Page 129 of Durango

Grant grins at me and then turns his attention to Durango. This can’t be good. “So, you’re dating little Willy Wee. Is it serious?”

“Willy Wee?” Durango asks.

“No, you didn’t hear that,” I say.

“I’ll fill you in later,” Grant says.

“No, you won’t.”

Grant shrugs, which means he fully intends to tell Durango about how I got my nickname. Not a story I want to share. “Anyway, little Cruz was excited the entire flight here to meet his aunt.”

Cruz is Grant’s oldest. “I’ve met him,” I say.

My brother stares at the floor. “Yeah, but he was just a baby. He doesn’t remember.”

I can’t help the sob.

Grant frowns. “Why didn’t you come out to visit us? Obviously, you are upset about it.”

“It’s a long story, but now is not the time.”

I will tell my brothers at some point, but not now, not on this trip. No, this trip is about making new memories and enjoying the family I have.

I glance over at Durango. He smiles back nervously. His right hand is in his pocket. He’s been fiddling with something in his pocket since we got here. It’s not like him, and part of me wonders if he is going to propose on this trip.

“I’m going to show Durango around,” I say as I slip my hand into his.

I lead him out to the back patio. Like in previous years, lights are strung up and twinkling. We step to the side of the deck, out of sight of the windows.

“Thank you for doing all that you did. I really appreciate it,” I say.

He pulls me against his body. “I’d do anything for you. I love you, Willow.”

I push up onto my toes and give him a quick kiss. “And I love you, Durango.”

EPILOGUE

Axel

As I approachDurango’s place, I spot Willow and Durango on the porch. Durango is staring at me, subtly shaking his head as he takes a step back. Willow grabs his shirt.

Odd.

Then I spot why. Samantha is at the bottom of the steps.

“Okay, I’ll see you later,” Samantha says.

She turns just as I am coming up the walkway.

I haven’t seen her since we parted ways at her apartment after a weekend of great sex last year. We both agreed that while we had a good time, it wasn’t meant to be. I mean, it was good, but when we talked, we really didn’t share any interests.

“Axel?” Samantha asks.

I step up beside her. “Samantha? It’s good to see you.”

I hold out my hand, and she leans in for a hug.

“Oh,” I laugh before giving her a quick hug. “How have you been?”

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