“Yes it is,” Biggs said. “Now tell them the other name.”

“I don’t remember,” Bradley said, and Biggs spoke in his ear. Bradley yelled, “Jillian Braden!”

Applause rang out as a man with dirty-blond hair shot to his feet and let out a whoop and a gorgeous woman with auburn hair popped up and they did a funky happy dance. Everyone cheered as they made their way to the stage. Roni recognized the guy from the auction.

Biggs set Bradley down, and Bradley yelled, “Daddy!” and darted past Jon and Jillian, making a beeline off the stage to Bones, who scooped him up and kissed his cheek.

As Jon and Jillian accepted their prizes, Biggs said a few words, but Roni was too sidetracked by Quincy stroking her shoulder to pay attention. After they left the stage, Kennedy ran to Biggs. He lifted her into his arms and said something in her ear.

Kennedy gasped and yelled, “Uncle Quincy and Miss Woni! You won!”

A thrill skittered through Roni as she turned to Quincy and he kissed her hard, earning even more whoops and cheers than the ones that had already begun exploding around them. Quincy took her hand, and they hurried up to the stage.

“You won, Miss Woni! You won!” Kennedy cheered.

“How about me, jelly bean?” Quincy teased, holding tightly to Roni’s hand.

“You won, too!” Kennedy wriggled out of Biggs’s arms and yelled, “Daddy, we didn’t win, but it’s okay! Miss Woni won!” as she ran off the stage to Truman.

Biggs laughed. “This is the second time Miss Roni got lucky at Whiskey Bro’s with this big fella.”

Laughter rang out from the crowd.

“I bet Quincy gets lucky tonight!” someone hollered, causing Roni to blush and everyone else to cheer.

“I already got lucky,” Quincy shouted, and took Roni in a long, passionate kiss right in front of everyone.

When their lips parted, she was breathless and blushing. People were cheering and clapping, and as she gazed into Quincy’s clear blue eyes, she didn’t mind the embarrassment. She felt rejuvenated, as if she’d shed a protective layer she’d worn for far too long. She liked his loud, different world, with friends who looked like they could snap a person in half and said things she’d never dream of saying, where kids ran around like they owned the place, and Quincy, her big, beautiful man, made her feel like maybe, just maybe, she’d found a place where she truly belonged—right there by his side.

AFTER AN INCREDIBLE evening, they left the fun chaos behind. Roni snuggled against Quincy on the way to his truck, but not even the cold night air could cool his body heat, which had amplified over the last few hours of stolen kisses and furtive caresses. Quincy couldn’t remember a time when he’d been happier. He loved watching Roni joking with his friends and giggling and whispering with the girls. He could practically see her walls coming down as the girl behind the text messages came to life right before his eyes. He knew he needed to tell her about his past, but tonight had been so wonderful, he was no more ready to share his darkness than he was ready for their night to end.