Love in Montana (De La Fuente Family 1)

Eric sat with a mug of coffee in his hand and only half listened to his father grumble to him and his brothers about a new vet in town. His father hated change and was a man of routine, so he knew the new vet wouldn’t go down too well. He also knew his brothers well, and the mention of the new vet being young and beautiful had perked them up, although Dante seemed as distracted as he was.

Eric’s distraction though, stemmed from watching Sylvia and Lucia with their heads together over some fabric that Lucia had retrieved. Lucia loved to cook and make things. You name it and she could make it with a sewing machine or a stovetop. She’d made all the soft furnishings throughout the house. Sylvia had commented on the drapes covering the bay window—the place they sat for breakfast—and now she was going through fabric with Eric’s stepmother.

They were obviously having an animated conversation and were both enjoying themselves if the shining smiles said anything. Lucia was in her element with Sylvia.

Even though having her with him caused a major distraction on his part, he was happy. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d considered himself happy. Really happy.

“Why the hell are you grinning like that?” Aiden grumbled. “Whatever it is, I could do with some of it.”

Diego chuckled. “He’s getting as much pussy as he wants, why wouldn’t he be smiling?”

“Diego! Watch your mout

h.”

“Sorry, Dad.”

No way in hell was Diego sorry, but it soothed Dad’s ruffled feathers.

“So, you never answered?” Diego wouldn’t let it go, and his grin proved how much he enjoyed needling his older brother.

“When you find a good woman, see how often you find yourself grinning.”

Diego frowned.

His brother had a revolving door of women, he really would run a mile if he thought he was about to be caught. The thing was, that if that ever happened¸ she’d have to be one hell of a woman, like his Sylvia was.

“I have a lot of years left before I decide to find the one, and until then, I’m planning to continue to sample what’s offered.”

Dad wasn’t impressed with Diego’s casual take on women if the disgust on his face was anything to go by.

“Women should be treated with respect, not with disregard,” Dad commented. “I know I taught you better than how you’ve been behaving. One of these days, I hope you find one who gives you the run around, and treats you the same as you’ve been treating women for years.”

Realizing the conversation was about to get out of hand, Eric asked, “What is everyone up to today? I thought I’d saddle a couple of horses and take Sylvia out for a short ride.”

“Okay, son.” Dad nodded his head. “Your woman is good and seems to have the approval of Lucia. She’ll like having another woman around. She complains that there’s too much testosterone in the house when everyone is home.”

They laughed.

“Emelia is enough to level it out with her hot head,” Aiden commented about their sister.

“Don’t be an idiot. There’s still only two of them against the seven of us,” Dante added, a frown marred his brow.

“And Caprice,” Diego grinned. “She’d be hot if she didn’t open her mouth.”

“Diego,” their father warned, again. “She’s your brother’s girl and until he says otherwise you all need to treat her with the same respect that you’ve been doing with Sylvia.” Father sighed. “And we can hope Mateo sees sense before too long.”

Diego laughed and stood. “I’m outta here. I’ll be back in time for dinner.”

On his way out, Diego kissed and hugged both Lucia and Sylvia. The smile on Sylvia’s face was priceless. His brother had just treated her like a member of the family, and it had made her happy. She turned and held Eric’s gaze before blowing him a kiss and turning back to Lucia.

“You have a good woman there,” Dad observed.

“Yes I do.”

“Make sure you don’t screw it up.”

Aiden and Dante chuckled at their father’s words while Eric smiled. “I have no intention of screwing it up,” he winced, remembering the other night, “but if I do, I have no problem saying sorry and begging if I have to.” He went silent as he drank her in before he added, “I can’t lose her.”