Page 67 of That Touch

I shake my head and laugh. “Always a little smart-ass.”

“But you love it.”

“I do.”

We spend the morning leisurely enjoying our breakfast before taking our coffee out to the back deck. It’s peaceful back here with just the sounds of nature surrounding us.

“I can’t wait to grow old with you here.” I reach over and grab her hand as I sip my coffee.

“Me neither. Is Deck back in town today?”

I nod. “Yeah, I’ll probably grab a beer with him tonight if that’s all right?”

“Of course. You don’t need to ask permission, you know.”

“I know. Just want to give you a heads-up on what my plans are. I promise I won’t be too late. I can bring dinner home if you want?”

“Actually, I got your mom’s lasagna recipe, and I’ve been craving it like crazy, so I’m making that. After which you will be tested on whose is better.” She laughs when I almost choke on my coffee.

“Now you’re playing with fire.”

* * *

“I still can’t believeyou’re having a baby with Dolly. I mean, I can, because you guys are meant to be and it’s about damn time, but at the same time . . . it’s just crazy.” Decker takes a sip of his beer.

“I get it. Still processing it myself, I think.”

“Well, I’m beyond happy for you, brother. You mentally feeling okay about it all?” He eyes me, referring to our last conversation about it several months ago.

“I am, but it feels easier now that I know Dolly struggled with the same guilt. I won’t lie and say it’s all just gone away, but the moment I found out we were having a baby, it’s like my paternal instincts kicked in and I realized Dolly and my daughter were a million times more important than any discomfort or insecurity I was having. I’ve been given this incredible gift and a second chance most people never get.”

Decker can’t keep the smile off his face as he leans over and gives my shoulders a big squeeze. “You have no idea how happy it makes me to see you like this and hear you say that. Seriously, man, I can’t wait for her to be born—to see you as a dad.”

“Thanks! We actually went to Dean’s grave several weeks back.” I stare down at the beer in my hands as I spin the bottle around and around. “I, uh, I just wanted to . . .” I clear my throat, feeling myself choking up as Decker squeezes my shoulder. “Yeah, sorry, I just wanted to tell him about her, about my daughter. I know he wanted to be a dad so bad. He was so beyond excited when he found out Dolly was pregnant. He told me without her knowing at the time. I just—I guess I wanted to tell him because I felt guilty that I’m living out his dream. I know it probably sounds insane.”

I look over at Decker, his eyes full of sadness and understanding. “No, no, it doesn’t sound insane. He was like your brother, and as your twin, I know the pain you felt when you lost him. I know I have nothing to base this on other than watching you two grow up together, but I guarantee he would want you to be happy for yourself and Dolly.Hewould be happy for you.”

“Thank you, really. I know I’ve been a pain in your ass these last few months—from not fully believing in you when it came to handling Texas, and then having my head so far up my ass about Dolly that I kept talking myself in circles.”

“Hey, that’s what I’m here for. You’ve got a built-in best friend when you’re a twin.”

“So, how are things going in Texas? I mean, I know how things are going with the ranch, but how areyoudoing? Think this is a permanent move for you?”

“It could be, but I—”

He stops abruptly and I turn my eyes to follow where he’s looking. Juniper Riley is walking into the restaurant, her eyes catching his as she lifts her hand to offer him a brief wave accompanied by a shy smile.

“But then you’d be far away from all this beautiful scenery,” I tease him, his eyes darting back to me.

“Not even close.” He rolls his eyes. “Just not sure if it’s a forever type of thing. Ethan really loves it down there, and he’s already talking about taking it over someday, so who knows.”

“Riiight.” I watch as Juniper looks over her shoulder a few times to see if he’s still looking at her. “I’m going to hit the head; be right back.”

I’m barely gone three minutes, but when I return, I see Juny leaning against the bar, talking to Decker. I hang back a second, letting them chat. I can see the way Decker is looking at her: He likes her but feels like he shouldn’t. I know the feeling. I push off from the wall where I’m leaning, slowly walking back over to the bar.

“Hey, Juny, how’s school going?”

“Hey, Ranger.” She waves at me, then nervously shoves her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. “School is good. I’m graduating next May, so I’m heading into my last year . . . then I’ll be back here.” Her eyes shift from my eyes to Decker’s. “Sorry to interrupt. I’ll let you guys have a good night.”

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