Page 13 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Lemon scoffed. “You’re no help.”

“I’m just teasing. It was purely innocent,” Jaxson admitted.

“Uh, huh,” Daddy said, a twinkle in his light eyes. “I figured y’all would be hungry, so I stopped by Jack’s and grabbed some sausage biscuits.”

“Thanks,” Jaxson said heartily. His stomach growled loudly. He clutched it, feeling somewhat embarrassed. Laughter issued from Lemon’s throat. “We’d better feed your stomach before it eats your intestines.”

Daddy grinned admiringly. “I like her,” he said to Jaxson. “You got any orange juice?” He deposited the bag on the table and went to the refrigerator.

“Yep, sure do,” Jaxson answered. His thoughts went to Daddy’s science test comment. He and Lemon were in hisbedroom, studying for a test. One thing led to another, and before long, they were making out. Daddy opened the door. Lemon’s face had turned redder than a sunburn, much like it had a few minutes ago. Shortly thereafter, Daddy made a new rule. From then on, no girls were allowed in the bedroom.

After getting three glasses out of the cupboard. Daddy plopped down in a chair and began pouring the orange juice. He held out his hands to both of them. Jaxson grinned inwardly at Lemon’s startled expression. “We’re offering a prayer,” he explained.

“Oh,” she said in relief as they all joined hands. Lemon’s hand was soft and delicate in his grip. He could almost feel her energy flowing into him.

Daddy said the prayer, giving thanks that Jaxson had been protected during the accident. When he asked for help on Lemon’s behalf to recover her memories, Jaxson thought he felt Lemon tense, but maybe he’d only imagined it. “Amen,” Daddy said with gusto as he ended the prayer.

“Amen,” Jaxson and Lemon repeated.

Lemon raised an eyebrow. With a jolt, Jaxson realized that he was still holding her hand.

“The prayer’s over,” Knox said unnecessarily as he winked at Lemon. “You’ll have to excuse, Jax. He doesn’t get out much.”

Jaxson let go of her hand, heat blotching up his neck. Sheesh, he was acting like he was wet behind the ears, like he’d never been around a woman before.

“Dig in,” Knox encouraged.

Jaxson didn’t have to be told twice. He unwrapped the biscuit and took a large bite. The biscuit was tender and flaky, the sausage hot and spicy. It melted in his mouth. He grinned to himself when he saw Lemon eating her biscuit with relish.

“What’s on the agenda today?” Daddy asked, turning his focus to Jaxson. “You’ll need to meet with Lucas and get him up to speed.”

Jaxson took in a breath as he nodded. He wasn’t looking forward to handing over the reins to Lucas.

“It’s temporary,” Daddy said, as if reading his mind.

“I know,” Jaxson sighed.

“Briggs can help too,” Daddy added.

“That’s true.” Briggs, the resident veterinarian was a huge help on the ranch. In many ways, he doubled as Jaxson’s right-hand man. “I could just put Briggs in charge.”

“Nah, that would be too much for Briggs. I need his primary focus to be on the cattle and the other animals. Besides, Briggs has a lot on his plate with the wedding coming up.”

“Briggs is engaged to my sister Zoe. They’re getting married in December,” Jaxson explained.

“Yep, lots of things happening in the Romeo family,” Knox quipped. “Jaxson’s younger brother, Ramsey, just got married yesterday. In fact, Jaxson was coming back from the wedding when he had the accident.”

Lemon’s face paled. “I’m so sorry,” she said quietly. “I’ve caused you so many problems.”

Jaxson was quick to reassure her. “It’s okay.” He shot Daddy an irritated look. Lemon had been through so much already. No need to add insult to injury.

“What?” Daddy demanded.

“You didn’t have to bring that up,” Jaxson retorted.

Lemon spoke up. “It’s okay.” She lifted her chin, putting down her biscuit. “I can handle it.”

Daddy gave her an appraising look. “Yes, I believe you can,” he said decidedly. He sat back in his seat. “Tell me how all of this works.”

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