Page 31 of Where We Bloom (The Blackwells of Montana #3)

Chapter Seventeen

CONNOR

“ S he’s a headstrong girl,” Brandon, Billie’s da, says as we walk down the driveway. He asked me to join him on a wee walk, and I knew something like this was coming.

Especially after the way my angel kissed me in front of her family and staked her claim. For so many years, I’ve hated when people have ostensibly staked their claim on me. It’s always been for an agenda or to propel the other person’s status.

Not this time.

Billie Blackwell showed her entire family that I’m hers. I honestly wasn’t sure she’d ever get to the same point that I’m at, so I’m floored. I love this gorgeous woman.

I also almost hauled her off to the closest bedroom so I could fucking devour her.

“She’s a woman, not a girl,” I reply, and Brandon nods slowly next to me. “I mean no disrespect when I say that, sir.”

“None taken,” he replies. “You’re right.

She’s going to be twenty-eight soon. She’s not a girl.

But she’s my girl. And even though I appreciate the fancy ride home and the chance to see my family, I’m still going to put you on the spot and ask you what you feel for her.

It must be strong if you’re sending your jet off to pick up her folks. ”

I shove my hand through my hair and take a deep breath, enjoying the scent of pine and wildflowers hanging in the air. “I’ve never known anyone like Billie Blackwell, and that’s the truth. Yes, she’s stubborn. So bloody stubborn.”

He smirks at that and claps me on the shoulder.

“The best ones always are, son.”

“But she’s also sweet and kind. Smart as hell. Knows her mind when it comes to business, and it’s proud I am that she’s made such a success out of her bookshop.”

“And do you love her?”

My jaw firm, I stop walking and turn to face him.

“Listen,” he says as he rubs his hand over his mouth.

“I don’t really care about the age thing.

You’re both adults. I don’t give two shits about your money.

Our family does fine, and Billie’s doing her own thing, like you said.

But my girl is softer than she lets on to anyone.

She’s strong and determined, and doesn’t show weakness often, but she’s a softhearted person, so if she’s just a good time for now until you find someone else who catches your attention, well, I’m going to tell you here and now that I’m not okay with that. I don’t care what your last name is.”

I see where his sons get their integrity. It also affirms my respect for this man and how he’s raised his family.

“No, she’s not a distraction or a good time for now.

Christ.” I push my hand through my hair again.

“It’s not that I have an issue admitting how I feel about your daughter, but I haven’t even told her yet, and I think, out of respect for her and our relationship, I’d like to have that conversation with Billie first.”

He narrows his eyes on me and nods, looking down at the ground.

“That’s fair. And it tells me everything I need to know.

Now, we’d better go make sure they’re not overcooking those burgers.

Blake’s amazing in the kitchen, but he’s not great at the grill.

Although I’ll deny I said that if you ever tell him. ”

My phone rings, and Brandon nods.

“You take that. I’ll see you over there.”

He wanders over to the house, and I answer the call.

“Christ Jesus, it’s Sunday. Don’t you ever take a bloody day off?”

Ronan scoffs in my ear. “I take as many days off as you do, boyo. We need you in New York late this week. There’s a meeting regarding the new boutique hotel in Manhattan, and I’d feel better about it if you were there.”

I start to argue but then pause.

I’m planning a trip with my angel anyway. I’ll extend it and show her New York. Take her shopping and to a show.

Because I’m not going anywhere without her .

“Aye, okay. I can do that. Send me the details.”

I end the call and walk to the house, finding all of the brothers, plus Holden and Brandon, on the deck, hovering around the barbecue the way American men seem to do. But in the middle of them is my angel, holding a beer and laughing with them.

“How’s business?” Brandon asks her, and everyone turns their attention to her. They’re truly interested, not simply humoring her, and I love the way Billie squares her shoulders at the question, like the boss she is.

Good fucking girl.

“It’s really great,” she says. “I just promoted Emily to general manager of the store, with Tiffany the assistant manager, and I hired four new employees, one of whom is going to kill it with our online sales.”

Good. This means she’ll be able to leave for a little while and not worry about the business running fine without her.

“I’ve started working with publishers and PR companies on in-store signings, and I’d love to find some graphic designers to start offering special editions that readers can only get from our store. Incorporate it into our monthly book club, and then I could eventually include an online book club.”

She’s so bloody smart. Billie turns me on in every way, always. But when she’s in boss mode, she slays me. Intellectually. Physically. She’s lucky she’s surrounded by her brothers at a family event right now, or I wouldn’t be keeping my hands to myself.

