“We don’t talk about Juliette,” Birdie whispered to Tracey. “Hey, Big D. Just a heads-up. After we eat, we’re going to steal Tracey so Sasha can teach her to play a little guitar and I can get the scoop on you two. If you got a problem with that, take it up with someone who cares.” She flashed a mischievous grin. “Being cousins is fun.”

Lunch was delicious and their conversations were enjoyable, with just enough kisses sprinkled in from Diesel to make Tracey feel like she was walking on air. After they ate, the girls whisked Tracey away. Sasha was a patient teacher as she helped Tracey learn the basics about guitar and Birdie peppered her with questions about her and Diesel. As the afternoon blended into early evening, many of the guests left, though a handful stuck around. Diesel and the guys built a bonfire, and Tracey and the girls gathered blankets and set them out on the grass around the firepit.

Everyone settled onto the blankets, and Diesel hugged Tracey against his side, kissing her cheek. His gravelly voice coasted into her ear. “You doin’ okay, baby girl?”

“Better than okay. But more importantly, how are you doing?”

“Good. Really good.”

“Do you feel any different being with everyone now that you know about Axel?”

“Yeah, I think I do. But it’s more than just because I know about Axel.” He leaned closer. “It’s you, baby. You make everything better, and you make me want to be part of something bigger. Something special.”

“From what I saw today, you’ve always been part of something big and special. I thought you belonged with the Whiskeys back home, but you belong here, too, with these people who love you and knew your mom.”

“And you belong near your mom and your new family, near Biggs and everyone out there, because as you’ve said many times, they’re your family, too.”

She swallowed hard, wondering if he’d want to build his life here, which she’d totally understand. “Does this feel more like home to you?”

He pressed his lips to hers. “You’re my home, baby girl.”

“You know what I mean,” she said with a happy heart and a sliver of worry.