A Buckhorn Baby

“No, wait,” Adam said. “Parties end, right? Weddings do not. So—”

“No, they don’t.” They were having a fine time poking fun at him, but he’d had enough. “Did you guys want something?”

“Just to make sure you’re okay,” Adam said.

“You really did go pale,” Shohn added. “Like someone had given you a...scare?”

“Didn’t know you just needed a nap,” Garrett added. “There’s a lounge chair over there where the women are sitting if you want to rest up a bit.”

Noel opened his mouth—and a badminton birdie hit Garrett in the shoulder, making him jump.

They all turned to see Tucker Turley, the sheriff, scowling at their cousin Kady, who tried to look innocent even while smothering her laugh.

Tucker said to the guys, “She has a good arm. At least, I don’t think she was aiming for his head.”

Kady waved her racket. “Stop picking on Noel before I tell Amber, and come play instead.”

Garrett, wearing a huge grin now that he had a new focus, had already picked up the birdie and was striding their way. Shohn followed along, promising payback. Adam called out, “Kady’s on my team,” and he took off, too.

That left only Gray and he seemed in no hurry to leave.

Noel glanced at him in warning. Gray wasn’t related to Amber except by marriage. Maybe that gave him a different outlook on things.

“It gets easier,” Gray said.

“You think?” Because so far, from Noel’s perspective, it had gotten more difficult. He liked them all. No problem there. But there were so many of them. He’d never known a family the size of hers, at least not where everyone was so close to everyone else, and in everyone’s business, with love passed around without reserve.

They were pushy. And intrusive. And they seldom showed an ounce of discretion when butting in—

“They’re overwhelming, I know. But they mean well.” When Lisa came out of the house carrying a tray, surrounded by three dogs, Gray watched her with a small smile. “They push their way in and refuse to back off. But they’re not judgmental, just protective. And they look out for each other. Amber especially brings it on herself with the way she interfered in all their lives.” He glanced at Noel. “In my life.”

“She enjoys meddling.” But in Amber’s case, it was always well-meaning, and she did have that crazy intuition to guide her, ensuring things turned out well. She’d been instrumental in matching up a lot of couples, Gray and Lisa included.

“That she does,” Gray agreed. “And she’s good at it.” He hesitated. “Except when it comes to you.”

“Me?” Noel scowled. Since Amber was the only woman he wanted, she didn’t need to manipulate him. He’d made that clear to her, but he wouldn’t explain himself to Gray.

“How long have you two been dating now?”

That sounded like a trick question and Noel ran a hand over his face. “Awhile,” he said noncommittally. Dating was such a bland word. At first he and Amber had sparred, each trying to get the upper hand. Then they’d tentatively gotten together—and Noel knew his life would never be the same. They’d fallen into a comfortable, no-demands affair that really worked.

At least it worked for him. Was Amber dissatisfied? Did she want more from him?

If so, she could tell him herself, without the help of her entire family.

“I won’t heckle you the way her brother and cousins do.” Gray pushed away from the tree where he’d been leaning. “Instead I’ll tell it to you straight. Amber is the heart of the family. They all adore her and want to shelter her. If she matters to you, you should think about what Amber wants and plan accordingly.”

Provoked, Noel stiffened. “What the hell is that supposed to—”

But Gray walked away, his gaze snagged on his wife.

To hell with it. Noel dug the keys out of his pocket and started to leave, but at the last minute he went into the house to find Amber first.

She was alone in the kitchen, humming as she arranged condiments on a tray.

Noel soaked up the back view of her, her trim figure in sexy short-shorts that hugged her ass perfectly and a tank top that showcased her tiny waist. He even admired her dark hair in the loose braid and the set of her straight, proud shoulders.

Unable to resist, he stepped up close and slipped his hands around to her stomach. Nuzzling the side of her neck, he said, “I’m taking off.”

Her head fell back to his shoulder. Seconds ticked by while he kissed the sensitive spot behind her ear. Then she whispered, “You’re tired?”

Exhausted, but he said, “I’m fine.”

“Then don’t go.” She turned in his arms and his hands just naturally fell to her hips.

She hooked her fingers in the front waistband of his shorts and tugged him closer in reprimand. “Don’t let them run you off, okay?”

He could lose himself in those big blue eyes of hers. “It’s a family thing,” he said, meaning the celebration of a baby, “and I’m not family.”

Amber slipped her hands inside his T-shirt, drawing them up and over his abs, which tightened in reaction.

Her touch never failed to fire his blood. He closed his eyes briefly, struggling to get a grip. Out of desperate need, he put his hands over hers and tried not to think about what he’d rather be doing. “You’re killing me, Amber.”

“Stay,” she urged, “and in two hours we can leave together.”

With a promise like that, how could he resist? He kissed her, then said against her lips, “Okay.”

* * *

THE MOOD REMAINED festive as everyone celebrated the upcoming addition to the family.

Everyone but Noel.

Did he dislike kids? Or was it the commitment that came first that had him off-kilter today?

Amber watched him taking part in a game of badminton with several of the guys and a few of the women. He’d removed his shirt and it made her heart pound. When he grinned, she felt it clear to her toes.

“You should tell him how you feel.”

She turned her head to see her dad standing close behind her. As she’d done all her life, she leaned on him and enjoyed the way his strong arms came around her.

Morgan propped his chin on her head and said, “Well?”

“He’s never said how he feels.”

“What law says a guy has to go first?”

“My law.” Amber straightened, aware of Noel now watching her. He nearly got trampled because of his distraction, when Adam dived past him to return a volley. “Isn’t he beautiful?”