Tame Me (The Macintyre Brothers 3)

We chatted until it was time for dinner. The brothers remarked on the latest news and weather and of course, sports. I avoided talk of politics as much as possible, but the brothers, being brothers, were eager to verbally spar with each other over their political choices. I kept my head down when the conversation moved to the current political news, and listened instead, not wanting to get involved. It wasn't that I didn't have my own political views and preferences, but I didn't want them to get in the way of friendship with my new brothers-in-law. At some point in the future, when we had already established a comfortable bond, I would be more open, but for now, I just smiled and listened, laughing when someone cracked a joke and keeping silent when they made a point I didn't agree with.

It was just better that way.

Dinner was great. David stood at the grill and cooked a variety of meats and some seafood, while Josh and Michael prepared a salad and garlic loaf. I did nothing but drink my beer and enjoy listening to David talk about his EP and upcoming tour with Christian and Nash.

While we were waiting for the food and Josh was inside fixing something for dinner, Christian sat beside me on the patio, his beer in hand.

"So, how did Josh and your dad get along? He told me he was worried that the old business between our father's news station and Garner, your father's business partner would come up and cause problems."

I was surprised that Josh talked about it with his brothers, but of course he would -- and of course he would be concerned. He had been eager to meet my parents but was worried my father would still hold a grudge. Which he did, of course.

"They did pretty well. When my father brought it up, both my mother and I shut it down pretty quick," I said with a laugh.

Christian smiled. "That's what Josh said. I'm glad to hear it. I'd like to mend fences between your father and my family. The Governor is renowned in our party for making things happen, so I'd like to meet him now that we're going to be relatives."

"I'm not so sure he's totally chastised but he's been given the word on not talking about it. At least, until after we're married," I said, grinning. "He still thinks what happened was unfair. I expect he'll think that until his grave, to tell the truth."

Christian nodded. "I can understand he felt bad for Garner, but it's clear that he broke the law and deserved what happened. Your dad is lucky he didn't get dragged down with him."

"My father was innocent," I said, frowning. "He had nothing to do with what Garner did."

"That may be true, but often, a business partner's crimes can destroy the business they both share."

“Garner was doing something completely outside of their business itself, so it never affected him."

"Good to hear," Christian said and took a sip of his beer. I had the sense he didn't believe me -- that he thought my father was probably involved but got off. It rankled, to be honest. I felt like arguing with him more but then Josh walked out of the house and joined us, sitting beside me and taking my hand.

"So, what have you two been talking about? Garner, I'll wager," Josh said and narrowed his eyes at Christian.

"As a matter of fact, we were," Christian said. "I want to meet Governor Carlson and wanted to make sure you two were on good terms first."

"We will be on good terms," Josh said with a nod. "I think both of us want this family relationship to work out and so we'll keep our lips zipped."

"I hear you," Christian said and smiled. They clinked beers together and took a drink. I was glad that conversation was over. Christian's comment that my father got off lucky, by not being charged with a crime bothered me. I'd have to talk to Josh about it later, but at that point in the day, I didn't want to discuss it further with Christian.

Luckily, the talk moved to sports, and I was able to zone out and keep a slight smile on my face. I wasn't a big sports fan, but I didn't want to appear totally in the dark, so I listened to them talk about the various teams they supported and the players they favored.

"Dinner is served," David called out from the grill. He held out two big platters of food, one with meat and one with seafood. We got up and went to the large dining table on the patio and ate another meal by torchlight.

"David, it's fantastic to be here and sitting outside eating a meal," I said when he passed me my plate.

"You like it Sis?" he said, clearly pleased. "You and Josh have an open invitation to come and stay. The room will always be ready for you. Come for a weekend, come for a week or a month. Even when I'm on tour, feel free to come and escape when you need it. The more the merrier I always say."

I smiled at him and raised my beer in salute. It would be nice to be able to come out here whenever Josh and I wanted. The view was fantastic, the house was amazing and the weather, perfect.

Josh leaned over and kissed me. "We'll be happy to come out here whenever we need a break from the cold and noise and crowds."

"We will."

We sat on the patio after we were finished eating for a couple of hours, talking about everything, the brothers reminiscing about previous Christmas and New Years with their father, and both parents before their mother died. I felt so sad for them that they were now without parents and hoped they all found partners and had their own families.

They were such a nice, decent group of professional men that I wanted the best for them.

* * *

After Christian bowed out for the night, Josh turned to me and squeezed my hand. "Tired?" he asked.

"Yes," I said, and squeezed back. "I feel so relaxed out here that I could sleep for twelve full hours."