Page 88 of The Brothers at Horseshoe Ranch

“I’m heavy, you can’t keep running with me. We’re both going to fall.”

“You’re as light as a feather, Lucy, my love.”

He eventually reached the other two and Beau and Olivia looked at me in surprise. Beau blinked as Austin putting me down.

“What’s going on, guys?”

“Nothing much,” Austin said. “I was just telling Lucy how much I like her.

“What?” Beau looked at me and then his brother. “I don’t understand.”

“What don’t you understand?” Austin raised his eyebrows at his brother, then pulled me into his arms and kissed me hard. I kissed him back and then pulled away, flustered. I looked at Beau and Olivia. Olivia was grinning at me, but Beau just looked confused.

“This wasn’t exactly how I’d planned on telling you, Beau,” I said, “but Austin and I kind of have a connection, and—”

“I see.” Beau blinked, looking like he didn’t know what to say. Austin cleared his throat.

“Look, brother, I’m pretty sure you know this, but Lucy is not a good match for you. And you should be thanking me because you guys would not have been the perfect couple. Lucy is perfect for me in every way. And so, she’s mine and that’s all there is to it.

“Okay, then.” Beau nodded slowly. “So, you guys are together or what?”

“Isn’t it clear?” Austin said. “Yes. We’re dating.”

“And Mom knows?” Beau asked.

“We’re going to tell her later.”

“Okay, I think you better tell her soon,” Beau grinned, “Because Mom pulled out her wedding dress this morning. And I heard her telling Dad that she thinks it’s going to fit Lucy perfectly.”

“Oh, my gosh!” My face felt like it was on fire. “Oh no, this is a hot mess. I feel horrible. How am I going to tell her that it didn’t work out? She really, really wanted us to get married.” Beau looked away from me. “You’re not hurt, are you Beau? Or upset?” He turned to face me, then shook his head.

“I’m not upset at all. You’re a beautiful lady, Lucy, but we didn’t have that spark.” A wide smile crossed his face. “And now I know why. I guess you had it with my little brother.”

“Yeah, she does,” Austin said. “So don’t worry about it.”

“I’m not worried about it. I think you guys should just tell Mom when we get back because I have a feeling that she’s going to have a lot to say.”

“Well, she can say whatever she wants.” Austin shrugged. “I mean, I know she has the best intentions for all of us, and I know she wanted you two to be together, but does it really matter if Lucy is with you or if she’s with me?” He grimaced. “Sorry. I didn’t mean that how it came out.”

“No, it’s okay. I understand what you mean.” I rubbed his shoulder.

“I’m just so glad that we can be open and honest with everyone now. I’m sorry, Beau. It’s just that Austin and I, we’ve had a connection from the very first time we met.”

“Yep. Lucy fell for me as soon as she saw my big, gorgeous green eyes.”

“Whatever, Austin,” I laughed. “You’re so full of yourself.”

“Maybe,” he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. And then he whispered in my ear, “But I’d like you to be full of me more than that.”

I blushed and shook my head. “You’re absolutely crazy.”

“What? You know I want you.”

“I know you want me, but your brother is right there. And so is Olivia.”

“What are you guys whispering about?” Beau said, chuckling. “I can’t hear a word you’re saying.”

“I don’t think Lucy would want you to hear what I was saying,” Austin said with a laugh. “Would you, Lucy?”

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