Surprised, Roni said, “Thank you. I’ve never been around a family like yours. It’s amazing how you all take care of each other.”

“It’s special, isn’t it?” Tracey said. “I had no idea it could be like this until they brought me into their clan.”

Pamela and Crystal exchanged a warm glance.

“Neither did I. It was overwhelming for me at first,” Sarah admitted. “But then I learned to trust, and that led to accepting that this is what family is supposed to be about.”

“That’s right, honey,” Red said. “And, Roni, that charming man of yours is our boy, and he will always be an important part of our family. He’s not alone in his recovery or any other part of his life. He slipped through the cracks once, but never again.”

Roni loved hearing that, though she knew it from the way they treated him. Before she could respond, Crystal said, “What are the guys powwowing about?” She pointed to Bullet, Bear, and Jace, who was holding baby Axel.

“Knowing Bullet, he’s figuring out how to lock Finlay away for the rest of her pregnancy,” Dixie teased.

Finlay giggled. “He loves so hard. He’s going to be the best daddy.”

“Have you seen Bear with Axel?” Crystal asked. “He jumps at the chance to change diapers, bathe him, and play with him.”

“Bear’s good with Axel, but he’s got nothing on three-times-daddy, Bones,” Sarah pointed out.

“Speaking of kids,” Tracey said to Roni. “Your boyfriend sure loves them.” She nodded in Quincy’s direction. He was talking with Scott and Truman, holding Kennedy and Lincoln under his arms like footballs, their legs kicking as they giggled up a storm, while Hail and Bradley ran in circles around the three men.

“He’s so good with them.” Roni looked at Gemma and said, “We had a blast on our date with Kennedy and Lincoln.”

“They did, too.” Gemma smiled and said, “Lincoln can’t stop talking about Booful, and Kennedy is already planning your next date with them.”

All the girls commented about Lincoln’s cute nickname for Roni.

It was funny how the same nickname could make her feel special in two totally different ways. She glanced at Quincy again as he put the kids down and scooped up Lila, kissed her cheek, then set her down to play with the other kids. His eyes turned serious as he talked with Scott and Truman. Then his gaze shifted to Roni, his expression softening. She loved that she seemed to be on his mind as often as he was on hers.

“That was an excessively dreamy sigh, Roni,” Finlay said.

Roni realized she was staring at Quincy and tore her eyes away, only to find all eyes on her. “Sorry. He’s just so…”

“Hot?” Tracey suggested.

“Yes, definitely, but he’s more than that. There’s something about him and the way he cares about others. I can hardly believe that in less than a week we’ll have been dating for only a month. It feels like we’ve been together for much longer.”