My point, though…

They were friends.

I could hear it. They were all genuinely happy in each other’s company, and it made my heart swell. I could stand here all night and listen to them talking, but I also knew I needed to grab him and spend time with him before we both worked all weekend.

He had overtime and I had an engagement party. I’d be setting up flowers for hours.

I pushed myself off the wall and poked my head in the doorway. “Hey.”

All three men turned with a smile. “Hey, honey,” Dad said. “Are you coming to steal Noah from us?”

“You’re getting him on Sunday. Don’t be greedy.”

Noah laughed and put his beer down. “Let me know about Sunday.”

Preston saluted him. “I promise this trip to Lucky’s won’t end in you feeding raccoons.”

“I’m holding you to that,” Noah warned him before he shook my dad’s hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“Son, I’ve told you. If you call me sir one more time, I’m going to forbid you from dating my daughter.”

“Good luck with that,” I said wryly.

Noah laughed. “Noted. And I’ll make sure I chase up the fire report tomorrow. They said it would be in in the morning.”

Dad nodded. “Good job. You kids have fun and be safe.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I waved and lead Noah to the front door. He doubled back into the kitchen to bid my mom goodbye before he came back and grinned at me.

“Let’s go.”

“Where are we going?” I stepped outside.

“No idea. But I’ll follow you anyway.”

“So cheesy.”

“Like those tater tots your mom served. Can I hire her to cook for me?” He closed the door behind him and took my hand, slipping his fingers between mine.

I groaned. “Don’t. She loves cooking. Couldn’t you tell by the banquet she served you?”

“You mean your dinners aren’t normally like that?”

“Oh, no, they are, but there was at least two extra casseroles there tonight.” I nudged him with my elbow. “She likes you.”

“I am pretty likable.”

“Here we go.” I sighed. “Mr. I Saved Your Life is back again.”

Noah laughed, nudging me right back. “Stop it. You know I’m messing with you.”

“I know. But I like messing with you, too.” I grinned. “Sorry about Aunt Bethel. She’s temperamental.”

“Like I said, it doesn’t matter. It was a great dinner, and your family is pretty normal compared to when you get all mine together.”

“What’s your family like?”

“My family?” There was a note of surprise in his voice. “Insane. Completely fucking insane, but they’re the best at the same time. My parents have been married since they were nineteen, and that’s pretty much the benchmark for most of my family.”

“Except you?”

“Pretty much. I think my parents knew I wasn’t the person who’d settle down at home, though. They knew I hated my hometown, and they weren’t surprised when I said I was moving here permanently.”