Today, she’s in those jeans that show off her sexy arse, and a tank top, showcasing her strong shoulders. Her hair is up in a thick ponytail, just begging for me to wrap it in my fist. Her makeup is simple and flawless despite being out all day with the horses.

And now she’s talking business, and I’ve never wanted her more.

Her father asked me if I loved her. Fuck, yes, I love every inch of her. Every bit of her. I can’t breathe unless I’m with her, and I’m never letting her go.

I just have to find the right time to tell her because there are still moments when I swear she’s nervous or holding back on me.

And we need to talk about that.

I climb the stairs to the deck, and when Billie notices, her smile spreads, making me feel welcome.

Making me feel at home.

“Everything okay?” she asks, and I tilt my head in question. “Your phone call. It’s Sunday.”

“Ah, yes. Everything’s just fine, bumble.” I kiss her cheek and take the offered beer from Bridger.

“Bumble?” Bridger asks.

“I’m a worker bee,” Billie says before I can tell him it’s none of his business. “You know, always busy. Always fuzzy and cute.”

Bridger snorts at that, and I shake my head at her.

“Always sassy,” I counter.

“I’m going in with the girls.” Billie kisses my cheek and saunters inside, closing the door behind her.

“Congratulations on the wee babe,” I say to Bridger .

“Thanks.” His face softens as he looks toward the door, where the women are beyond. “It was a surprise.”

“You don’t know how babies are made?” Blake asks him, wielding a spatula. “Medically speaking?—”

“Stop,” Holden says. “It’s my sister, man. Don’t make me fuck you up.”

“It wasn’t planned ,” Bridger amends, rolling his eyes. “But we’re thrilled. Birdie is ready to shop for baby clothes and stuff.”

“Your mother and I have some news of our own,” Brandon says, eyeing the door. “We were going to wait to say anything until things were set in stone, but we’re moving home.”

“What?” Beckett asks. “Holy shit, that’s great. Skyla and I can find another?—”

“No,” Brandon says. “We’re not moving here. This is yours, and I’m happy for you to keep it. I’m done being a farmer, and I’m not coming out of retirement. But we’re moving back to Bitterroot Valley. We’re under contract for a house in town, and the condo in Florida is on the market.”

“Why?” Brooks asks his father.

“Because our family is here. Our kids, who we’re so damn proud of, are here, and we want to spend more time with you guys. We miss Birdie and all her funny antics, and now there will be a new baby to love on. We don’t like missing out on your lives.”

“But Mom hates the snow,” Blake reminds him. “It’s not good for her arthritis, and it still snows here.”

“We can take a long vacation in the winter after Christmas,” Brandon replies. “Our minds are made up. It’s the right thing to do.”

“This is great,” Bridger says. “Lots of amazing news today.”

“Did you really bring our parents here because Billie cried?” Blake asks me.

“Aye. I don’t like seeing her cry.”

“She doesn’t. Not often, anyway,” Brooks replies. “That mean you’re sticking around?”

“Aye,” I say again, nodding as I lean back against the railing. “I’m sticking around.”

“Good.” Beckett passes me another beer. “Your sister’s thrilled, you know.”

“God forbid Skyla not be thrilled.”

Beckett grins. “Exactly.”

“Oh God, not again. I can’t do it again.”

She’s spread out for me, gloriously naked and writhing on the bedsheets, her head tossing back and forth as another orgasm builds. Her pussy quivers around my soaked fingers, her clit pulses against my tongue, and she’s so bloody beautiful.

“Yes, you can. Breathe, baby.”

“Can’t,” she whimpers as her hands fist in my hair, and every muscle tenses as her pussy pulls my fingers farther inside her. Her climax is spectacular, and my girl cries out. “Connor!”

Before she can come down from that high, I cover her, nestle myself between her thighs, and push inside her, making us both groan.

“That’s right, angel,” I growl as I start to move. “Say my name.”

“Connor.” It’s a whimper this time.

“Fuck, you’re incredible.” I can’t go slow and easy. I’m pounding into her, one hand holding hers over her head, the other gripping her arse, pulling her to me. “It’s never bloody enough.”

Her teeth latch on to my shoulder, but I revel in the pain of it and push harder. Faster.

“You’re mine,” I growl against her ear. “Do you understand me?”

“Yes.” Her voice breaks around the word, and she’s holding on to me for dear life.

“Say it.”

“Yours.” She swallows hard and cups my face. “Look at me.”

My eyes find hers, and she lifts to cover my lips in a sweet kiss.

“Only yours.”