Page 119 of Truck You

I smile, even though nothing inside me feels warm and happy. Something tells me Greta’s relationship with their mom is by far the worst.

Mac must sense it too because he leans forward and stares directly at her. She lifts her gaze to his and holds it. “She did you another favor by finally telling you about me. You have more family now. You didn’t just get me as a brother. You got six more just like me. Some are grumpier than others but they’re dying to meet you. And a Grams that will stuff your face full of all the best baked goods imaginable. That is … If you want that.”

Greta nods, her eyes glassy. “I’d like that,” she whispers.

“Good.” Mac sits back and picks up his menu. “Now that the tough conversation is over, let’s eat. Then we can make plans for you to meet the rest of your new family.”

I look up at Mac and smile. I am in awe of this man. He may have been nervous about meeting them, but he recognizes they’re nervous, too. These four need each other, and he’s opening himself up to let them in.

I lean up close to his ear and whisper, “I love you.”

He turns to me and smiles before he presses a light kiss to my lips. “I love you, too, Red. Thanks for helping me get here.”

And by here, he doesn’t mean in this restaurant meeting his new siblings for the first time. He means this place in his life where he’s open himself up to love. Love for siblings he didn’t know existed and love for a woman.

Love forme.

And I’m ready for a lifetime of whatever this growly-bear, overly protective, and jealous man has in store for me.

Because the love we share binds us together, and nothing will ever tear that bond apart.

Epilogue

It began with a loss but ends in a win.

Mac

The following summer

“Where are you taking me?” Sophia asks as I pull her through the crowd.

It’s a warm summer day, and there are so many people around us that it feels like the entire county is here. The county fair is typically a busy event, but today is particularly crowded.

“You’ll see. We’re almost there.”

I spot my brothers up ahead, and I can’t contain my smile.

“Why are you so happy?” Sophia looks up at me with suspicion written all over her face.

I stop, causing a few people to knock into us and grumble as they stumble past. Not caring that we’re blocking the flow of traffic, I cup her cheeks and plant a gentle kiss to her lips. “Because I’ve gotyou, Red. I’m happy because ofyou.”

She wraps her arms around my waist and relaxes into me. “That’s really sweet, Mac. But seriously, what is up with you today?”

I chuckle. “Why does something have to be up for me to be happy?”

She narrows her gaze as she looks up at me. “It doesn’t, but you’re acting weird.”

“No, I’m not,” I scoff.

“Yes, you are.” This time she’s the one that chuckles.

“Agree to disagree.” I kiss her nose before I reach for her hand and take it in mine, lacing our fingers together. “Now stop distracting me, and let’s go.”

“Fine.” She quirks a brow. “But I’m right.”

I shake my head and continue leading her through the crowd. When the sign over the bumper cars track comes into view, Sophia stops.

“Are we racing?” she gasps.

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