Page 126 of Knot Your Problem, Cowboy
As soon as she’s out of earshot, we all lean in. Sophia’s smile is so wide it has me grinning too.
“I’m sorry too,” she says, her voice softer now. “For making such a big deal out of this. I know it’s my hormones and emotions, but I just—” She exhales slowly. “I just got so worked up when I saw her with you. It felt like… like I was already losing you before I even had you.”
“You’re never losing us,” Ridge says, his voice steady.
“You have no idea how good it feels to know youcame for me,” she continues, eyes flicking to each of us in turn. She reaches out, one hand on my forearm, another on Walker’s knee, and Ridge reaching over to her. “All of you.” She gives a little tug, pulling us closer like she can’t stand the space between us.
I lower my head until my forehead almost touches hers. “You’re ours, Sophia. Always.”
Walker leans in from the other side, murmuring something low in her ear that makes her lips twitch in a barely there smile. Ridge’s thumb brushes the back of her hand.
“Speaking of sweet things,” Walker says. “We need to talk about moving you into the main house.”
She tilts her head, the beginnings of that stubborn look in her eyes. “I don’t know?—”
“Your nest is destroyed,” Ridge cuts in gently. “And your heat is coming. You need somewhere safe. With us.”
“We’ve got the blue room picked out,” I add. “Best light in the house. It’s right between all our rooms. Plenty of space for your things.”
She bites her lip, and I can see the hesitation. I don’t believe it’s because she doesn’t want to, but because it’s a big step.
“We’re making you a new nest,” Walker says.
“And,” I add, “I can’t bear to be so far away from you.”
Her eyes search ours for a long moment, then sheleans back, the faintest smirk curling her mouth. “Only if I still get my privacy.”
“Deal,” I respond immediately with a grin.
“That was too easy,” she mutters, but I notice the pleased flicker in her eyes.
That’s when June returns, balancing an entire hummingbird cake made with pineapple, banana, and cream cheese frosting, which is piled high and swirled into perfect peaks. Kitty follows with plates, forks, and a knife.
“Well, if we’re celebrating, we’re doing it right,” June declares, sliding into the circular booth next to me and setting the cake down in front of her. “Figured there’s no such thing as too much cake,” she adds, grabbing the knife and making the first cut.
June is laughing, and we’re all eyeing this sinful cake she’s cutting up.
“Careful,” I say, smirking. “That’s sacred territory you’re slicing into.”
“I’ll be gentle,” she deadpans, handing me a plate with a wedge big enough to feed two people.
“You’re so lucky, Sophia,” June says while passing out big slices. “Three cowboys willing to grovel in public? That’s straight-up romance novel material.”
“Careful,” Ridge says with a half smile. “Don’t say it too loud, or someone from the bookstore might start scribblin’ notes for their next release.”
That gets a quiet ripple of laughter from the booth,the kind that draws a few curious glances from nearby tables.
Walker eyes Sophia’s plate. “You gonna eat that whole thing, or?—”
“Touch her cake and I will cut you,” June warns without missing a beat, sending Sophia into a cute giggle, drawing the plate closer to herself.
I chuckle. “And here I thought cowboys were territorial.”
“You have no idea,” June says, already taking a giant bite. She chews, swallows, and then adds, “I need to find guys who will grovel for me.”
They all laugh, but I’m barely hearing them. My attention is locked on Sophia as Walker offers her a forkful of cake. She rolls her eyes but opens her mouth anyway, accepting it like it’s no big deal… and somehow it still squeezes my chest.
I lean in, my voice low enough for only her. “You really had me scared earlier.” The truth comes out rough. “I can’t ever lose you.”
