Turning to look out of the window, I think about his words. He’s right of course, and a few months ago, I would have said the same shit.
“I came back because this is home, but also because I have some unfinished business that if I don’t get closure on, I might as well continue fucking drowning in that bottle. And as rich as I am, I still can’t sit around and drink ten Gs of booze a month.”
Beaumont snorts as he pulls down my long drive. “No fuckin’ shit. You know, my bank account is a hell of a lot healthier now that I’m not drinking my life away, though the smokes when I write are causing a bit of a dent.”
“Another habit bites the dust, brother,” I point out.
“Yeah, probably should soon anyway. Hutton ain’t gonna let me smoke anywhere near her or the house soon.”
“Beau?” I ask as he shifts the truck into park.
He turns to me and his lips turn up into a lazy smile. “Just found out this mornin’. It’s new, ain’t even been to the doctor.”
“Fuck,” I grunt. “Congratulations. Shit. All of you are havin’ babies now,” I say.
He nods. “Yeah, seems it’s time. Maybe something you can work on while you’re here and getting your shit together.”
“Closure, Beau. I’m working on closure while I’m here. That shit does not include babies,” I snort.
He shrugs a shoulder. “Never know,” he calls out as I open the truck door.
Jumping out, I reach back into the bed of the pickup and grab ahold of my bag, pulling it out of the back with a heave of breath.
Lifting my hand, I give him a wave. “Need me to pick you up tomorrow?” he calls out.
Shaking my head, I jerk my chin. “I’ll be at Wyatt’s at six. I’ll set an alarm just in case.”
There’s a moment of silence as I climb my stairs then I hear him. “Call me if you need an ear.”
Fucking shit. This is why I consider him my family, why I consider all of them family. No matter what you do, they have your back. Right there to catch you when you fall and if you don’t let them catch you, then they’re right there ready to dust you off and get your shit together for you.
All of that is also why I didn’t come home right after it happened, why I didn’t come home until I was ready. Beaumont will get it, even if nobody else will. But I couldn’t let them catch me. I couldn’t let any of them see me at my lowest. I had to figure out how to pick my own fucking self up, off of the ground, and dust off.
As soon as I walk into the house, I find that the air is stagnant, stifling almost. Walking around, I open as many windows as I can to allow fresh air to flow, though I know that opening them will bring country dust inside, but it’s better than not being able to breathe from it being so damn suffocating.
Making my way into the kitchen, I walk over to the sink, reaching out, I grasp the edge of the basin and grip it tightly. Closing my eyes, I drop my head and I just breathe for a moment. The sun is setting, but I can’t watch, not right now.
I let the feeling of the space wash over me. Home. I’m home. I’ve never felt truly at home anywhere, not until I found Gallup. Maybe it’s the place, but I have a feeling that it has more to do with the people who live here.
My family.
Beaumont, Wyatt, Rylan, and Ford. Then there’re the women who complete them. Channing, Exeter, and Hutton. I had hoped that I’d found my missing piece, my little bit of home in Tulip to complete my life, but I didn’t.
That is why I’ve come back to search out closure with her. I need it to move on. To hopefully find someone who will love me for who I am. Love me for the man inside of this body. I’ve never had that before and fuck, I want it—I need it.
Chapter Two
TULIP
My hummingbird cake in hand, I inhale a deep breath and lift one of my fingers to quickly ring the bell before placing it beneath the cake again. I added an extra couple of layers since both Exeter and Channing made such a big deal about it and I think I overestimated my strength.
“Hey Tulip,” Wyatt’s charming voice coos as he opens the door. Tilting my head back as far as I can, I smile up at him. He shakes his head with a grin on his lips and thankfully reaches for the cake and slides it from my hands. “They talked you into this, didn’t they?” He chuckles.
“It didn’t really take much convincing.” I shrug.
“Shoulda bartered with them. But it’s okay, I made sure the ranch mashed potatoes are on the table, no worries.” He winks.
I moan, wishing that he hadn’t. Those are the last thing my already thick thighs need. “You’re dangerous to my jeans, Wyatt,” I announce as I step through the door.
I feel something in the air, like a static electricity that fills the space as soon as I enter the living room of the barndominium. Wyatt clears his throat, turning around and I watch for a moment as his legs quickly take him away from me.
Smiling, I shift my attention to the room and freeze when angry green glittering eyes meet mine. My breath hitches as my feet immediately stumble backward. He doesn’t allow me to retreat, or fall.
As if he has Inspector Gadget arms, he reaches out from where he is and wraps his fingers around my biceps before he gently hauls my entire body toward him. Tilting my head back, I look up into his eyes, my breath completely frozen at the sight of him.
It’s been months since I’ve even laid eyes on him at the grocery store, longer since we were together that single night. The absolute best night of my entire life. Seeing him in person again, I realize that my mini-fantasies don’t hold a candle to the real in person man.
“Tulip,” his deep voice rumbles.
Lifting my hand, I tuck some of my hair behind my ear as he releases one of my arms. “Hey, Louis. I didn’t know you’d be here,” I murmur.
He snorts. “I’m sure you didn’t.” I watch as he looks back over his shoulder, then shifts his gaze back to meet mine. “They’re meddlers.”
“Yeah,” I breathe, unable to take my eyes from his.
He shakes his head, his eyes searching my face. “Want to talk to you later, when we don’t have an audience,” he announces.
“Okay,” I exhale.
He releases my other arm and takes a step back. I miss his touch immediately. I want to beg him to hold me. To just be near me. He’s warm and strong, plus he smells heavenly. Hutton clears her throat as she nudges me with her shoulder.
Snapping my lips closed, I look over at her and grimace at her smiling face. “I’d like to say that I advised against bringing you two together, but I didn’t.”
“Thanks,” I drawl.
Hutton shrugs a shoulder. “Don’t waste years of your life when you know something is right. Been there, done that. You both know that there’s more between you. Be brave, Tulip.”
Shaking my head, I shove my hand in my back pocket to keep from playing with my now longer hair. “Doesn’t matter. I can’t be with someone like him.”
“Someone?” she asks, arching a brow.
“Famous, handsome, good. I can’t do it. I’m not like you.”
Hutton throws her head back laughing. It’s a full-on belly laugh and I feel my face heat from her reaction. “Girl,” she says, gasping for air. “I’m a hairdresser from Burnet. Do you think that I belong with a famous, handsome, good man?”