Reckless Love (Cowboys & Angels 7)

“Daddy, stop being a jackass,” Waylynn added. “Jonathon, are you okay with Liberty? I’m going to ride with my mom in the ambulance.”

“Yes, go! We’re fine,” Jonathon replied.

My father groaned. “For the love of Christ, women. I’m fine.”

The door to the ambulance shut, and the EMS driver said, “This ought to be fun.”

We all chuckled and watched as they drove down the driveway.

“Holy shit,” Mitchell said next to me.

“Bad words, Uncle Mitchell,” Chloe announced.

“Sorry, pumpkin. The situation called for it.”

“Don’t even!” Steed said to Chloe. She put her finger to her mouth as if saying she would remain silent. Then her face turned serious.

“Is Granddaddy going to be okay, Daddy?” Chloe asked, her big blue eyes looking up at Steed.

He kissed her cheek. “He’s going to be sore, but okay.”

Two hours later, we all sat in the living room of my folks’ house, everyone minus mom and Waylynn. My father had made it clear no one else was to come to the hospital. He had two broken ribs, a bruised ego, and wasn’t in the mood to deal with us. It had been hard not to go, but Mom made us all promise we’d listen to his wishes.

Pulling out my phone, I glanced down to re-read Scarlett’s last text to me.

Scarlett: I’m so glad your dad is okay. Give him my love and let me know if y’all need anything.

I had replied with a simple, okay. But now, as I stared at it, I wanted to tell her I needed her. I needed to feel her in my arms, to see her smile up at me. To smell that vanilla scent that always seemed to be around her. I needed a fucking candle with that smell.

My hands shook as I typed a new reply.

Me: I’m sorry about breakfast. I was pretty shaken up, but I’m glad it wasn’t worse.

Scarlett: I’m glad too. Make it up to me tomorrow?

Smiling, I replied.

Me: Yes.

“I’m starving!” Amelia stated as she stood. “Let’s go to Lilly’s for something to eat.”

Chloe jumped while shouting. “Yes! All of us! A big family lunch!”

I reached down and picked up Gage who laughed and told me no tickles. I, of course, didn’t listen.

Harley stood and pulled at Tripp to join her. “Lunch sounds amazing. This baby needs food!”

“Then it’s settled. We’re all going to Lilly’s,” Cord declared, Maebh tucked up against his side.

“I’ll call ahead to give Lucy a heads up we need a table for thirteen adults and four kiddos!” Steed said as we all piled out of the house.

It felt good to be around my family. To see how happy they all were. I knew that was what I wanted, and I wanted it with Scarlett. When I parked, I texted Scarlett that the entire family was going to Lilly’s for lunch and that if she wanted to join us I’d love to see her. She didn’t live far from the town square, a couple of blocks. She could be there in less than five minutes.

As we got closer to Lilly’s I saw her. I slowed my pace as I took in the sight before me.

Scarlett, in our booth…with Eric. He reached across the table and placed his hand over hers, causing her to smile warmly.

“What is that eejit doing?” Maebh muttered, looking at the same scene as me.

“Fuck,” Cord mumbled when I pushed past everyone and walked into the café.

“Trevor! Trevor!” Maebh and Cord both called out. When Scarlett heard my name she looked up. Her hand instantly pulled from Eric’s and she smiled at me. It faded, however, when she saw how pissed off I was.

Slipping out of the booth, she stopped me before I got to Eric.

“Trevor, I just got your text.”

I swallowed hard. “Is something going on between the two of you?”

Eric stood, and Scarlett cast him a warning look. What the fuck was that about?

“Trev, let’s go sit down. Scarlett, you’re more than welcome to join us if you want,” Cord stated.

“Eric, I think you need to leave,” Maebh warned. “Now.”

He stood defiantly, his arms crossed over his chest. “I’ll leave if Scarlett wants me to leave.”

My eyes narrowed. “What in the hell does that mean?”

“Trevor, you need to calm down this instant.” It was Amelia now, pulling my arm toward the table Lucy had set up for the family.

Eric decided to grow some balls. “It means, I’ve been here for Scarlett when she needed someone. You haven’t.”

“Eric! Enough!” Maebh said, stepping between us.

“No, Maebh. This asshole thinks he can come and go as he pleases in Scarlett’s life, and he can’t. I’ve already told her I’d take care of her and the…”

“Eric!” Scarlett shouted, causing him to look her way.

“You’ll take care of her?” I asked with a laugh. “I’m the one who loves her.”

Gasps could be heard across the whole damn restaurant. Maebh spun around and looked at me, her mouth gaping open. Then she smiled.