Page 37 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

"Why not?"

He shrugged. "I feel like you staking a claim on me is cute, but if I did it, I'd come across as... I don't know, domineering or something."

"I don't think so," she told him honestly. "That's not who you are, is it?"

"No, it really isn't. But if ever I come across that way to you – and to be clear, you're the only one who matters – I need you to let me know, okay?"

"Don't worry," she said with a laugh. "I will."

He laughed with her. "Good. Glad we're clear on that. So, what do you say? Shall we go do this?"

When they reached his siblings and their partners, including Sierra, Amelia was surprised by the range of reactions. Laney, Janey, and Frankie all gave them knowing smiles. His brothers, Tyler, and Tanner, looked shocked but happy. Wade was grinning from ear to ear. Kolby smiled at her and gave her a small nod, and his wife, Callie, who was standing beside him, looked at Ford before looking back at Amelia and grinning.

Out of all the women, Tanner's wife, Everly, looked the least happy to see them together, while Ty's fiancée, Shayna, was her usual smiley self.

Ford looked around at them all and asked, "Well, who's got something to say? We might as well get it over with."

Wade smiled at Amelia as he grasped Ford's shoulder. "I'll be happy to go first. And all I have to say is, I like it. This is awesome, guys."

Sierra grinned at Amelia and nodded her agreement.

Tanner shook his head with a smile and said, "I'll second that. I'm happy to see you guys out together."

Ty punched Ford's arm. "Me too."

Everyone else murmured their agreement, and Amelia was a little surprised to not meet more resistance.

She glanced over at Laney, who nodded slowly and said, "I want to be happy, but I'll be keeping my eye on you, lady."

Ford turned to scowl at her, but Laney shrugged defiantly. "You're not the only one who can be protective in this family," she told him.

And Frankie nodded beside her. "Come on, Ford. You gave everyone else a hard time in the beginning."

Amelia was surprised to see Janey step forward. She seemed to be the quietest of them, usually. She reached out and touched Ford's arm. "It's true and you know it, Ford." She turned to Amelia. "I hope you understand."

"Of course I do," she looked around at them. "I get it. You all want to look out for him. You don't really know me yet, so you can't be sure. But I promise you, I won't mess him around."

Sierra stepped up beside her, and Amelia loved her for it. "For what it's worth," she told the others, "I can vouch for Amelia. She's honest and loyal, and the best friend I've ever had."

Kolby smiled at Ford. "How does it feel to be talked about like a helpless little thing who can't look out for himself?"

Amelia looked up at him, curious what he might say. She was surprised when he shrugged happily and said, "Never thought I'd find myself in this position, but honestly, I kind of like it." He smiled down at her before looking around at the others. "I mean, this is only our first date, but it's good to know that you guys care enough to stick your noses in. But are we done now? Can I get us a drink?"

The others all laughed and murmured their agreement. Sierra came to Amelia. "Want to come for a chat?" she asked.

All the hairs on Amelia's neck stood up when Ford leaned in to speak into her ear on her other side. "You go chat with your friend; I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here. I'll have that beer waiting when you come back. Are you okay?"

"I am. I'm good. Are you?"

He chuckled. "Yeah. And I'll take the chance to answer my brothers' questions."

She laughed. "I love that they're all looking out for you like this. Although, what exactly they think I could do to you, I don't know."

She was surprised that rather than laughing with her, he looked serious.

"What?" she asked.

He shook his head.

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