Cowboy Up (Lucas Brothers)

“What?” I finally ask, and I feel Blue stiffen beside me.

“Nothing,” she says with a shrug—confusing the heck out of me.

“Where are Seymour and Miffy?” she asks Blue, as I walk over to Mom and give her a hug. Blue follows me, to say hello to my mom. He also asks if he can get her something to drink. She doesn’t want anything, but I’m grateful that he’s doing his best to make sure she’s comfortable.

“No idea. It’s quiet, so they must be getting along,” Blue says.

“They’re under the pool table boinking,” River says, running in.

“River! You do not say that word,” Petal reprimands.

“Geez, Mom. Everyone at school says much worse. I was being nice,” he complains, going to the fridge.

“Just because they say it doesn’t mean you do, young man,” Luka says sternly, though I can see he’s about to bust out laughing. It’s clear he’s trying to half-heartedly back Petal up.

“But Dad, Mom says it, too! Don’t you remember? She said that Uncle Blue and Adam’s mom must have boinked—”

“River, stop!!!” Petal and Luka exclaim together.

I instantly feel all the color leave my face. Then a split second later, my face heats because every eye in the room is on me.

“Jesus, Petal,” Blue growls, clearly pissed. He moves behind me, putting his arms around me. I don’t fight him. I’m having trouble standing, so I appreciate him being here at this point.

“I didn’t know he was home. He was supposed to be at school,” Petal says, completely embarrassed. “His bus was early, and my doofus husband didn’t tell me. I swear I wasn’t telling anyone but him,” she adds.

I don’t know what to say. I’m trying to form words, but I can’t do much more than just stare at Petal.

“Mamaw! I didn’t know you were coming! Isn’t this cool? Blue showed us all around his place. And there’s a theater room! He said we could watch a movie in there later!” Adam exclaims so excitedly that every sentence comes out like it’s the best thing ever. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my boy so happy. I’m glad he missed the earlier conversation, but if River knows, there’s a chance Adam knows, too.

My heart squeezes in my chest.

I feel like I’m falling down the rabbit hole, and I don’t know how to deal with it all. As if Blue can sense what I’m thinking he kisses the top of my head.

“It’s going to be okay, Doe,” he says, and I wish like hell I could believe him…

Chapter 25

Blue

“Thank Blue for a good time, Adam,” Meadow prompts her son.

I drove her and Adam home in my truck. Mom and Dad had to take Leddie earlier. I’m going to go get my truck set up like Jansen’s, so I can haul her chair more easily. I may also have to buy an SUV. It will be easier for Leddie and Meadow to get in and out. Now, we’re standing at Meadow’s door, the porchlight shining around us. I can already tell she’s not going to invite me in. I didn’t expect her to, but I guess I kind of hoped. It appears luck is not on my side tonight. Still, I can wait. Tonight is proof it can be done.

“Thanks Blue, I had fun,” Adam says, looking up at me. There’s an earnest look on the kid’s face. It’s a hunger that I recognize—maybe because it’s one I’ve felt before. I find myself squatting down so that the two of us are more eye to eye. I move my hand from his shoulders down to his forearms.

“I should be thanking you, Adam. I don’t think I’ve had this much fun in a long, long time. I’m hoping I can talk you and your mother into coming by more often.”

“You do?” he asks, his eyes going wide.

“I truly do.”

“Blue—”

“But that’s awesome!” Adam yells, making me smile.

“I’m glad you think so,” I laugh.

“Adam, go inside and check on your mamaw,” Meadow says, and her face is tight. I can’t see her ears, but then, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see she’s pissed. Well, it was good while it lasted.

“Okay. Thanks again, Blue,” he says, and before I realize what he’s doing he wraps his arms around me and hugs me.

“Night, Adam,” I respond, hugging him back while being completely stunned. He pulls away—too quickly really. It felt good having him in my arms. Meadow opens the front door, and he moves to slip inside. He’s not finished surprising me, however. He stalls mid-step across the threshold and peeks out under his mother’s arm.

“Hey, Blue?”

“Yeah?”

“You can kiss my mom if you want to. It’s okay.”

“Adam!” Meadow screeches.

He gives me a lopsided grin, shrugs, and then takes off running.

Meadow lets out an annoyed breath, slams the door, and crosses her arms at her chest.