Page 31 of Gabriel & Skye

“Callan just popped the big one,” Beau announces. “Just in case you hadn’t heard.”

“I have heard.” Gray grins towards our cousin and gives him a rough pat on the back. “And I said it was about time.”

Callan laughs. “I was just telling the guys I had to take her off the market for good.”

“Makes sense,” Gray agrees. “I’m sure the girls are already at it now, planning out the wedding.”

“If Georgia has anything to do with it,” I mutter. “The whole of Stoney Creek will know about it before it’s been officially announced.”

“I think us guys need to celebrate,” Beau says. “Let’s get Brook and Huds over one night. It’s only right.”

Hudson is Gray’s best friend, but has been a friend of the family for years.

“Sounds good to me.” Callan shrugs.

“Maybe we can christen a fresh bottle of bourbon,” I suggest. “Brook and Jarrod have been bottling this week.”

“I’m sure Dad and Uncle Jack will be in on that too,” Beau agrees.

“I assume you sealed the deal with a diamond?” Gray asks.

“Sure did. It was my grandmother’s ring. Mom gave it to me a while ago for when the time was right.”

“Nice.” Gray clearly approves. Ever the romantic, despite his recent divorce. At least he came out the other end and still believes in love. I’m glad we’re in a better place now. I didn’t enjoy fighting with my brother, but I couldn’t see past my own nose.

Callan pushes off the door, saying he has to get back to work. Since he’s completed most of the internal work in the barn, he’s now working on the outside while the weather is still good.

He whistles for Sunny, who’s laying on her back sleeping with Trinity on the beanbag.

She slowly rolls over and flicks her sleepy eyes up to him. It’s then Trin notices Gray and Beau. She leaps off the beanbag and runs over to hug them. Gray lifts her up, and she giggles when he tickles her. She gives Beau the same death grip hug when Gray sets her down.

“Uncle Callan too,” I remind her.

“And Sunny!” she squeals after she hugs her uncle. Sunny jumps up at Callan’s side as he pats her head.

“Know anyone having puppies?” I ask, bemused.

That only launches Trinity into bouncing up and down again about getting a new dog.

I’m my own crown of thorns.

“Nope.” Callan shakes his head. “I can ask around.”

“I’ll keep my eye out,” Beau says.

“My new dog can play with Sunny,” Trin says, looking up at her uncle. “They can be best fwends.” She’s so cute the way she pronounces some words.

“They can, darlin’,” Callan tells her. “I bet Sunny would like that a lot.”

She giggles, running back to her bean bag as they leave.

“I’ll see you all later,” he says as we say our goodbyes, Sunny trotting out after him.

“How was the Bake’ n’ Shake?” Gray asks. “I hear there were enough Bassetts down there to sink a battleship?”

“Plus Aunt Patti, Celeste, Hartley, Trudy and Eden,” I go on. “But they did a great job. We donated some merch, and the cupcake stall went well.”

“Eden was there?” Gray asks. “I haven’t seen her in ages.”

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