Page 30 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

F reshly showered and stuffed from Bianca’s pussy, I swing open the front door to greet our family.

I can finally claim them as mine by extension, which will be officially and legally announced when she’s ready.

Our hands are clasped in a secure hold to present us as a cohesive unit.

She doesn’t fight me or try to pull away while I usher her out onto the porch.

My chest expands to the point of bursting with pride.

Brody and Dennis are perched against the railing. Paisley is poking around the property, wandering her way to the barn. There’s a gooseneck trailer hitched to their truck. From the chorus of stomping hooves, I’d say there are three horses itching to be unloaded.

Bianca’s cheeks are a revealing shade of red as she releases me to hug the most important men in her life. “Howdy, y’all. This is unexpected.”

“You invited us,” Brody drawls.

Her backpedaled stride returns her to me. “That’s true, but you didn’t tell me you were coming.”

He points a thumb at Dennis. “Dad did.”

“When you were ten minutes out,” Bianca huffs.

“Paisley wanted it to be a surprise.”

“The phone call was a bit of a shock.” Her legs clench as if recalling what we’ve been busy doing since they last spoke.

“You’re happy we’re here?” Dennis sounds unsure.

Which has his daughter rushing to say, “Yes, of course. Welcome to… our safe house to escape the chaos.” She turns to find my gaze on her. “That’s a mouthful. We need to actually name this place.”

I stoop down to whisper in her ear. “Kinky Ultimatum.”

Her blush darkens. “No.”

A soft chuckle scrapes free from the bowels of my hardened exterior. “You decide, Princess.”

She taps her chin before gasping. “Keller’s Keep.”

Talk about perfection. I bite my bottom lip, dragging the flesh between my teeth. “Are you agreeing to stay and become a Keller?”

“That’s putting several carts in front of the horse, but probably.”

“Bee is safe to come home,” Brody interjects. His steely gaze fastens on me. “If you want to stay out here until the smoke clears, I’ll give you paid leave.”

“She’s not leaving without me,” I inform him.

His nostrils flare. “Care to rephrase that?”

“No.”

Bianca cackles. “Well, how about that? He listens to me now, big brother.”

“About damn time,” he boasts.

She purses her lips into a luxury bow. “You’re not mad?”

“Livid, but can’t fault him. Love fucks with logic.”

Her jaw drops. “Are you saying I’m making him illogical?”

Brody almost grins. “Wouldn’t dare.”

I tug her closer to my side. “Better not.”

“Oh, umm… spoiler alert.” Bianca’s eyes dart to the dumbfounded expressions gawking at us. She straightens her shoulders, lifting our joined palms. “In case you can’t read the room, we’re together now. After much begging and considerate gestures, I convinced Colton to become my boyfriend.”

Brody snorts. “That’s ass backward.”

But Dennis is grinning broadly. “Well, it’s about damn time. Marion and I had placed a bet ages ago to see how long it would take.” He wags a gnarled finger at the sky. “You called it, love.”

“Phew.” Bianca fans her face. “It’s been an emotional start to the day.”

My friend studies his sister’s wet hair, shifting his stare to mine that’s tucked under a cowboy hat. “Did we interrupt something?”

“What?” Bianca’s tone is too pitchy. “No. We were just having a slow start to the morning. Had to speed things along once we knew you were coming.”

The sloppy excuse narrows Brody’s eyes on me. “You’re in a good mood.”

“Can you blame me? The woman of my dreams just claimed me as hers.” I mean, damn. It’s a challenge not to toss her over my shoulder and fuck her with my tongue right now.

A loud gasp interrupts us, drawing our attention to the source. “You’re willingly in a relationship with Colton? That’s not the story you told me yesterday morning, Bee.”

Bianca winces at Paisley’s accusation. “A lot can change in twenty-four hours.”

On cue, Spud trots over from his shady spot under the oak tree. He sniffs the affronted blonde and the upset immediately clears from her expression. Paisley kneels in the grass to welcome him with open arms.

“Who’s this fella?” Her voice transforms into a babble for babies.

“That’s Spud. He’s such a good boy,” Bianca replies in the same tone.

“Like a potato?”

“Mhmm, my favorite food group. Colton named him after he showed up yesterday. We went into town and asked if anyone was missing a dog, but it was a dead end. That means he’s ours.”

“One big happy family, hmm?” Paisley’s stern focus observes me before softening on her friend.

Bianca shrugs and bumps me with her hip. “As it turns out, he’s not so bad.”

The blonde stands and beckons her forward. “Help me unload the horses. The men want to discuss dangerous manly things.”

“Better fill me in later,” Bianca murmurs from the corner of her mouth.

“No more secrets.” And then I swat her ass to send her along her way.

Brody and Dennis appear flabbergasted, their heads swiveling from me to her and back again.

Their astonishment is serenaded by the squeal from the rusty windmill.

It takes a dozen beats of my rapid pulse for the men I admire like idols to collect themselves.

The one I view as a father figure finds his voice first.

“Really didn’t think I’d see the day,” he murmurs.

Brody nods slowly. “She seems to actually like you.”

Doubt snakes through my veins in a lethal dose. “Is that so hard to believe?”

“Yes,” they say in unison.

“Thanks a lot,” I grunt in response.

“It’s not you,” Dennis is quick to clarify. “I’m amazed to see Bianca serious about someone. That isn’t a knock against you, kid. My daughter is very strong-willed. Fiercely independent.”

“No man has ever been good enough,” Brody adds. “But what did I tell you?”

