Midnight Sky (Book 1/3 The Anderson Brothers Series)

Protect You

Andrew

Walking into the dining room, Ms. Isabella came over to greet me.

"Andrew, it's so good to see you."

"Always a pleasure, Ms. Isabella. Sorry if I'm putting you out."

She waved me off.

"Nonsense. You're always welcome to join us."

Ms. Jamie waved me over. She gave me a hug.

"How are you sweetheart?"

"I'm doing well, Ms. J. How about yourself?"

"Can't complain. My baby girl alright?"

I saw her looking over at Lauren who was joking around with her uncle. Logan was off to the side talking to Dr. Ty. I don't know what they talked about, but there was definitely a shift in their energies no matter how much they were trying to play it off.

"She's still guarded," I whispered, more so talking to myself.

I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"I know she is and I know it can be frustrating. You just keep doing what you're doing. We're all glad she has someone like you in her corner," she commented.

Yeah, that's if she really wants me there.

"Trust me, she wants you here. I see the way my niece looks at you. She's lovestruck. She just... It's something about the women in this family. We're all very head strong and it takes a special person to help us not be so abrasive, so to speak. We try to take on the world when we don't have to. I was like her, ready to fight my own battles. Just how my husband got through to me, you'll get through to Lauren," she added.

"Alright, let's eat. I'm starving," Lauren dramatically said.

"Always here if you want to talk," she whispered, patting my shoulder and moving to sit down with Mr. B.

Lauren took a seat and patted for me to sit next to her. She was so relaxed around her family. Their dynamic was always something I enjoyed seeing.

When they would come to the bar, they would all sit around for hours talking and laughing. Nothing else mattered in that moment aside from the time they spent together.

I thought back to the conversation I just had with her father, grandfather, and uncle.

|Flashback|

I watched as Lauren left the living room before turning back to the three men. While I had gotten to know all three personally these past 3 years, I felt like I was meeting them all over again. I wasn't dating their daughter/granddaughter/niece then.

"A lot of restraint you showed in not knocking that son of a bitch on his ass. Can't say I'd be as controlled as you were. It's one of the things I admire about you," Mr. B stated.

"Lauren is a hard head and I know she's going to give you trouble in wanting to protect her," Dr. Ty added.

"Her being a head strong woman doesn't phase me. I'm going to protect her at all costs. Having met Carson on two occasions, I honestly just think he's more bark than bite. Still, I know Lauren is your baby girl and she means a lot to you. I'll keep an eye out," I stated.

Logan ran his hand down his face.

"I trust you Andrew. I know you'll protect Lauren. I know my daughter though. She's very hands on and prefers to solve problems on her own."

"You don't think...."

He glanced over at Dr. Ty who didn't even bother to finish his statement.