Page 43 of Where We Bloom

“Wait.” Skyla holds up a hand and pulls her eyebrows together. “It’s not that simple, Bee. You need to understand that Connor doesn’t open up to people. He’s quite guarded, and that’s the truth of it. I’m not going to betray any of his confidences even though I want to because I love you and think you’re good for each other. Just know that what you’ve asked of him isn’t easy.”

I tilt my head, watching her, but before I can reply, Ihear voices coming from the direction of the barn, so we table this discussion for now.

Have I even considered that? That it could be difficult for Connor to open up to me? My brothers are not all exactly talkative, but I don’t think they’ve had trouble talking about life. Was I only thinking of my own feelings and needs?That would be a big, fat yes, Bee.I didn’t consider him at all.

And when I think back to how he cared for me last weekend, how worried he looked, and then what Blake said later that night, I can see that Connor cares.

I finger the green shamrock at my throat and sigh just as Birdie hurries up the porch steps and launches herself into my lap.

My six-year-old niece is the apple of my eye, and I love her more than just about anything.

“Hello, baby bird,” I say as I kiss her head.

“I’m happy to see you,” she replies and lays her cheek against mine. She’s done that since she was a tiny baby, and it squeezes my heart.

“I’m happy to see you, too. Did you go for a ride on one of the horses?”

A car door slams, then the rumble of a motorcycle engine comes to a stop, but I don’t look up. I’m enjoying these cuddles from my sweet girl and soaking her in.

“Yeah, we took a ride. Next time, you should come, too.”

I hate just about everything about farm life, except for the horses. I love being near and on the big animals.

“Next time,” I agree softly and hug her closer. Ididn’t realize until just this minute how much I needed to be snuggled.

It doesn’t happen very often.

“Are you okay?” Birdie whispers in my ear, making me smile.

“I’m so much better now that you’re cuddling me,” I reply with a whisper of my own. My girl sighs happily and settles in against me, so I kiss her some more.

“How are you feeling?”

I open my eyes and look up to find all four of my brothers—that was Brooks’s motorcycle that pulled in—watching me with concerned eyes.

“I’m great,” I reply, offering them all a smile. “Really. All is well.”

“Yeah, that’s why you’re clinging to my daughter like she’s a lifeline,” Bridger says, and I notice movement out of the corner of my eye when Connor sits next to Skyla.

That must have been the car door I heard.

“I just needed some snuggles, okay? I don’t get them often, and no one snuggles like this girl.” I kiss her cheek, and she smiles at me.

“Did you get hurt?” She presses her hand against my cheek as her face falls into a worried scowl.

“No, baby. Your daddy and uncles are just super nosy.” I brush my nose over hers, making her giggle. “You don’t need to worry about a thing. Ever. Now, what are you making us for dinner?”

“It’s taco night,” she exclaims. “And I’m grating the cheese.”

“Yum.”

“Come on,” Dani says, standing and holding her hand out for Birdie’s. “Let’s go get dinner started.”

Birdie gives me one more squeeze, then she climbs off my lap and follows Dani, Bridger and Blake inside. Beckett winks at me before taking Skyla’s hand and following the others.

“I haven’t seen you yet,” Brooks says. He pulls me up and into his arms, squeezing mehard.

I feel Connor’s gaze on me, but I don’t look his way because this hug is making me emotional.

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