“I’ll have the porter and a Lavender Lemonade.” Drinks weren’t part of what Rose and I covered when talking about these functions. But she had a couple of drinks at the wedding this past weekend, and I made mental notes. She likes sweet drinks that aren’t too strong.

I’m planning to nurse this one beer the rest of the night because I need to be ready to run interference if Mrs. Potts decides to go on the attack. I hope she doesn’t. This night isabout Cara and Sage, and so far, they seem as nice as Rose, and that’s saying a lot.

I hand Rose her drink. “If you don’t like it, I’ll grab you something else.”

She takes a quick sip and smiles. “Oh, it’s good. Thank you.”

Rose and Cara talk about how wedding planning is going, but our chatter screeches to a halt when Mr. and Mrs. Finch walk over. Rose’s parents are right behind them.

There’s another round of introductions, and Rose’s dad eyes me as he shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you, Dallas. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“All good, I hope.” If he’s heard about me from Mrs. Potts, I know those reports paint me as a bad guy. And I can live with that.

Mrs. Potts gives me a weak hug. “How are you getting along with that little beast? Has he torn up your furniture yet?”

“Floofy’s great.” I need to text Colt and remind him to check on the kitten before the end of the night.

Other guests arrive, and I stand behind Rose, letting her visit, but staying within arm’s reach.

A tall dark-haired man strides over, and the swagger makes me think I’ll finally get to meet Richard. The main reason I’m here. My assumption is affirmed when Rose reaches back and clasps my hand.

I’m by her side in an instant.

“Hey there, Pottsy. I haven’t seen you in a while. You look good.” Richard leans in to kiss her cheek.

But Rose is quick and shifts beside me. Richard nearly ends up kissing me. That would’ve been awkward.

“It has been a long time. This is my fiancé, Dallas.” She wraps her arm around mine.

I extend my hand to Richard. “Hi. It’s great to meet you. You’re Cara’s brother, right?”

He nods, his gaze bouncing between me and Rose. “Hadn’t heard you were engaged. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” Rose and I respond in unison.

Richard scans the people gathered. “I need to find my mom. There was some sort of mix-up with the rooms.”

As soon as he walks away, Rose turns to face me. “You were perfect.” She inches up and brushes her lips on mine. It seems so natural, like it’s something she’s done thousands of times. Except she hasn’t. Granted, it’s happened several times since we met, but nowhere near thousands.

I resume my role, watching and protecting, while Rose talks to Cara and other friends.

When Mrs. Potts walks over, I don’t wait for Rose to pull me closer. With a hand on her waist, I stand behind her so that my chest is touching her back.

“Rose, there was some confusion with the rooms, and you have one with two beds, so we’re going to have Richard stay in there with you tonight. I told Lisa that wouldn’t be a problem.”

Rose clenches her jaw. “Mom, why would you think I’d be okay sharing a room with Richard?”

“Sweetheart, I’ll move your bags from your room to mine. Richard can have the room.”

She looks over her shoulder at me, smiling. “Great idea. You have my key, but I’ll go with you.”

I meet Mrs. Potts’s gaze. “It won’t take us anytime at all to shift the luggage. Then we’ll give Richard the key.”

Arms crossed, Mrs. Potts stares down at Rose. “It’s not like I was asking you to share a bed with the man. You’ve known him your whole life. I don’t see the problem with sharing a room.”

“I’d prefer having her with me.” I’ll play the possessive boyfriend if it keeps Rose safe.

Rose laces her fingers with mine. “We’ll take care of it, Mom.”