Page 137 of 11 Cowboys

“I never wanted to leave, Cody,” I admit. “Deep down, I knew what I wanted, but didn’t feel like I could admit it. I was too wrapped up in my life and my fears. But I’m not anymore.”

His grin is boyish, and that softness—that real sweetness that’s all Cody—makes me feel like my ribs are cracking open in the best way.

“I knew you were brave, Grace,” he says, more serious now. “But coming back after everything? To take on this life? You’ve got more guts than all of us put together. I need you to know that.”

“Thank you,” I say, barely above a whisper.

A knock at the door pulls us both back to the moment.

“Don’t shoot,” comes Brody’s voice through the wood. “I’ve got breakfast.”

Cody chuckles. “We’re decent.”

The door opens, and Brody steps in, tray balanced in his hands, but his eyes go straight to mine. His jaw softens, and he walks over, smiling. His usually guarded expression is warm and open.

“Morning,” he says, voice low and affectionate. “Did you sleep?”

“Yeah,” I murmur, and I mean it. Last night, after their sweet welcome home, they tucked back into my bed and urged me to get a good night’s sleep. “Thanks to all of you.”

He leans down and brushes his lips over my forehead, slowly and reverently. It’s a kiss that feels like home. Then he presses one to my temple and one to my cheek before setting the tray down on the counter. “Made your favorite.”

My throat tightens. “Thank you.”

He sets the tray on the counter with zero fanfare, but I catch the way his eyes flick to the water like he’s hoping he’ll catch a look. Too bad Cody insisted on fluffing up so manybubbles.

“You didn’t have to. I would have come down.”

“I wanted to,” he says gruffly, but there’s a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth now. “Eat before the coffee gets cold.”

Before he steps out, he reaches for my hand under the bubbles and gives it a firm, warm squeeze. “You good?”

I nod. “More than I thought I could be.”

He nods back and then leaves, closing the door behind him with consideration that makes my heart flutter all over again.

When he’s gone, Cody lifts the tray and sets it gently across the edge of the tub. “You heard the man.”

I pick up the fork, but before I take a bite, I look up at Cody.

“I’m guessing this is a one-off, right? Breakfast in the bath at eight a.m.?”

“You’re guessing correctly, unless it’s a deal breaker, of course. We can stretch to birthdays and Christmas. Maybe Thanksgiving and Easter.”

“Birthday would be awesome. A new tradition.” I smile.

“I can get behind that idea,” he says. “Especially as there’s over three hundred and sixty days to go.”

I splash him with bubbles, and he almost falls off the edge of the bath, laughing.

And suddenly, I realized that this could be my life. Happiness. Laughter. Eleven men to support me. If we can make it work.

These men aren’t quitters. They’ve proven that.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I have the love I’ve always craved.

I couldn’t be happier.

***