all over your face.” Char smacks my wrist lightly. “Just be careful. From the stories I’ve heard, he’s a one-night-stand kinda guy. Enjoy the ride, but don’t take it personally if he moves on. He’d be missing out though.” Her pat turns into a gentle stroke. “I don’t want you getting hurt.” Her mouth tilts into a half-frown.

I hope she’s wrong.

But she’s valid. I know some of the crazy tales that my dad has shared about Blue through the years. I never paid much attention since I didn’t really know him.

Maybe I should have.

“Well, as long as he sticks around to help me finalize the dairy purchase, then he’s free to go.” I wave my fingers towards Paisley.

She flaps both her hands back at me before picking her crayon back up.

Char stretches out her legs, settling deeper into the cushions. “It’s really gonna happen?”

“Yep. By the end of this week while Dad’s in the hospital.” I should feel guilty. It almost feels like a hostile takeover.

If he wants to sell, he can. He shouldn’t be in control of who buys them, otherwise why take the cows to the livestock auction? There’s no telling where they’d end up.

“He’s trying to send Millie in this next batch,” I say quietly.

I don’t have to explain. Char knows.

She’s brought Paisley to see every one of Millie’s calves.

“Shit,” Char mutters.

“Shit,” Paisley mimics her.

Char and I meet eyes and cover our mouths at the same time.

It’s so damn hard not to laugh.

“Honey, that’s a grownup word,” Char manages to chide Paisley.

How she’s keeping a straight expression is an act of Congress.

The knock makes us both jump.

“I gotta go.” I hop up and give Char an awkward hug.

Her due date is still three months away, but I’d be surprised if she lasts one more.

When I peel the door open, Blue leans against the frame.

All sexy as hell with his cowboy hat tipped back and a sly smirk pulling his mustache up in the corner.

“Bye bye, Paisley.” I duck and drop a quick kiss to the top of her curly hair.

Her chubby hand raises and flaps her fingers without looking up from her coloring book.

“Ready? I have a plan of attack for tomorrow.” Blue winks. “Operation Moo is underway.”

“Moo goes the cow,” Paisley chimes in from the floor.

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