Page 67 of Until It Was Real

“I hope it wasn’t lame.”

“Tickets to a comedy show on the mainland.”

She nods. “Good idea.”

“But,” I prod when it’s obvious she wants to say more.

“What am I doing here?” she bursts out. “I’m not part of the family. Yes, I work for your brother. And I work with the family. But it’s work.”

My growl isn’t playful anymore. “You’re my girlfriend.” She opens her mouth to protest and I amend myself. “The woman I’m dating.”

And I want to show her how it feels to be part of a family. I want to give her a family because I’m falling in love with her.

The revelation doesn’t surprise me. It probably should, considering how much she annoyed me when we first met. But I’m coming to understand the annoyance was fear upon recognizing my other half.

Dakota squirms in her seat. “I don’t know about this.”

“I understand you’re nervous, but you know almost everyone here. My brothers, Eli’s girlfriend Paisley.”

Eli and Paisley are no longer just fooling around behind closed doors at the distillery. They’re a solid couple who are very much in love. I couldn’t be happier for him. Although I still give him shit. It’s my obligation as his brother.

“Almost isn’t very reassuring.”

I chuckle. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

She squares her shoulders. “I don’t need protecting.”

“There’s my girl,” I mutter before kissing her nose. “Let me open your door.”

I jump out of my SUV. I wave to my family as they walk toward us. I round the vehicle to open Dakota’s door, but Miles arrives and opens it for her before I get there.

“Milady.” He tries to bow but I shove him.

“Leave her alone.”

“Mom!” Miles shouts. “Rhett won’t share his toys.”

I squeeze his neck and slam him against the SUV. “Dakota is not a toy.”

He holds up his hands. “Just testing.”

“I’ll test you,” I grumble.

“I have ten dollars on Miles,” Zane says.

“Twenty on Rhett,” Dakota counters.

“I’m with Dakota,” Paisley adds.

“Boys,” Mom chides and I release Miles. I find Dakota and wrap an arm around her.

Mom beams at me. “Is this Dakota? It’s lovely to meet you.”

I keep my arm tight around Dakota. If Mom hugs her and welcomes her to the family, she’ll flee before I have a chance to explain to Mom what’s happening.

“Dakota, this is my mom and her husband, Stuart,” I introduce.

Dakota smiles at them. “It’s lovely to meet you both.”

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