Page 53 of Tempted By the Broken Cowboy
I step back, watching Beck surrounded by his family. They all shower him with love and hugs. And me? I’m grinning like a fool, heart full. I laugh softly to myself as I realize something: if this is what it feels like to fight for something worth it, I’m not letting go anytime soon.
Beck smirks at me from across the room, that crooked grin in place, like he already knows what I’m thinking.
20
BECKETT
Today is a big day in the Morgan household—our firstborn brother, Zane Isaac Morgan, is marrying the love of his life and mother of their unborn baby, Ava Noa Ramirez.
The ranch is alive with controlled chaos as crates of flowers are scattered along the veranda, tables being arranged and rearranged for maximum effect. Caterers in their black and white formal attire balance trays of champagne and food, the wedding party running around helping with last-minute details, while Daisy insists on “helping” by handing out ribbons, leaving streaks of glitter in her wake.
In the middle of all this wedding-day hustle, my mind drifts back to the food drive. That day was a mess in the best way—everyoneworking together, laughter and scolding bouncing off the walls, and somehow it all coming together.
But what really hit me, made my chest tighten in a way I never expected, was seeing my family step up for me. When the Atwoods showed up and started with their pointed remarks, trying to drag the past back into the light, it would have been easy to crumble. But Zane, Jace, Ella, and Dad didn’t flinch. They didn’t let the old stories define me. They stood beside me, protecting me without a word of hesitation.
And Quinn—my wonderful, fierce warrior. She stood by my side against her own family, and if that isn’t loyalty, then I don’t know what is. She was everywhere at once, steady and sure, guiding volunteers, calming tensions, and never letting her family’s hateful words faze her. Watching her handle everything, seeing the care she gave to me and my family, I felt something I hadn’t dared feel before. Something deep, pulling at me in ways I wasn’t ready to name.
That was the moment I realized I was falling for her. Not slowly, not cautiously. Hard and fast, every laugh, glance, and small act of thoughtfulness driving it home. She wasn’t just helping me redeem myself—she was becoming an indispensable part of my world, and my heart.
I spot her across the yard, helping a couple of servers straighten trays, and I can’t help but grin. She looks effortless, confident, and impossibly graceful. I make my way over, weaving between guests and decorations, when I notice Landon and Louis trailing close behind. They’re here for the wedding too. I invited them after they stood with me against their parents and older brother. Landon is a true friend, and Louis is following in his footsteps.
“Beck,” Landon calls out as I reach them, a teasing edge to his voice. “Finally decided to show up and do more than just look handsome, huh?”
I smirk, shrugging. “Hey, I’m multitasking. I can’t just sit around while Quinn’s saving the entire event.”
Louis chuckles, shaking his head. “Fair enough. But you better not steal her thunder.”
Quinn looks up at the commotion, her eyes narrowing just slightly as she takes in our little group. “Steal my thunder?” she teases, walking closer. “Excuse me, Mr. Multitasker, you’re supposed to be helping with decorations, not flirting with my brothers.”
I raise my hands, mock innocence plastered on my face. “Hey, it’s all above board. I’m socializing, networking even.”
Landon snorts. “Networking, huh? Sure, that’s what they’ll put on the invite: Beck Morgan, expert decorator and networker.”
Quinn laughs, shaking her head at us, but there’s a softness in her gaze that makes my chest tighten. “You better be paying attention, Beck. These tables won’t decorate themselves.”
I lean closer, lowering my voice so only she can hear. “I’m paying attention—mostly to you, though.”
Her eyes flash with mock indignation, but there’s a glimmer of amusement too. “You’re hopeless,” she whispers, just loud enough for me.
Louis rolls his eyes, but Landon smirks knowingly. “Ah, that’s the look. Beck’s officially doomed. We might as well start planning a second wedding.”
I glance at them, then back at Quinn, the weight of my feelings pressing hard. They’ve seen it too—how much she’s become a part of my life, my world.
And Quinn? She just keeps smiling, unaware of the storm of certainty building inside me.
I excuse myself just to put some distance between us and find something to distract my mind.
I’m hauling another box of decorations, dodging a flustered Ella who’s barking instructions, when a well-dressed assistant brushes past, whispering something urgent about the VIP guests. My stomach tightens. Ava’s wedding isn’t just a family affair—it’s a mix of ranch simplicity and celebrity polish, with a few high-profile friends and media quietly present.
Dad’s voice cuts through the racket, calm and steady: “Beck, make sure those chairs are level. Ella’s OCD will notice.”
“I heard that,” my sister yells back, making the two of us glance at each other and chuckle.
“Got it, Pops,” I mutter, straightening the chairs with exaggerated precision, smirking at Zane when he passes with Ava at his side, his arm wrapped around her, holding the whole world together. My chest tightens, a familiar pang that I quickly shove aside.
Jace is juggling the kids, keeping Daisy from toppling a centerpiece, while Ella corrals vendors like a general commanding her troops. Even in the madness, there’s laughter, teasing, jokes—the kind of warmth that can’t be faked.
I pause for a second, wiping sweat from my brow, and watch Quinn from across the yard. I can’t stop the way my chest tightens again. Every little thing she does for everyone—it’s like she’s weaving herself into the very fabric of this family.
