Page 25

“I miss the lake.” Her gaze drifted down, picking at her crust. “There was a certain way it smelled right before sunset. Arguably the prettiest spot on your Mama’s property.”

We all agreed and I filed that away. Something in me stirred at the idea of taking her back there. Just the two of us. No distractions. My cock stirred as well.

“Welp…” Dawson tipped his beer up and finished it off. “It’s getting late. I hate to keep you two lovebirds from getting to bed. Best get this clunker down in the basement checked out. See what we’re dealing with. ”

Lacey flushed red and hung back watching the activity while the guys spread out. Lawson knocked on the ancient thermostatlike it owed him money. Grayson had a flashlight in his mouth inspecting the vents. Dawson stood at the top of the basement stairs. "If I don’t come back, give Mama my love.”

Lacey and I exchanged a glance. “I forgot how fun your brothers are. You’re very lucky to have such an amazing family.”

“They can be a handful.” I shoved my hands in my pockets and leaned back against the basement doorframe. “Sorry about their inquisition.”

“It’s fine?—”

Before she could say more, Dawson called up. “Uh. Hud? Better get down here.”

A half an hour later, we delivered the news to Lacey.

“The old unit is completely fried, like no hope whatsoever of fixing it,” Dawson delivered the bad news. Her shoulders drooped at that.

“The problem ties back to the electric panel. I’m concerned this entire house could be a fire hazard. Last thing you need is to lose this place to an electrical fire, Lace.” I eyed Dawson, who’d agreed with me downstairs. Then I put my foot down. “There’s no way you’re spending another night here until this gets fixed.”

Lacey’s horror-stricken face fell into her hands. “Oh no. And Mom lived like this? What kind of daughter am I that I just left her here and lived thousands of miles away?”

“Hey, Lace, come here.” Yes I took full advantage of the situation to bring her into my arms and console her. She fit perfectly under my chin and I kissed the top of her forehead. “We’re here for you, and we have a plan.”

Dawson explained, “We’ve all been investing in older homes and fixing them up, then either renting them out or selling them. In one, I just installed a new unit, but in my workshop I was able to refurbish the old. It’s in good enough shape. At least it will get you by for now until you can get a new one.”

Her eyes widened and she parted from me.. “You’re serious?”

“Yep. I’ll bring it by tomorrow, install it with Hudson’s help.”

“And I’ll call in a buddy of Branson’s, a fellow officer who does electrical work on the side who owes me a favor. He can tackle that electrical panel,” I filled in with the rest of the good news.

“I don’t know what to say.” She peered up at me with hope in her eyes returning.

“Say you’ll make us some sweet tea while we work tomorrow. That’s enough.” Dawson said, grinning.

“You Goodson boys drive a hard bargain. It’s a deal.”

A few minutes later, the guys filed out the door, leaving with all the tools and things they’d brought in.

Grayson peeked at Lacey from under his mop of hair with shy sincerity. “I’m glad you’re back. And I’m glad you’re putting a smile on this guy’s face.” He slugged my shoulder.

Lacey blinked. “Right. Thanks, Grayson. That means a lot.”

He ducked his head as he followed the others out.

She and I stepped out onto the porch into the warm night air and waved them off. The fireflies danced on her lawn, the breeze rustled the trees, and from somewhere far off, a dog barked.

“It’s not much cooler out here than in the house,” she said, fanning herself then tugging her ponytail tighter. “Be a night for sleeping with nothing on.”

I cleared my throat, hesitating a second too long on that image of her. “Listen, Dawson won’t be back until tomorrow. And there’s no way I’ll let you stay the night here in this fire hazard?—”

“I’ll be fine,” she cut me off, insisting.

“Just let me finish. I had a thought.”

She arched a brow.