Now they’re looking at me with an openness that’s tough to read. The kindness in their eyes spreads warmth through my chest. Is this acceptance? Or maybe belonging? Fuck, it feels nice. I place a palm over the soothing sensation.

But then my heart gallops faster as I admit, “Just wanna do right by her.”

Dennis claps me on the shoulder. “That much is obvious. You’re keeping her safe and provided a little slice of paradise. What else could she ask for?”

I blow out a harsh breath. “Freedom.”

Brody grimaces. “She’d get herself into trouble with too much of that.”

The accusation widens my stance. “How do you know?”

“I’m her brother,” he states plainly.

“And you still treat her like a wild child.”

He bristles. “Is that what she told you?”

I shrug. “It’s what I’ve observed. Bianca isn’t overly reckless or irresponsible beyond reason. If she ever decides to be, I’ll be there to protect her.”

“You’ll follow her wherever she wants to go,” Dennis says.

“Whether she likes it or not,” I say.

Brody crosses his arms. “As if that’s any better than fencing her in.”

“There’s a difference.”

“Which I’m sure you’ve explained to her.”

My jaw flexes. “We’ve reached an understanding.”

“Okay, boys,” Dennis barks. “Enough of this pissin’ match. We all want what’s best for Bianca. That’s why we’re here.”

The fight drains out of me instantly. My focus shifts to where the women are leading the horses to the barn. All three are saddled, which leads me to assume Luna and Bandit will soon be too.

“What’s with the cargo?” I lift my chin at the scene.

“Bianca mentioned how much fun you had on a trail ride. It’s something we used to do a lot together as a family. Thought we’d join you for the day.” Dennis glances toward the pastures that spread far and wide.

That comforting buzz fills me again. “Appreciate you making the drive.”

He chuckles. “Don’t thank me. It was overdue. I haven’t spent much time away from home since Brody sent me on the road with Jimmy and that was a month ago.”

The guilty party doesn’t appear to be apologetic in the least. “Not a single regret.”

“What about cutting off your sister from her best friend?”

Brody glares at me. “Got something to say?”

“Nah, I’ve made my peace with it.”

“Fuck, she’s turning you against me.” He shakes his head.

I lean back against the house. “Gonna fire me if I choose her over you?”

“Hell no,” he spits. “You’re like a brother to me. If you get Bianca to marry your sorry ass, that’ll make it real. Not about to stand in your way, Colt.”

Dennis hoots. “That’s the spirit.”

Meanwhile, I’m at a loss for words. My mouth moves soundlessly as I struggle. Brody takes pity on me and changes the subject.

“Your father is still in the hospital.”

I exhale the pressure in my lungs. “Any word on when he’ll be released?”

“Rumor has it that his cancer has progressed to the point that he’ll spend the rest of his days right where he is. We don’t have proof that it’s true yet,” Dennis utters.

“Damn.” I scrub a palm over my mouth, digesting that dark news. “I wonder how the crew is handling it.”

My cousins are still involved in his shitty organization. Several others that I used to consider friends are too. Without my father around, they’re left to fend for themselves. But it’s not my problem.

Brody is studying me too closely. “Do you want to see him?”

“No,” I say without hesitation.

“Are you sure? It might haunt you.” His gaze loses focus for a moment. “That’s the type of regret you can’t escape.”

Which undoubtedly has him thinking about his mom. Our situations couldn’t be more different, though. Marion Benson was a saint. Her life ended abruptly, stolen out from under her without warning. My father deserves what’s coming for him.

Not a drop of guilt sinks into my gut over that fact. Maybe I’m a horrible person. Or maybe that goes to show just how detached my father left me.

“I’ve said my goodbyes to him. More than once. That’s all the closure I need.”

Brody adjusts the brim of his hat, tugging it low to shadow his eyes. “Why is he so hell-bent on you replacing him once he’s gone?”

“Not a damn clue. Maybe some strange sense of sentiment. He wants to keep his legacy alive.” The disgust in my voice is evident.

But Dennis nods. “I know a thing or two about that.”

“Don’t compare yourself to him,” I grunt.

His chuckle is dry. “We both take pride in our work and want to pass it down. That’s about all we have in common. I don’t blame you for putting the past to rest before truly burying it. The future you’re building is where your life’s purpose will be born.”

“If she’ll have me,” I mumble.

“You’re a good man, Colton. Bianca is lucky your sights are set so firmly on her. To be loved that loudly is a rare gift.” Dennis ambles toward the stairs. “Enough chit-chat. I want a tour of your land.”

I’m too stunned to move. Brody nudges me along. My boots scuff across the porch as I drift in a daze of unexpected relief.

“You know I was just giving you shit.”

I scoff at the humor in his tone. “Could’ve fooled me.”

Brody hitches his shoulders, not bothered by my mood. “How long are you planning to stay here?”

“Until the threat is eliminated. My father might be on his last leg, but he’s still capable of delivering trouble to our doorstep as a parting gift.” More than that, I want to tell him that this is our home. There’s no reason to leave unless Bianca says so.

He nods as if agreeing to those terms. “I suppose it’s only been a few days.”

My lips twitch. “Miss me, boss?”

“No,” he’s quick to grumble. “But Paisley is pissed that her friend is gone again.”

“Sounds like a you problem.” I have plenty of my own.

Which allows a smirk to crack through my mask of indifference. That’s what Bianca does to me. And thinking about what I’ll do to tame my bratty princess next is too tempting to resist.