Texas Cowboy's Protection, - [books you need to read .TXT] 📗

This might be the first time Isaac heard T.J. ask permission for anything in the man’s life. Shock didn’t begin to describe his reaction. But if T.J. was willing to make an effort to change, Isaac wouldn’t be the one to shoot his father down.

He made eye contact with each brother before answering. “We’ll wait.”

“I appreciate it.” There was something different in T.J.’s voice. Hell, in T.J. It was a little unnerving. Should Isaac let himself hope for a relationship with his father?

Caution dictated he take a wait and see approach. So far, he liked what was happening.

Isaac’s cell phone vibrated. He fished it out of his pocket and checked the screen. “It’s Michael.”

A hush fell across the room. If Isaac was a praying man he’d send up a prayer for good news.

“Let me put you on speaker.” Isaac knew everyone here would care about what the vet had to say and especially Gina. “Okay. How is he?”

“He’s pulling through. He ate solid food for the first time an hour ago, which is a good sign. Looks like he’s on the road to recovery.”

Cheers broke out around the table. Gina put her hand on Isaac’s thigh. He dropped his hand to cover hers and squeeze reassuringly.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done, Michael. I’d like to cover his bill.”

“This one’s on the house.” Michael was not only an excellent vet, he was a great man. He’d been the Quinn family vet since he’d graduated veterinarian school, taking over his father’s practice more than a decade ago.

“I appreciate you.”

“Least I can do for a sweet dog like him.” Isaac wouldn’t forget Michael’s kindness. Nor would any of the Quinn family.

“You already know this but if you ever need a favor—”

“I know who to ask,” Michael finished the sentence. The two went way back to elementary school. “And, believe me, one of these days I’ll take you up on it.”

“I’m counting on it.”

“There is one question. He won’t be ready for a couple of days but who do I release him to? Mrs. Stanley made it clear she wants nothing to do with him when I called her to give her an update.”

“He belongs here at Quinnland.” T.J. spoke before Isaac could. “That is, if it’s okay with everyone here.”

“It’s more than okay.” Isaac was the first to speak but the others echoed the same sentiment.

“Then, he’ll be in good hands.”

Michael said goodbye and they ended the call.

Isaac locked eyes with his father for a long moment. He couldn’t pinpoint all the emotions in T.J.’s eyes. A couple he recognized. Regret. Sadness. Loneliness?

It was time for a new beginning. Isaac lifted his chin and offered a half-smile. T.J. did the same.

New ground. A fresh start. Isaac could live with that.

The rest of the meal was spent in easy conversation. It didn’t get past Isaac how right it felt to be back at Quinnland. The woman sitting next to him had everything to do with the changes in his heart.

Everyone pitched in to clear the table and clean dishes, much to Marianne’s dismay. Part of being a self-sufficient man was knowing how to make a meal and clean a dish. Isaac figured she’d get used to having help around the house. If he was going to stick around he’d make himself useful.

Gina tugged at his shirt sleeve. “I should probably head home.”

“I thought you were staying here tonight.” He didn’t cover his surprise.

“Bo is locked up. I just figured it’s time to get back to a normal life. Whatever that is after everything that’s happened.” She bit back a yawn.

“Everything is set up here for Everly. You might as well stick around for the night. You won’t have to cook breakfast or get up early. You’ve been through the wringer and there are extra sets of hands here to help out.”

“I don’t want to be any trouble.” The tentative look in her eyes made him wonder if there was more to the story.

“You couldn’t be.” Nothing in Isaac wanted to drive her home to the fishing cabin. But it was up to her to stay.

“The thought of going home doesn’t thrill me if I’m honest. I still can’t believe what happened right next door. The place will never feel the same to me again.”

“I’d like it if you stayed the night here.” More than he was willing to admit to himself.

“It would be nice to get a good night’s sleep.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Yes.” The sound of that word stirred something deep in Isaac.

“Follow me.”

Her gaze shifted from Marianne to Everly to him.

“She’s fine.” The little girl had taken to Eli’s kids, especially Oliver, who was close in age. “Shower is this way.”

“I can’t remember the last time I saw her this happy.” Gina followed him up the stairs and down a hallway to what had been his childhood bedroom and was now made up as a guest suite. A portable crib had been set up next to the bed. He’d thank the ranch hands later for the pinch hit on that one.

“Fresh towels are on the counter.” He motioned toward the bathroom. “I had pajamas sent over in your size.”

“Be careful, Quinn. I could get used to this treatment.” He sure as hell hoped so.

Isaac dipped his head and claimed her mouth. He had a question to ask but it could wait until she was rested and had a clear head.

This time, she linked their fingers. “Seems like Everly is occupied for the time being. Care to take a shower with me?”

“That’s the best suggestion I’ve heard all day.” Isaac walked her to the shower and took his time taking her clothes off. Piece by piece, he appreciated her beautiful body. Every curve was perfection.

It didn’t take long for his clothes to join hers on the floor. Their mouths fused as she looped her arms around his neck. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his midsection.

Walking her into the shower, he feathered kisses along the tender skin of her neck. With her back against the wall and her hips perfectly positioned near his straining erection, he drove himself home.

Tension strung her muscles taut as her breasts pressed against his chest. Skin to skin contact sent electrical impulses firing through his body.