Page 17 of The Cattleman’s Unforgettable Love: Ford and Amelia (MacFarland Ranch #11)

The bar was already crowded, and Ford came to stand beside her.

She couldn't help smiling when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and drew her close to his side.

"Are you okay with this?" he asked as he looked down at her.

"It can get a bit rowdy in here. I don't want anyone stepping on you. You're such a little thing."

She laughed and slapped his arm. "I'm not so little. I told you that before."

"You are to me," he said with a smile. "But I guess the point is, do you mind?"

She shook her head rapidly. "I don't mind at all. In fact, I kind of like it," she added as she slid her arm around his waist. "I'm not saying that I can't battle my way through a crowd, but it'll be nice to not need to. I'll just let you tow me along in your wake."

He frowned. "I'm not going to tow you – we're going through together."

"Even better," she said.

And it was. Not only was Ford a big guy who people tended to get out of the way for, but many of them seemed to know him. They greeted him with smiles and nods – and many of them with open curiosity.

She'd already decided that she'd have to ask Sierra if he dated much, but the impression she got from people's reactions to seeing her with him was that it wasn't a common occurrence.

He tightened his arm around her shoulders at the same moment that she spotted Sierra waving at her.

He chuckled. "I was going to ask if you'd seen them, but Sierra just answered that one. What do you want to drink? And do you want me to give you some time with your girl?"

"I'd love a beer, please," she said, tightening her arm around his waist. "But I can catch up with Sierra in a little while.

" She looked into his eyes and winked. "If you don't mind me going all territorial, I feel like we should make a statement first and make sure that people know that we're here together. "

She loved the way he smiled back and loved his words even more. "Damn, girl. I'm glad you said that. I was thinking along the same lines, but I wouldn't have dared to come out with it."

"Why not?"

He shrugged. "I feel like you staking a claim on me is cute, but if I did it, I'd come across as... I don't know, domineering or something."

"I don't think so," she told him honestly. "That's not who you are, is it?"

"No, it really isn't. But if ever I come across that way to you – and to be clear, you're the only one who matters – I need you to let me know, okay?"

"Don't worry," she said with a laugh. "I will."

He laughed with her. "Good. Glad we're clear on that. So, what do you say? Shall we go do this?"

When they reached his siblings and their partners, including Sierra, Amelia was surprised by the range of reactions.

Laney, Janey, and Frankie all gave them knowing smiles.

His brothers, Tyler, and Tanner, looked shocked but happy.

Wade was grinning from ear to ear. Kolby smiled at her and gave her a small nod, and his wife, Callie, who was standing beside him, looked at Ford before looking back at Amelia and grinning.

Out of all the women, Tanner's wife, Everly, looked the least happy to see them together, while Ty's fiancée, Shayna, was her usual smiley self.

Ford looked around at them all and asked, "Well, who's got something to say? We might as well get it over with."

Wade smiled at Amelia as he grasped Ford's shoulder. "I'll be happy to go first. And all I have to say is, I like it. This is awesome, guys."

Sierra grinned at Amelia and nodded her agreement.

Tanner shook his head with a smile and said, "I'll second that. I'm happy to see you guys out together."

Ty punched Ford's arm. "Me too."

Everyone else murmured their agreement, and Amelia was a little surprised to not meet more resistance.

She glanced over at Laney, who nodded slowly and said, "I want to be happy, but I'll be keeping my eye on you, lady."

Ford turned to scowl at her, but Laney shrugged defiantly. "You're not the only one who can be protective in this family," she told him.

And Frankie nodded beside her. "Come on, Ford. You gave everyone else a hard time in the beginning."

Amelia was surprised to see Janey step forward. She seemed to be the quietest of them, usually. She reached out and touched Ford's arm. "It's true and you know it, Ford." She turned to Amelia. "I hope you understand."

"Of course I do," she looked around at them. "I get it. You all want to look out for him. You don't really know me yet, so you can't be sure. But I promise you, I won't mess him around."

Sierra stepped up beside her, and Amelia loved her for it. "For what it's worth," she told the others, "I can vouch for Amelia. She's honest and loyal, and the best friend I've ever had."

Kolby smiled at Ford. "How does it feel to be talked about like a helpless little thing who can't look out for himself?"

Amelia looked up at him, curious what he might say.

She was surprised when he shrugged happily and said, "Never thought I'd find myself in this position, but honestly, I kind of like it.

" He smiled down at her before looking around at the others.

"I mean, this is only our first date, but it's good to know that you guys care enough to stick your noses in.

But are we done now? Can I get us a drink? "

The others all laughed and murmured their agreement. Sierra came to Amelia. "Want to come for a chat?" she asked.

All the hairs on Amelia's neck stood up when Ford leaned in to speak into her ear on her other side. "You go chat with your friend; I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here. I'll have that beer waiting when you come back. Are you okay?"

"I am. I'm good. Are you?"

He chuckled. "Yeah. And I'll take the chance to answer my brothers' questions."

She laughed. "I love that they're all looking out for you like this. Although, what exactly they think I could do to you, I don't know."

She was surprised that rather than laughing with her, he looked serious.

"What?" she asked.

He shook his head.

"I thought we weren't going to hide things from each other."

"Okay. I'll say it, but I don't know if you'll want to hear it." She held her breath, wondering what was coming. "I reckon they can see what I've already figured out for myself."

"What's that?" she asked.

"That you could break my heart if I'm not careful."

She didn't know what to say, so she simply stared at him until he smiled. "Told you that you might not want to hear it. Go on. Sierra's waiting for you. I'll be here when you get back."