“This rift has gone on long enough,” her father said sternly. “We all know tomorrows aren’t guaranteed. It’s time to get this shit sorted out.”

Tobias added, smart man to that list.

“Fine.” Madigan lifted her chin. “This is Tobias, and he’s going to be in my life. So you all better get on board with it, or you’ll have me to deal with.”

Forget fierce. She was a force to be reckoned with. Not that he needed her to stand up for him, but damn it felt good to be appreciated and wanted.

Blaine’s eyes narrowed, locking on him.

Tobias held his stare, wishing once again that he’d never left town. Only this time it was because he didn’t want Blaine thinking he’d left out of fear. He didn’t want to be the first to look away, but he knew the pecking order and shifted his attention to her father, holding out his hand. “Tobias Riggs, sir. I believe I have some explaining to do.”

“The name’s Rob, but you can call me Preacher, and we’ll get to that explaining.” Her father shook his hand. “This is my wife, Reba, and I believe you know my sons, Blaine, Maverick, Zeke, and Zander.” As he said their names, each nodded in turn, except Blaine, who still had a death stare locked on Tobias. Preacher motioned to the pretty blonde. “And this is Chloe, Maverick’s wife.”

Before Tobias could get a word out, Reba said, “Welcome to our home, Tobias.”

She opened her arms and embraced him, and hell if it didn’t bring a wave of emotion. It felt like forever since he’d been greeted that warmly. Her friendly, easy demeanor reminded him of his mother.

“Nice to meet you, ma’am. I’m sorry for intruding on your morning.”

“Don’t be silly. Any friend of Madigan’s is always welcome here.” She glanced disapprovingly at Blaine and returned a soft smile to Tobias. “I hope you’re hungry, because we’ve made a feast.”

“Thank you, but I’ll just say my piece and let you and your family be.”

“Oh, heavens no,” she said with a laugh. “I made enough food for an army. Surely you can spare half an hour to eat.”

As she hugged Madigan, whispering something that made Madigan smile, Zander stepped forward, hand extended. “Guess you realized my sister’s performances don’t suck after all.”

Tobias shook his hand, glad for the levity, although his nerves were still pinging. “I never thought they sucked. She’s got the voice of an angel, and her stories hit hard. They’re just too good to be rushed.”

“There is a lot of truth in that statement,” Zeke said. “It takes balls to walk in here after the way we treated you.”

“Zeke, language,” Reba said sharply.

“Just stating a fact, Mom,” Zeke said.