Page 56 of Forged By Fire

“We did. But we never talked about how many. I mean, I, for one, always thought five would be a nice number.”

Five?Leslie’s brows rose. “I was thinking more like three.”

They studied each other for several moments. The playful smile on his lips coaxed one from her in return.

“Four.”

“Four.”

They laughed, the sound causing the baby to stir slightly.

Clint rubbed his thumb across the engagement ring on her finger. “I can’t wait to marry you, Leslie Granger. October can’t come soon enough.”

“I can’t wait to marry you, either.”

Becca approached, touched Leslie’s arm, and reached for Noah. “I think we’re about ready to eat.” She went to stand beside Danny as everyone slowly made their way toward the end of the yard where the smoker and grills were located.

Leslie saw Izzy only a moment before the little girl practically launched herself at Clint. He scooped her into his arms.

She, Cindy, and Bree had stayed with Leslie for several months. Thanks to the quick response of the fire department, Cindy’s house had been saved, although repairs to the front and parts of the living room had taken a while. Now they were back in their home again, and Leslie was having to get used to having hers to herself.

“What are you doing, little lady?”

“I’m starving.” She put both her hands on her belly, her eyes big. “I can’t wait for chicken brisket.”

Clint laughed. “Chickenorbrisket.”

Izzy stuck her lower lip out. “I can’t have both?”

How could they argue with that? Leslie tickled her niece. “I think you’ll have to choose one. Why don’t you go ask your mom to help you decide.”

Clint set the girl down and laughed again when she ran across the yard to find Cindy.

He turned to Leslie. “What about you?”

“Whataboutme?” she asked playfully.

“What are you going to choose?”

Leslie raised her hand and threaded her fingers through the hair at the base of his neck. “You. I’ll always choose you.”

“Now that’s a good answer.” He pressed a sweet kiss to her lips. “Does that mean I can have your brisket?”

She smacked him on the chest good-naturedly. “Don’t even think about it.”

Clint laughed as someone sent out a shrill whistle to get everyone’s attention.

Bryce lifted his can of soda. “We have a lot to be thankful for. Weddings,” he tipped the can toward Curtis and Rory, who had gotten married a few weeks prior, “engagements,” another tip toward Clint and Leslie, “and new life.” He motioned toward Danny and Becca with baby Noah. “Goodness knows we’ve all seen a lot of ups and downs, but one thing is certain. This is a family, whether by blood or choice, that I’m proud to be a part of.”

“Hear, hear!”

“Amen to that.”

Everyone clapped and raised their drinks together.

“All right. Brisket and chicken will be coming out any minute now. Have fun, enjoy, and try to save some for me.”With a laugh, Bryce traded his drink for a pair of grill tongs and turned toward the smokers.

Clint held his elbow out, and Leslie slipped her arm through his. They had to walk by the tables of desserts to get in line for the main course. Leslie couldn’t help but scope out the sweets ahead of time.

Clint leaned in closer, his breath tickling her ear. “Okay, so we know where you stand on the brisket and chicken. But if you had to choose between me and chocolate, which would it be?”

She made a show of thinking over the question. Finally, she stuck out her lower lip much like Izzy had done. “I can’t have both?”

That earned her a bark of laughter. “Honey, you can always have both.” He captured her bottom lip in a kiss that made her want to forget the whole meal. This man was everything she’d ever wanted—and she’d get to spend her entire life with him by her side. It couldn’t get much better than that.

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