Page 73 of Bad Boys After Dark - Brett
She watched him now, moonlight kissing his handsome face as he sat on the patio talking with her family, and she swelled with love for him. She’d gone out with her mother, Nana, and Lindsay to pick up a few things from the grocery store, and when they’d returned, the three men were just coming up from the barn. Brett had helped replace the old, rusted locks with new ones. He’d pitched in all afternoon and evening. He’d helped set the table and barbecue dinner and had helped clean up afterward. He and her father had even done a security check on the house. Brett was not pleased that they didn’t have motion-sensor lights and planned to install them while they were in town. He even told Poppi they would help him on the farm tomorrow. Sophie wondered if he had any idea what that really meant. The thought of Brett mucking stalls brought a smile.
“You have that Hallmark look in your eyes,” Lindsay said as she came out the patio doors with a glass of wine.
“I’m wondering how many stars had to align for me not to get burned when I jumped in with Brett on a hope and a prayer.” She had never realized how all-consuming love could be, but he had taken up residence in her mind and in her heart.
“I don’t know, but everyone loves him. Nana’s practically planning your wedding. She said I should ask you what kind of theme you want, as if I haven’t been taking notes for the last twenty-five years.”
“You won’t believe this, but things are so good, marriage isn’t on my mind. I want tomorrow, and next week, next year…But I don’t care if there’s a ring on my finger or not. I love him, Linds. I really, truly love him.”
Lindsay gazed at Brett with her brows knitted. “I’m not a marriage girl, but I want that for you, because you are one. But”—her voice rose with the hint of a tease—“I took some great pictures of you guys and of Brett with the rest of the family, in case you scare him off with your dreams of forever.”
“That was thoughtful of you. Not,” Sophie said to the sister she’d loved, protected, and had gone head-to-head with her whole life. They thought differently and they wanted different things out of life, but when Sophie was talking with Brett last night about his family, she realized that none of that really mattered. What mattered was that they had each other. Period. She knew the pictures were Lindsay’s way of supporting her love for Brett. “That was thoughtful of you, Linds. Too bad there’s no room on the wall for more pictures.”
“You never know. I do know how to use a screwdriver.” Lindsay patted Sophie’s shoulder and said, “I’ve got your back.”
“Maybe you could have used that screwdriver five years ago.”
Brett looked over from his perch on the chair across from Poppi. His gaze moved slowly down the short dress Sophie had changed into all the way to the tips of her cowgirl boots, leaving a trail of fire in his wake. He reached a hand in her direction with an alluring look in his eyes.
Sophie lowered her voice as they went to join the others and said, “I wish everyone would go to bed already. I want some time alone with Brett.”
Lindsay guzzled her drink as Brett pulled Sophie down onto his lap.
“I missed you,” he said, warming her all the way to her toes.
Lindsay feigned a yawn and looked at her watch. “It’s after eleven. I have to go to bed. I have a long drive tomorrow.” She bent to kiss their mother’s cheek, and Sophie caught wind of whispers.
“Oh, goodness, it is late. We have to work in the morning,” her mother said as she shot an encouraging glance to Nana. She got up and reached for Sophie’s father’s hand. “Come on, honey. The alarm goes off mighty early.”
Thank you, Lindsay. Sophie and Brett got up to say good night.
Poppi pulled Brett into an embrace and said something too quietly for Sophie to make out. She liked that they had their secrets.
Nana hugged Lindsay, then Sophie, and whispered, “Maybe you should play around out here so you don’t keep your mama up all night.”
We all have our secrets. Sophie hugged her harder, thankful for who she was, no filter and all. She’d welcomed Brett into their lives without question, even knowing about his playerlike past. “I love you, Nana. Thank you for teaching me about love.”
