“Come on, let’s head inside. But I’m warning you, it can be a bit crazy when we’re all together, and my brothers can be a bit overprotective.”

Carter gave me a sinful smile. “That’s what brothers are for. I still need to talk to you about all those links you sent to April.”

I assessed the glint in his eyes. It was somewhere between dangerous and delicious. I shimmied a little as we climbed the staircase up to the house. Carter placed an arm around my lower back, his palm pressing against the side of my waist. A spark of awareness traveled from where his fingertips touched all the way to my navel, and lower still.

Hmm... I should have stolen some kisses when I had the chance.

The moment we entered the dining room, everyone went quiet.

“Everyone, this is Carter.” I gestured with one hand, still clutching the herbs in the other.

Carter shook hands with everybody, and I could see the wheels spinning in my brothers’ minds. They’d known I was seeing Carter. I told them after he and I talked in my office, but they hadn’t pried. Yet as I took in Will’s and Jace’s expressions, I was sure they were about to do a whole lot of prying. Landon looked calm, as always.

“I’ll take care of the herbs,” Hailey offered, and I gave her a thankful glance as I handed over the thyme and coriander. I didn’t think leaving Carter to fend off Jace and Will when they were in protective mode was the best thing.

Will started the interrogation, of course. He might not wear a badge anymore, but he still put his detective skills to use. I glanced at Paige, his fiancée, who was watching him closely. I knew she’d have my back if Will came on too strong.

The atmosphere was friendly though. I wouldn’t have to throttle either Jace or Will. Progress.

Midway through dinner, I was completely relaxed as we chitchatted about a particularly fun moment at Lori and Graham’s wedding.

Then Milo piped up to tell Carter, “Dad asked for my permission before he married Mom. If you want, you can ask my permission too.”

I felt as if my face was on fire. My nephew meant well and was simply being adorable as usual, but I couldn’t help glancing at Carter out of the corner of my eye. Kids liked to repeat what adults said, and I didn’t want Carter to think I’d told my family I had any expectations. I didn’t want to scare him away.

“I’ll certainly keep that in mind,” Carter answered jovially.

After dinner, we were playing badminton.

“Want to join us?” I asked Carter.

“Sure. The girls are spending the night at their friends’ houses.”

“You had great plans, huh?”

“You have no idea.”