Then Regan squealed in delight and rushed around to hug Audrey. “Now, I’ll have an aunt!”

“’Mano, about time.” With a wide grin, Caz slapped Gabe on the back of the head, then pulled Audrey into a hug and told her, “He talked to us a while ago, but…he’s slow, the viejo is. He always has to think out his plan of action first.”

To Bull’s surprise, Hawk hugged Audrey, too, before shoving Gabe’s shoulder. “Took you long enough.”

Gabe laughed. “I asked her a few days ago. On the anniversary of our first meeting. It seemed…right.”

Bull grinned. “Next, you’ll start reading romances.”

“Don’t diss romance.” Frankie’s sharp elbow impacted Bull’s ribs before she smiled at Audrey. “Was your first meeting amazing?”

Audrey burst out laughing. “He terrified me and then accused me of shoplifting.” She gave Gabe a scorching glare before kissing him. “But you’re my cop now.”

The love in her eyes sent a pang of envy through Bull’s heart. But, damn, he was glad his brother had found himself such a good woman. Someone to walk beside him, be with him for the long haul, and have his back when needed.

Bull pulled Audrey into a hearty hug. “Welcome to the family, champ.”

He felt her tears on his shirt—sentimental little female—and handed her back to Gabe.

As he sat down beside Frankie, she was wiping under her eyes.

Make that two sentimental females.

Slinging an arm around Frankie’s shoulders, he pulled her against his chest. And realized what she’d just done for him. Somehow, she’d saved him from death by paperwork by guilting his brothers into stepping up.

Last month, after Paisley’s diva-act in the roadhouse parking lot, Dante said a lover was like a teammate on steroids. He was beginning to see what the Okie meant.

“Are you all right?” Frankie asked softly.

He kissed her lightly. “Thanks for having my back. I might have retreated otherwise.”

“You probably would have,” she agreed. “Family expectations can mess a person up.”

Her tone wasn’t bitter, but…resigned. Unhappy.

Frowning, he rested his chin on her head and wondered what expectations her family was forcing her to fulfill.

Perhaps he should investigate—and see what he could do to intervene. Because damned if he wasn’t going to do his fucking best to keep her right here where she belonged.

He brushed his lips against hers and murmured in a voice for her ears only, “I love you, Frankie Bocelli.”

And saw her eyes light up.

Chapter Twenty

If you find yourself in a fair fight, you didn't plan your mission properly. ~ David Hackworth

While Bull helped Hawk repair a lawn mower, Frankie joined Lillian and Audrey in the garden. The soil was warm and fragrant and soothing, and the small plants simply adorable. Baby greens were the best.