Page 69 of Never Left You

“And they will.” I yanked on Stetson’s arm, pulling him into my side, giving him a hug. He grumbled and groaned as he tried to get away from me. “I promise as soon as that little baby is big enough, he or she will be on a horse. Maybe even mutton busting?” I looked at my brother.

“You know it.” Rhett nodded as he took a bite of his roll.

“Well,” Wyatt shouted, his voice carrying over the table. “I say this requires a celebration.”

“A celebration?” Kyla repeated. “Isn’t the baby celebration enough?”

“Nope. I say we head to The Steel.”

“Ah,” I lifted my chin to look at my twin. “Because that’s the perfect place for a pregnant woman to go.”

“No, let’s go!” Kyla stood quickly. “I can drink a Dr Pepper. I didn’t drink coffee this morning so…”

“Water.” Rhett grabbed her hand and pulled her back for a kiss. “You can have water.”

She chuckled against his lips before she grabbed her plate. “Abi, join us?”

I looked over at Cash. “Whaddya say? Shall we go celebrate?”

“I’m invited?” Cash asked, raising his brow.

“Of course. Hell, call Quinn.” Rhett answered for me.

“Can I come?” Stetson piped up.

“Nope.” My dad spoke up this time. “How about you and I watch a few rodeos and then head to bed early.”

“You sure dad?” I asked.

“Yes, yes, go.” My dad waved us off.

“But I want to go to The Steel,” Stetson whined.

“Maybe when you’re older, I’ll take you.” Cash grabbed onto Stetsons, shoulder and squeezed.

“Promise?” Stetson smiled, looking up at Cash.

Cash raised an eyebrow. “Promise.”

My heart flipped a tiny bit. Did this promise give good indication he was considering staying? “He’ll hold you to that.” I stood. “I’m going to go get changed. I probably shouldn’t go to the Steel looking like I’ve been spending all my time in a barn. Oh, wait.” I locked eyes with Rhett. “I have been.”

“I’ll go check on the horses so you can change. Wyatt—” Rhett grumbled as he stood.

“I will start the cars.” Wyatt jumped, ready to move. I chuckled as my brother bounded out of the room before meeting Cash’s gaze once more.

Twenty-Two

Cash

Ithadbeenawhile since I had been to The Steel, even though Lachlan and I said we would go. This was the first time I walked through the doors since the last time with Sylas. That was six—damn—maybe seven years ago. It looked exactly the same down to the hats on the rafters. Kyla ran to the corner booth, dragging Rhett behind her. Quinn gave my shoulder a pat and then headed to the bar top, to wave down the bartender. Wyatt slipped past me, steps behind Quinn—hopefully to buy the first round—and I walked smoothly to the booth and slid in after Lachlan.

The Steel smelled like cheap beer and burgers, the sound from the grill getting heavier once a waitress opened the doors, carrying the source of the smell.

“And why did you tell us at dinner?” I asked, watching as the burgers floated by me. “You could have told everyone before, and then we could have come here to eat.”

“Well, we weren’t planning on coming here.” Rhett leaned back and pulled Kyla into his side. “I had other plans.” He nuzzled his nose into her hair.

“Which can still happen.” Kyla kissed him. There was no denying what she was referring to. Her cheeks were deep red by the time she turned back to me, her eyes beginning to search the room. “Where’s Abi?”

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