Angel Falling (Falling #1)(61)
“You’re it for me. I lo--” was cut off by my body being propelled forward. I knocked heads with Aspen briefly before I caught hold of the force that was pushing me into her. Two identical heads looked up at me all brown hair and big green eyes. Aspen and I both rubbed the spots on our foreheads where we collided. “You okay, Darlin’”
She laughed. “Yeah, Stud. I’m fine. Who are these little rascals,” she patted both boys’ heads at the same time.
“Uncle Hank, Uncle Hank! They both screamed in unison.” Their bright smiles a sight for sore eyes.
I hefted them both up onto the crook of each arm. My wounded shoulder protested a little but not too much. They weren’t that heavy. “This here is Hunter, and this little guy is Holt,” I gestured to each boy.
“Wow, you two are surely identical. It’s nice to meet you. Your Uncle Hank has told me all about you!” their eyes widened and without a second thought, they both jumped down to the ground and clasped Aspen’s legs in a hug. She gasped in surprise and then cuddled them against her small body. She looked damn fine with a couple of Jensen boys wrapped around her. Sent my imagination into a tailspin wondering what she’d look like with a couple of our own children clamoring for her attention.
Holt looked at Hunter and they whispered something. “You’re purdy.” Again they said in unison. Then they turned to me, “Any presents for us?” they started to hop up and down and squeal with delight.
I had forgotten to get the rug rats a gift. I looked up and bit my lip about to let them down cold. “Of course we have presents for the world’s best little boys,” Aspen chimed in. “And after we are all settled and dinner is served, you will be certain to have them.”
My eyes sought hers. She winked and smiled. Shit. I was a goner. The woman was damned near perfect.
“Holt, Hunter, where in God’s name are you!” a booming voice sounded through the open kitchen door.
“Out here,” I yelled.
My brother made his way out, tipping the large cowboy hat under the doorframe. He may have been my baby brother but he was taller than me by an inch, add the Stetson and he was a few inches taller. His long arms pulled me in for a hug slapping me on the back. I returned the hug, having missed my brother something awful.
“Damn near scared the dickens out of Ma,” he scolded. “How’s the shoulder healin’ up anyhow?”
“Good. Real good. Ain’t nothin’ to worry ‘bout. Sides’ my girl has been takin’ good care of me.”
“So you’re the purdy little thing Ma’s been going on and on about. Come over here girl!” He yanked Aspen into a hug. Her startled surprise was priceless. My brother was probably the only man I’d let manhandle my girl into a hug.
“It’s good to meet you, Heath. Hank has said such nice things about you and your wife.”
“You pay her to say that?” Heath hooked his thumb at Aspen.
Jess entered the patio in a flowing skirt and tank top. Long dark hair blowing in the wind. Her tanned athletic body and matching chocolate brown eyes suited her just fine. My brother was a lucky man. Not as lucky as me but she was easy on the eyes. “Angel, this is Jess. Jess, this is Aspen.”
“Pen, please. Everyone but Hank calls me Pen.”
Everyone shook hands and then we settled in at the patio table. Ma was already in the kitchen. Before long she brought out fresh lemonade and cheese and crackers.
“Jess, you’re really beautiful, have you ever thought about modeling?” Aspen asked my brother’s wife.
“Oh no, no. You’re too kind. I’m just a country girl living the country life. Sides’ helping Heath run the family business is just fine. I get to be with the boys and participate in our livelihood.”
“Well, if you ever change your mind, you have striking bone structure …” after a little while I started to tune out the conversation. The shit women talked about was dead boring sometimes.
My dad finally made it over and another round of introductions were made. By this time the men had made it down from their room looking freshly showered and content.
Aspen looked over at Oliver, a twinkle in her eye. The pipsqueak grinned from ear to ear. I knew what that meant. It meant I’d be burning those sheets in the guest room after they left. Aspen laughed and then pouted and shook her head. Oliver rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders. The silent communication between them was much more interesting to watch. It was like they were having an entire conversation without ever having to open their mouths.
“So Aspen, Ma here tells us that you’re stinkin’ rich,” Old man Henry said.
My gaze swung over to his. “What the hell, Pops?”
“Just makin’ conversation is all.” He took a pull from his Coors.
“It’s okay, Hank.” Her hand patted mine then pulled it into her lap. “You know, I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am today and yes, it’s paid off. It’s paid off very well in fact.”
“I saw your name in a magazine at the local supermarket. Said somethin’ ‘bout you being on some list of real important people in the fashion and entertainment industry,” Jess added, eyes alight with admiration. I always did like that Jess.
“Probably, true. Oliver could speak better to it since he plans and organizes all of my functions. I do photo shoots a couple of times a month for one magazine or another. Usually it’s talking about an upcoming model, or agent, a new film star that type of thing.” Aspen was answering without conceit or even malice, though I wanted to holler at Old Man Henry for starting such a conversation.