Grace looked at Hope, studying her. “Y’all wanna help?”
Grace wasn’t sure why she was so shocked. Her sisters had actually accepted the fact that Gracie was dating Lane and Grant rather easily. Oh, she’d been bombarded with questions, especially from Faith, who just couldn’t fathom how that worked.
“Why not? We didn’t have anything better to do,” Hope lied.
Grace knew that there was always something to do at the ranch, especially now with the holiday festivities underway. And she wasn’t just referring to the Halloween spectacle, either. They were gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well.
Grace just wanted to get through October first. Then she’d worry about the rest of the year.
Glancing up at the sound of more tires crunching on gravel, Grace noticed her father pulling up in his SUV, Jan riding shotgun.
“Is this a family reunion of some sort?” Lane asked as he came to stand beside Grace.
“I had no idea they were comin’, but I’m not gonna complain if they wanna help y’all move your stuff in.”
Lane placed his arm around Grace’s shoulders, pulling her to his side at the same time Grant walked up to her other side. Grant slipped his hand into hers, twining their fingers together as the three of them watched her father approach. Her sisters had stopped moving, too, and Grace wondered if they were thinking the same thing she was: Is this the part where he tells them that he’ll break their legs if they hurt her?
“What’s everyone standin’ around for?” Jerry asked, carrying a plastic sack in one hand and a brown paper bag in the other. “The faster y’all get that thing unloaded, the sooner we can eat.”
Grace grinned back at him. “I’m with you, Dad. What’re y’all standin’ around for?” she asked Lane and Grant.
A chorus of laughter erupted, and then everyone started talking at once, Faith, Trinity, and Mercy following Grant and Lane back to the truck while Jerry and Jan remained with her, along with Hope and Maddie.
“We brought food, in case you couldn’t tell,” Jan added with a beautiful smile.
Grace was happy she was there. In the last few weeks, they’d seen a lot more of Jan. She came to Sunday dinner occasionally, but not as often as Jerry would like mainly because Mercy was still being a royal pain in the ass where Jan was concerned. Grace didn’t know what Mercy’s deal was, but she’d effectively managed to isolate herself from everyone.
No matter what Grace tried to tell her, she couldn’t get Mercy to open up. She just prayed that one day Mercy would come around. But they weren’t willing to beg her. Well, at least no one but Cody, it seemed.
“Good grief, man. Next time you move, I ain’t helpin’,” Lane teased Grant as they made their way up the steps.
“This is the last of it,” Faith called out as she stopped beside them. “What are y’all waitin’ on?”
The rest of them turned, with Grace leading the way inside. Once there, she heard the screen door slam shut, followed by her father saying, “So, when are y’all gonna make an honest woman outta my Gracie?”
Oh, Lord.
Acknowledgments
As always, I couldn’t do this without the incredible support from my family. The fact that you are all on this journey with me makes it that much more incredible. Thank you!
I’d like to thank all of the blogs who’ve supported me in my endeavors. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. I could never list all of the names because I know without a doubt that I’d miss some. But you know who you are. Colt and I are forever indebted to you.
Nicole Nation 2.0 – Ladies, I have to tell you that as I continue to go along, and the more time I find myself lacking, I have to say thank you for your understanding. Y’all lift my spirits and keep me motivated. As I’ve said many times, your support is humbling. I love you all!
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their three kids, and four rambunctious dogs. When she’s not writing about sexy alpha males, Nicole can often be found with her Kindle in hand or making an attempt to keep the dogs happy. You can find her hanging out on Facebook and interacting with her readers - even when she’s supposed to be writing.
By Nicole Edwards
The Alluring Indulgence Series
Kaleb
Zane
Holidays with the Walker Brothers
Ethan
Braydon
The Club Destiny Series
Conviction
Temptation
Addicted
Seduction
Infatuation
Captivated
Devotion
Perception
Entrusted
The Dead Heat Ranch Series
Boots Optional
Betting on Grace
The Devil’s Bend Series
Chasing Dreams
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