“Helluva way to get us all together,” Nathan joked.

Katie managed a laugh. “I promise I won’t do it again.”

“Good.” Brynnie pushed herself upright. “I don’t think I could live through it again.”

“The next time you meet someone interested in looking at that place, give me a call,” Jarrod said.

“I don’t need—” Katie stopped short. How could she complain about his overbearing, big-brother tactics when he’d risked his life for hers? “Okay, I’ll be more careful and take someone with me.”

“I’m gonna hold you to it,” Jarrod warned, leveling a finger in her direction. But he couldn’t hang on to his glower and the smile that twitched at the corners of his mouth let her know that all was forgiven.

The conversation grew lighter and the kids strayed upstairs. Luke, seeing that all was well, tried to leave, but Jarrod stopped him in the foyer near the staircase. “Seems to me you might just be the reason my sister’s alive.”

Luke’s gaze touched Katie, still seated in the chair near the fire. She felt her heartbeat elevate from just that one glance. What was it about him that made her so crazy? It seemed that she was either ready to murder him because he was so bullheaded; or she was melting at his touch, dreaming of making love to him forever. The man was just plain confusing. There were no two ways about it. She climbed out of her chair and went swiftly to the entry hall. A slow smile stretched across Luke’s mouth. “My guess is that your sister here would have done just fine on her own,” he said to Jarrod. Again Luke’s blue eyes found hers. “I just didn’t want to take any chances.”

“I’m glad you didn’t. Stick around,” Jarrod invited.

“Please. Stay. I’m sure this clan is going to be clamoring for food at any second,” Katie agreed.

“I’m already taking care of it.” John joined them in the foyer. “Everyone’s invited out to the ranch. I know it’s late, but we need to celebrate. Brynnie and I’ll pick up ribs and chicken down at Mel’s Barbecue. Meet us at the ranch in an hour.”

Luke started to protest, but John put on his I-won’t-take-no-for-an-answer smile. “It isn’t every day someone saves my daughter’s life, though it has happened in the past.” His gaze slid to Mason for a second, before returning to Luke. “Please, son. It’s the least we all can do.” He stuck out his hand and Luke clasped it firmly. “All right. I’ll be there.”

“Good.” John turned toward the parlor and announced that the entire family was invited.

“It’s so late,” Tiffany said, blushing as Christina yawned and rubbed her eyes. “We need to get her home.”