Page 71 of Almost Beautiful (Beautiful 3)

They were either fighting, hugging, wrestling, defending, or insulting one another. It was adorable.

I had the family I’d always wanted.

Trenton ignored Travis’s jab, looking to me. “She really likes you, Abby. She wants you to like her.”

“I do,” I lied.

In truth, I didn’t care for Camille and never had, even when she was just Travis’s favorite bartender at The Red. I could never put my finger on what it was that rubbed me the wrong way, but even if she hadn’t been behind the wheel when my brother-in-law was hurt, she’d been dating Thomas and Trenton at the same time. That would have been the nail in the coffin for me had Travis not forced me to talk it out at his birthday party.

“She’s been through a lot. You can understand that. Cut her some slack,” Trenton said.

“I know,” I said. “I’m sorry, I’m trying. I really am, Trent. I know you love her and that’s enough for me.”

Travis reached over my lap and patted my outer thigh. His hand slapped against my skin, and he rubbed the spot he’d slapped, just in case it was too hard. He was a big guy and getting bigger every time he went to work. He acted like every time he touched me he might hurt me.

I chuckled.

“What?” Travis asked.

“I won’t break, no matter how big your muscles get.”

“I was going to say! Damn, son!” Trenton took a handful of Travis’s bicep and squeezed. “You’re getting fat!”

“Fat,” Travis repeated. “That’s all muscle, ball sack. You jealous?” he asked, flexing his arm. His upper arm grew so big and so tight, Trenton couldn’t keep his grip. It wasn’t until that moment, I realized exactly how much bigger Travis had gotten in just a few weeks.

“Pussy,” Trenton grumbled, leaning back.

“On that note,” I stood, adjusting my shorts. “We should go. Do you need anything Trent? Is Cami bringing dinner or …?”

“I’ve got dinner,” he said, waving us away. “Actually, she made me some frozen meals. I’m not sure I can eat it all. Poor thing. She’s dotes on me like I’m an invalid.”

“You kind of are,” Travis teased.

“Seriously, no one has ever taken care of me like she does. She’s already researching the best physical therapy methods, takes me to all my doc appointments and sits there soaking up every word the guy says. Asks questions, cooks me three meals a day and all while she’s healing, too.”

He looked so proud, and so desperate for me to approve, I allowed a small smile. “That’s really sweet.” I leaned over to kiss him on the forehead, and then I followed Travis out the door and down the steps.

Once we climbed inside the car, Travis jammed the keys in the ignition, twisting until the car rumbled to life. He sat back and sighed, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

“You miss riding your bike everywhere, don’t you? We can take it. I don’t mind. I miss it, too.”

He made a face. “I just wish you’d forget about the whole Cami driving upset thing, and the Tommy thing, and let her start over.”

I was taken aback. I wasn’t used to being on the wrong end of things, and this was twice in as many months. I also wasn’t used to Travis not trusting my intuition, but he was right. Camille was family. That aggravated me even more.

“You’ve always liked her,” I said, watching the young couple waiting as their Yorkie took a crap next to Trenton’s steps. “I just … haven’t.”

“She’s going to be your sister-in-law one of these days. You’ve got to iron out whatever it is. Trenton’s in love with her. You’ve gotta talk to her.”

“I don’t want to. I don’t think she’s going to be around that long.”

“Really?” Travis asked. “What makes you say that?”

“I think she’ll either move to California, or she’ll find someone else. She’s the type.”

Travis shook his head. “Don’t say that, Pidge. It’d break Trenton’s heart. And Tommy wouldn’t take her back, anyway. He loves Trent too much.”

“Not enough to stay away from her in the first place. Make no mistake. I’m pissed at him, too.”