Page 53 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Zoe rose to her feet, yawning. “We’d better call it a night, so we can get these kiddos to bed. They have school in the morning.”

Briggs also stood.

“Aw, come on, can’t we stay a little longer?” Milo argued, his face contorting into a sour expression.

“I wanna make another s’more,” Madison said.

“You’ve had plenty, toots.” Zoe tousled Madison’s dark hair.

Zoe looked across the fire, giving Lemon a warm smile. “I’m so glad you and Jaxson are okay … and that you can put that horrible mess behind you.”

“Me too,” Lemon agreed. Growing up, she’d always liked Zoe. Lemon looked forward to them resuming their friendship.

“We’re glad you’re here,” Zoe added, making a point of looking at Jaxson. “He needs you.”

“Yes, I do!” Jaxson agreed.

After they’d gathered up their things, Briggs gave a farewell wave to the group. “Goodnight.”

“It’s good to see Zoe so happy,” Knox observed after they’d left.

Pulling her sweater tighter around her, Birdie nodded. “It was a long time coming.”

Knox’s voice grew wistful. “First, Noah and Piper. Now, Ramsey and Hartley. Zoe’s getting married in December. Cash and Ava won’t be far behind.” A playful grin tugged at his lips as he looked at Lemon and Jaxson. “What’s the word? Us old folks could use some good news.”

“We’re not old,” Birdie guffawed, giving him a slight shove.

“Well?” Knox pressed.

All eyes in the group lasered in on Lemon and Jaxson. Heat flamed her cheeks. She didn’t know how to answer.

“Don’t rush us,” Jaxson protested. “We’re only just now back together. Who knows if we’ll even stick this time?”

Lemon’s jaw dropped as she spun around. “Really?!”

A deep, throaty laugh rumbled in Jaxson’s throat. “Gotcha,” he quipped, giving Lemon a cocky grin.

“Ha ha,” she said, only partially amused by his antic.

“You deserved that.” Jaxson squeezed her shoulders. “Don’t worry,” he chimed loudly. “Lemon and I are great.”

Lemon rolled her eyes. “We were doing great, until that comment,” she retorted.

This earned her laughter from Birdie and Lexi.

“She’s good,” Birdie said, winking at Lemon. “I certainly don’t have to worry about Lemon holding her own.”

“No, you don’t,” Jaxson drawled, giving Lemon an affectionate look.

Knox turned to Ramsey, his voice growing serious. “Did everything go okay at the police station today?”

Lemon realized what was happening. Knox had waited until Milo and Maddison left to discuss yesterday’s events. The longer Lemon was around Knox, the more her admiration and respectfor him increased. He was the noble king of his family, and Birdie was his cherished queen. Lemon couldn’t imagine Knox having an affair on Birdie. It blew her mind. She was grateful that they’d mended their relationship. The two were dynamic together. It was obvious that their children worshipped the ground they walked on.

Ramsey sat up straight. “It went as well as can be expected. Of course, the press is having a field day considering who Wesley Livingston was.”

Knox grimaced. “I don’t reckon that Ellis took it too well when he found out.”

“Do you think Ellis will try to retaliate?” Ramsey asked, a clear note of concern in his voice.

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