Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,97

she asked if we could leave a little early to get back and beat traffic. I knew the real reason why.

Mom and Dad are having another cookout for the Fourth. They love to entertain and now that Dad is retired, Mom doesn’t mind it as much because he’s there to help her. I have one more surprise for Kendall this weekend—I called her parents and invited them. They made up an excuse when she asked them their plans. I want both of our families together. Family is important and she’s a huge part of mine, and I want her parents to be involved in that.

“I almost forgot to tell you.” She turns to face me in the passenger seat of the truck, as much as her seatbelt will allow. “I got Knox the cutest little outfit for today.” She stops. “I mean, if you want him to wear it today.”

“Hey.” I reach over and grab her hand. “Yes, I do. It’s fine, babe. I love that you love him,” I tell her honestly.

She grins. “It’s the cutest little pair of jean shorts, and a red shirt and blue tank top. I even got him a matching fisherman’s hat and a pair of sunglasses.”

Seeing her excitement over an outfit for my son makes me smile. She’s such a sweet person with a heart of gold. I’m a damn lucky man that she chose us.

“We’ll have to make sure Mom gets a picture of the three of us. Not that we’ll need to ask her, since she always has her camera at the ready at these things.”

Ten minutes later, we’re pulling up outside my house. Kendall’s car’s in the drive, and so is Tyler’s truck. I make a mental note to ask him if there’s something going on with him and my sister.

Kendall meets me at the front of the truck, and I hold my hand out for her. She doesn’t hesitate to lace her fingers through mine as we head into the house.

“We’re back!” I yell as soon as we step into the entryway.

“In the living room,” Tyler calls out.

Reagan is asleep on the couch, and Tyler has Knox in the crook of his arm, watching the sports channel. “He was up three times last night. She’s exhausted.” He points to my sister.

“Did you stay here with her?” I ask him.

He hesitates. “Yeah, fell asleep on the couch. She didn’t wake me.”

I look around my living room and see a pillow and blankets that my sister is using. His story seems to add up.

I reach down and take Knox from him. “Hey, bud. You kept Aunt Reagan up?” He coos and smiles at me. “We missed you,” I say, reaching out to snag an arm around Kendall’s waist, pulling her into me.

“Hey, Knox,” Kendall coos, and I swear he lights up. “We’re going to Grandma and Grampa’s for a cookout,” she tells him, tickling his little foot.

“He had a bath,” Reagan says, eyes still closed. “He shit all over himself at six o’clock this morning.”

“Aww, did your belly hurt?” Kendall asks him.

He grins. My boy.

“Tyler, take me home. I have to get ready.” Reagan literally rolls off the couch. After climbing to her feet, she walks toward me and gives all three of us a hug. “I’m proud of you, Ridge.” This time, her voice is serious. “You do this on your own, and never once complain.”

“He probably just missed me, that’s why he didn’t sleep well. Usually, he sleeps at least six, sometimes eight hours, straight.”

“He missed you guys. Look at him, all smiles.” She chucks his chin. “See you in a few hours.”

“You need a ride?” I ask her.

“Nah, man. She’s on my way, so I’ll swing by and pick her up.”

I watch as my sister and Tyler wave over their shoulders as they drag ass out the door. “Something’s going on there,” I tell Kendall.

“Hmmm.”

“What do you know, woman?”

“I know she’s your sister and she’s amazing. I know Tyler must be a great guy because he’s important to you. I know you should stay out of it, and if there is something going on, let them figure it out.”

I smack her on the ass. “Go shower and get ready. We men don’t take near as long.”

She stands on tiptoes and kisses my cheek, then gives Knox one on his as well before grabbing her bag and running up the stairs.

“She’s special, Knox.” He babbles. “I’m glad you approve, because Daddy wants to make her a permanent part of