Page 46 of Daddy's Heart

I nod, tears starting to well in my eyes as my throat closes up, but I manage to croak out, “Yes. Please.”

Colt slips the ring on my finger before I even finish replying, like my answer was already written in the stars. And perhaps it was. The others erupt in cheers and hoots, but this moment is just for the three of us. Me, my son, and my Daddy.

“There’s something else,” Colt says, looking uncertain. “And you can say no if you want to, but it’s something just for you, babygirl.”

He pushes a slip of paper into my hand, and when I read it I’m still uncertain. “That’s this Thursday. But what’s Parker’s Room?”

“Parker’s a buddy who owes me a favor,” Beau chimes in, but it’s not helping solve the mystery, and I think Colt reads that on my face.

“It’s a recording studio, baby. And ignore the date, this one’s an open invitation. Whenever you’re ready, whenever you feel you want it, you just say the word and we’re there. You have a fantastic voice, and I want to support you.”

“This has all been so quick,” I mumble. “But it’s perfect.”

“Quick nothing,” Jack says with a grin. “When a Boone man knows, he knows. And our baby brotherknows.”

Colt lifts a brow. “Baby brother? I’m taller than two of you.”

“You’re still the baby,” Cade says, not missing a beat. “You cried when they took your pacifier.”

“I was two.”

“Still counts.”

After breakfast, the women migrate toward the kitchen with dishes while the brothers launch into a debate about football that I suspect could last until next Sunday. I find myself beside Beau at the sink, and for a moment, it’s quiet enough to speak without being overheard.

“Thank you,” I say softly. “For the pancakes. For all of it.”

He shrugs. “Family’s family.”

“He already loves you. Legend, I mean.”

Beau glances over at the living room, where Legend is now showing off his badge to Cade like he’s in charge of security. “Kid’s got sense,” he says simply. Then, after a beat: “You make Colt happy. Haven’t seen him like this... maybe ever.”

“He makes me happy, too.”

Beau turns toward me, still scrubbing a plate. “Good. ‘Cause if you hurt him, I’ll take it personal.”

I offer a smile that isn’t fake. “Fair warning received.”

“Good.” He hands me a dish towel. “Dry faster. You’re slow.”

“Wow, now I really feel welcome.”

Before he can respond, Legend’s voice echoes from the living room.

“Mama! Look what Uncle Beau gave me!”

I turn to see Colt with Legend perched on his shoulders like a human backpack, his hands proudly gripping a small toy wrench.

I raise an eyebrow. “Uncle Beau?”

Beau shrugs. “Kid decided. What am I gonna do, argue with a deputy?”

As we’re getting ready to head out, Legend makes his rounds like a tiny politician on the campaign trail, hugging everyone, thanking them for the pancakes, the juice, the badge compliments.

When he gets to Beau, he wraps his arms around the man’s massive legs without hesitation.

“Thank you for the pancakes, Uncle Beau. And for my wrench.”

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