I grumbled a few choice profanities under my breath. Ford had always gone a little over the top when looking out for me. I was pretty sure he’d threatened bodily harm to all of the boys at the high school if they were to take advantage of me. It got so bad that none of them would even talk to me for the first year. And when I’d wanted to learn to skateboard, Ford had made me promise that I’d only do it with him and then had proceeded to buy every sort of protective gear the local sporting goods store sold. I’d looked like the Michelin Man waddling out to learn that first lesson.

“Well, he needs to learn that I can take care of myself,” I grumbled.

Hunt gave me a hard squeeze and released me. “He will.” He eyed his brother. “And if he gives you any shit, just let me know, and I’ll pop him one for good measure.”

Hunter looked a little too happy at the idea of punching his brother. I grabbed his biceps, bringing his focus back to me. “We’re fine. And look how busy the bar is. That’s all on Ford.”

Hunter’s mouth pressed into a hard line as he scanned the crowd. “We’ll see if it lasts.”

I sighed. Ford and Hunter needed to make peace. For their parents, if nothing else. But I really wanted that peace for both of them. I’d have given anything for just another day with my sister, and these two idiots were squandering the second chance they had right in front of them. “Give him a shot to make this right…for me?”

Hunter’s expression gentled. “I’ll try. But only for you.” He bent, kissing the top of my head before he headed back around the bar.

I turned back to Ethan. “So, refill?”

“I think I’m good,” Ethan said, holding up his still half-full glass.

“All right. I’m going to see if Darlene needs any help on the floor. Just flag Ford down if you need another.”

Ethan grimaced, looking from Ford to Hunter and back again. He was probably debating if asking for another Jack and Coke would end in a fistfight between brothers. I really hoped not.

I wove my way through the crowded tables, flagging Darlene down. “You need any help?”

Darlene blew her bangs out of her face. “Can you get refills for table six?”