Dark Sexy Knight (A Modern Fairytale)(57)

Yes, Ryan had gotten a little too excited about his Dippin’ Dots ice cream and dropped the cup on the ground, sending the small balls scattering. But Colton simply bought him a second cup and told him not to worry about the lost one, which banished the tears from his eyes.

And yes, Melody had gotten her period soon after arriving at the zoo and refused to come out of the bathroom stall for a good ten minutes. Thankfully, after some gentle coaxing, she finally confessed to Verity what had happened. Verity bought her a maxi pad from the bathroom dispenser and helped her get cleaned up, earning her a giant hug and an even huger smile.

After visiting the monkeys, but before lunch, they stopped for a water break, and Colton decided to broach the subject of him and Verity dating.

“So, guys,” he started, handing out four bottles of water, “Verity and I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Something nice?” asked Melody, grinning up at him.

“I think so,” he said.

“Colton takes care of us,” said Ryan.

“He’s my c-c-c-cousin,” said Melody possessively, clicking her teeth together.

Colton scowled. “Mel, I’ll always be your cousin. But I can look after you and still have time for Ryan too.”

“Okay,” she said, shrugging her shoulders. “I like Ryan. He c-c-c-can be your c-c-c-cousin too. G-g-g-good talk.”

“No, he’s not my . . .” Colton pursed his lips and furrowed his brows at her. “That’s not what I wanted to talk about.”

“Artie sprays people,” announced Ryan.

“Who’s Artie?” asked Melody.

“The French knight. Want to meet éclair sometime?”

“No, Ryan,” said Colton. “No éclair, remember?”

“Wait, what?” asked Verity. “What do you mean, ‘Artie sprays people’?”

“With the hose,” said Ryan. “And it stings.”

“They hook up the hose to the Slip’N Slide,” offered Melody helpfully.

“What’s a slide’n slide?” asked Ryan.

“Did Artie spray you with a hose, Ry?” asked Verity, stepping closer to her brother.

“It’s a yellow plastic rug that sprays water. And you slide on it.”

“Prickly water?”

“Nope,” said Melody. “Soft water. C-C-C-Colton? C-c-c-can Ryan c-c-c-come for Slip’N Slide day?”

“Did you know about Artie and the hose?” Verity asked Colton.

“Yes, but I didn’t want you to worry,” he said.

“You should c-c-c-come to Slip’N Slide day,” said Melody to Ryan. “Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Colton! You can’t keep things like that from me. He’s my brother!”

“Don’t yell, Ver’ty. Colton protects us. He’s a friend. I need to go to Slip’N Slide day.”

“TIME OUT!” bellowed Colton, his face red and frustrated.

They all stopped talking at once and turned to look at him. Melody’s lower lip trembled, and Ryan’s mouth tilted down into a full frown.

“I’m not mad,” said Colton quickly, giving Melody and Ryan a pained smile. “It’s okay. Everything’s okay.”

“Okay,” said Ryan.

“Thunderface,” muttered Melody.

“Ryan,” he said, “stay away from éclair like we talked about. I talked to Artie, and Joe’s looking out for you, but it doesn’t help to swat at a hornet’s nest.” He turned to his cousin. “Mel, yes. As long as it’s okay with his sister, Ryan can be your guest at Slip’N Slide day next Sunday. And baby?” he said, looking at Verity with soft eyes and reaching for her waist to pull her close. “I wanted to try handling things with Ryan and Artie. I didn’t mean to sideline you. I just didn’t want you to worry.”

She nestled in his arms because it was her favorite place to be and because part of her loved it that he wanted to look after her brother. But still . . . “I need to know what’s going on with Ryan. I’m his guardian.”

Colton’s arms around her tightened, and he dropped a sweet kiss to her forehead. “Loud and clear, baby. I’ll keep you in the loop from now on. I promise.”

From beside them, they heard the sound of snickering.

“My c-c-c-cousin k-k-k-kissed your sister.”

“Yeah. They’re in love,” said Ryan matter-of-factly.

Wait, what?

Verity peeked over her shoulder at her brother. “Ryan! What did you . . . I mean, when did you . . .”

Without loosening his hold on her, Colton turned to Ryan. “Do you mind, buddy? If I date your sister?”

Ryan stared at him for a moment before sliding his eyes to Verity. “Colton is our friend. Colton takes care of us. Colton loves Verity.”

“Yes,” said Colton softly. “He does.”

“Okay,” said Ryan.

“Okay with you, Mel?” asked Verity, giving Colton’s cousin a little grin.

Melody beamed at them, then threw her arms up in the air and belted, “All you need is love! Doo doo doo doo doo! All you need is love! Doo doo doo doo doo!”

As she continued to sing her heart out, earning curious glances from passersby, Colton chuckled softly and leaned close to whisper, “Did I mention Mel loves the Beatles?”