“I heard it was the magic of the inn that brought you two together,” Charlotte said, hugging Nick. She looked pretty in tan shorts and a breezy blue top, her long dark hair falling in natural waves down her back. “Beau said you two are going to do the long-distance thing. Lucky for you, the magic of the inn never wears off.”
“I can vouch for that,” Carly said as Trixie was passed from one brother’s arms to the next.
“They don’t need magic. Their auras are red hot,” Morgyn said. “I’m talking, back up, people, because you’re about to get burned.”
“Passion does kind of radiate off them, doesn’t it?” Charlotte said.
“So, you’re responsible for this intrusion?” Nick teased, embracing his mother.
Her brow wrinkled, but she was smiling from ear to ear. “I’m afraid so.”
His father clapped a hand on his back and said, “Son, the second she hung up the phone with you about the barbecue, the Braden hotline was buzzing.”
“I bet it was,” Nick said, reaching for Trixie. “Thanks for calling everyone, Mom. It’s a nice surprise, seeing their ugly mugs all in one place.”
“I don’t know who you’re calling ugly, but I’m the hot brother,” Zev said. “Just ask my girl.”
“I think it’s fair to say all of you are good-looking,” Charlotte said. “But Beau definitely has an extra something special about him. Not that I’m biased or anything.”
“You clearly haven’t spent time with Zevy,” Carly said.
“Zev?” Morgyn, looking earthy and pretty in a purple tie-dyed sundress, motioned to Graham. “My husband is smart, sexy, and talented, if you get my drift.”
“You don’t know talent until you’ve been with a treasure hunter. He finds all the best hidden spots,” Carly chimed in.
“Yeah, well, builders are never without wood,” Charlotte said. “Just sayin’.”
“Excuse me, but have you met my cowboy?” Trixie chimed in. “No offense or anything, but the size of the stallion does matter. Look at him. Big, buff, and bullheaded, and he knows how to use it in all the right ways.”
Everyone laughed.
“Oh my goodness.” Their mother laughed. “You girls are a hoot.”
“Hey, Nick, I see you picked a girlfriend who would inflate your ego,” Zev teased, earning a high five from Graham.
Nick reached for his belt. “You want proof?”
His father threw up his hands. “Whoa. Stop right there. We don’t need to see proof of anything.”
“Says the man who gave each of you those attributes,” their mother chimed in.
“Ew, Mom! Stop!” all four brothers said in unison, sparking a slew of comments and jokes that had everyone laughing.
“We’re here!” Jillian hollered as she and Jax came into the backyard. She held up two bags. “I brought unicorn wings and horns!”
Trixie cheered and ran to Jillian.
“I didn’t know we were getting kinky!” Zev shouted. “Let’s get this party started!”
Nick had missed being with his whole family like this, and it was a billion times better with his snarky, sexy girl right there in the middle of it.
MUSIC FROM THE stereo streamed out the open windows later that evening to the patio where the get-together was in full swing. Walt and Irene sat by the firepit talking with Nick’s parents, and hell if Trixie hadn’t been right. Walt looked happier than Nick had ever seen him. Travis was talking with Nash and Beau on the lawn, where Flip and April were playing with the dogs. Graham and Morgyn were smooching by the table, and Zev and Carly hadn’t let go of each other all night as they mingled with everyone. It was great to see everyone so happy. His eyes found Trixie, laughing with Jillian, Tempest, and Charlotte at the edge of the patio.
Trixie was the perfect hostess, flitting from one group to the next, making sure everyone had enough to eat and drink. She stole glances at Nick, blew him kisses, and of course he had to collect on the real thing in between hostess stops. She stepped away from the girls and pointed up at the twinkling lights, wiggling her shoulders in a little happy dance and mouthing, Thank you! She was right about the lights, too. They made the evening feel more festive. She motioned to Walt and Irene and gave Nick a thumbs-up, then blew him a kiss and went to sit with them, immediately joining their conversation.
Jax came out of the house with a fresh beer in his hand. He’d been quiet tonight and seemed distracted. “Hey, Jax. You okay?”
“Yeah.” Jax took a drink.
“That’s your third beer.”
“I didn’t know I had a babysitter.”
“Just making sure you’re cool.”
“Thanks. I rode over with Jilly so I wouldn’t have to drive home.” Jax took another drink, watching Nick intently. “You really like Trixie, don’t you?”
“That yard full of people is your answer. Do you blame me? Look at her. She’s comfortable in her own skin, and she cares so damn much about everyone else’s happiness. And that smile.” He shook his head. “I swear her smile does me in, Jax.”
“I saw that when she gushed over the unicorn wings and horns Jilly made for her horses. I swear you had the goofiest look on your face.”
“I bet I did.”
Trixie had taken everyone through the mock hospital room in the basement and down to the barn to meet her horses. She was bursting with joy as she told them about the business cards Nick had given her, and her website, and all the appointments she had scheduled for the coming weeks. While they were in the barn, his bright-eyed girl had suggested they all take a trail ride tomorrow before she had to leave. Everyone except Jillian and Jax were game. As much as Nick loved the idea of spending more time with his family, he had so little left with Trixie, he felt it slipping away.
“She makes me think about weird shit, Jax. She was playing with Flip and April earlier. She’s a natural with kids. For the first time in my life, I thought about how great it might be to have a family one day. I’ve never wanted that before.”
“What’d you do, trade in your balls for ovaries?”
Nick glowered at him. “What’s going on with you? You’re never like this.”
“Shit. Sorry, Nick. That was a dick comment. I’m happy for you. I, on the other hand, am a bit messed up at the moment.”
“From two and a half beers? That’s not like you.”
“Not fucked up. Messed up. I met someone. She’s smart, interesting, and she’s got the most beautiful laugh I’ve ever heard.”
“That’s great. If you’ve got a date and need to leave, it’s no sweat off my back. I appreciate you coming by.”
Jax scoffed. “I wish. She’s not exactly available.”
“She’s not married, is she?”
“Not yet.” Jax guzzled his beer.
“Aw, hell, Jax. Are you kidding? A bride? You know better than that.”
“Yeah, well. I can’t help it if sparks fly with the wrong person. But don’t worry. She’s not hiring me to do her wedding gown, so it’s not like I’ll ever see her again.” He held up his beer. “Now I’m just trying to forget her.”