Page 133

“I sang at Charlie’s wedding two years ago. He owed me a favor.”

“And you used it on me, instead of asking for a gig at his Nashville bar?” Hawk seemed taken aback by that.

Mason had to agree, since Charlie owned one of the best bars in Nashville where singers would kill to perform. He was also tied to several country-music festivals so it was no small thing for Lyric to use the favor for Hawk.

“We’re more than friends. We’re family.” She smiled brightly up at Hawk and the front door opened.

Aunt Donna gasped when Hawk leaned over and kissed Lyric on the forehead, then smiled at her. His aunt stepped closer to Lyric. “I don’t know how you did it, but thank you. I haven’t seen that smile in so long, I thought he forgot how to do it.” Aunt Donna hugged Lyric so hard she squealed. “Can you work on Lincoln next? He’s far too serious.”

“What about me?” Damon asked, looking like he’d love some of Lyric’s attention.

His mother grinned at him but spoke to Lyric. “That one is full of mischief.”

“My younger sister, as well.”

His aunt hugged Mason next. “Look at you. Happy. Your mom’s in the kitchen desperate to see you. Go.”

Nick and his dad were in the house on the sofa watching a football game. Mason smacked a hand on both their shoulders. “Good to see nothing has changed.”

Nick set his beer down on the coffee table. “Where’s my favorite girl?” He turned to Lyric.

She didn’t miss a beat and teased his brother. “Aria’s at the bar, probably wondering when you’re coming back.”

Nick’s eyes lit with interest. “Did she say that?”

“My lips are sealed.” Lyric did hug Nick, though, then turned to his dad. “It’s so nice to finally see you in person, Noah.”

Mason had done a couple of video calls with his parents so they could meet Lyric and he could catch them up on his life and plans for the future. His parents seemed to love Lyric from the moment they met. Mostly, they liked that he was happy.

Mason shook hands with his uncle Mac, then went to his grandfather, reclining in the chair next to the sofa, and bent and hugged him. His granddad held him for an extra few seconds and whispered in his ear, “Glad you’re back. Missed you, boy.”

Lyric took his grandfather’s outstretched hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

His granddad pulled her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. “Pretty, pretty girl.” He winked at her, flirting, the old buzzard.

Lyric blushed.

Mason pulled her back to his side. “Don’t get any ideas, old man.”

His grandfather chuckled, then yelled at the TV, “That’s holding.”

“Where is she?” His mom, Adeline, burst into the room, arms out, ready to take Lyric in for a hug.

“No love for your favorite son,” Mason grumbled.

She gave him a mock glare. “I’ll get to you.” She turned back to Lyric. “I’m sorry I didn’t come out to greet you, sweetheart. I am so over the moon you’re here.”

“What about me?” Mason complained again, understanding his mom was overjoyed that he had finally brought home someone he planned to make a part of this family. She wanted Lyric to know not only was she welcome, she was appreciated.

His mom rolled her eyes at Lyric. “Men. They think the world revolves around them.”

He knew his mom was teasing and pulled her into his arms. “Don’t I get any love for bringing her home?”

His mom held him close. “Your happiness means everything to me.”

“Hey,” Nick grumbled from the couch.

“I love you both.” Adeline stepped back, then gathered her nephews one at a time into her arms for hugs and kisses on the cheeks. Lincoln, Hawk, and Damon all took their turns, then headed into the kitchen to grab a beer.