The Closer You Come (The Original Heartbreakers, #1)(122)

Afterward, West pulled him aside. Dark shadows formed half circles under his eyes, and his lips were pulled tight, but he gave Jase another hug, holding on as if the world was about to end.

“I’m sorry,” West said. “For everything.”

Jase pulled back to pat his shoulder. “This wasn’t your fault, either.”

“But I certainly didn’t help.”

“No.” No reason to lie. “But you’re still one of my favorite people, if that helps.”

The semblance of a grin cracked his remorseful expression. “Yeah. It kind of does.”

Beck joined them, and for several seconds, they stood in a circle each of them knew well. Once it had been the three of them against the world.

“Never thought we’d end up here,” he said. “Not just Strawberry Valley, but with them.” He motioned to the others.

Jessie Kay, grinning as she rubbed her knuckles into the crown of Hope’s head. Hope, laughing too hard to get away as Steve and Sparkles ran circles around her feet. Daphne, watching the pair with misty eyes. Dane, at Kenna’s side, rubbing her arm. Kenna, holding Brook Lynn’s hand as the two talked weddings.

My family.

“I know,” Beck said. “They are proof miracles still happen, I guess.”

West’s gaze locked on...Jessie Kay. “Yes,” the guy said, his voice gruff. “Too bad I treated one of them like dirt.”

“Give her time,” Jase said. “Isn’t that what you once told me?”

“But I’m an idiot,” West deadpanned.

“That’s never been in question.”

Brook Lynn caught his eye. She smiled and ambled toward him. He met her halfway and wrapped his arm around her.

“When do you think we can politely kick everyone out so we can be alone?” she asked softly.

“Now.” He looked up. “Everyone out.”

She chuckled as she combed her fingers through his hair.

“Y’all need to get a room,” Jessie Kay muttered.

“That’s what we’re trying to do,” Jase told her.

Beck tsked. “Jase. My man. You lack my skill. If it were me, the good stuff would have been over and done by now, without anyone ever knowing.”

“You call that skill?” Daphne said.

“Skill for what?” Hope asked.

“Yeah,” Norrie said. “What?”

“Uh...” Kenna shifted uncomfortably.

“Well.” Dane pulled at his collar.

Brook Lynn rested her head on Jase’s shoulder and traced a heart over his chest. Loudly she said, “I’ll give you guys one minute to disappear before I unleash that famous Dillon temper.”

They were out the door in thirty seconds.

Jase was the one to chuckle this time. He stared down at his happily-ever-after. “A lifetime isn’t going to be enough. I want forever with you,” he said.

“Good. Because that’s what you’re going to get.”