The Scars That Make Us (Second Generation Book 3)

Chapter 21

JACE

“Where’s Deacon?”

Jesus Christ, she was an image. After our shower, I got changed and gave Catarina a chance to do her hair and make-up. She came out wearing a pair of dark denim jeans and a sweater that was belted at her waist. The jeans showed off her amazing ass and the belted sweater gave her that perfect hourglass figure. I almost swallowed my tongue she came strutting down the hallway.

“He went over already. Are you ready?”

“I think so,” She took a look down at her outfit, “Is this too casual?”

“No, baby, you look great. This is a ranch, remember? Most of my family is just going to be pleased if you wash your hands.” I wrap my arms around her waist and drop a kiss on her cheek.

“Thank you, Jace. I know it is probably silly, but these are my in-laws, my family.” She smiles when she says family and my grin matches her.

“Nothing silly, you want to make a good first impression.”

“I feel like the first impression was already made for me and I might have some making up to do.”

“I know we’re going all this shit backward, Cat, but my family is loving and welcoming and I know they’ll welcome you with open arms. Literally, you may get suffocated with hugs tonight, are you ready for that?”

She giggles into my chest, “I think I’ll survive.”

She slips into a pair of shoes and I put on my coat and we make our way down the road to the big house. As we approach the house, Miles’s truck pulls in and I halt for a second so that we can say hi to them. Ember gets out of the passenger side first and moves to the back seat to get Peyton. Miles comes around back and puts his hand out. “Good to see you again, cuz.”

“Hey Miles. Shit’s been busy, that’s what happens when you don’t live on the ranch, you miss all the good stuff.” I turn to Catarina, “Cat, this is my cousin Miles. That beautiful woman is his fiance Ember and that other beautiful girl is their daughter, Peyton.” Miles extends his hand to shake Cat’s, “And this is my wife, Catarina.”

“He forgot the beautiful part, I guess.” Miles nudges me in the side. 

“I guess I did, very beautiful.”

“You two are so stinking adorable. Hi Catarina. I’d shake your hand, but if I don’t hold on with dear life, she’s going to make a run for it.”

Catarina places her hand on Peyton’s back, “Hey there, cutie. I don’t believe for a second that you could be trouble.”

Peyton grabs a hold of Ember’s blonde hand that is highlighted with neon purple and she screeches. The four of us all cringe and then laugh.

“Yeah, she does that too, like 3:00 am, it ain’t cute.” Miles kisses his daughter’s forehead and Peyton reaches for him and calls for ‘dada’. “Oh come here so your mama can say hello to her new friend. I’m sure she’s dying to give a hug.

“He knows me so well. “With her arms free, Ember gives Catarina a hug. I hear her whisper something, but she’s really quiet. Cat just nods her head at Ember.

“We should probably keep going inside. I bet there are people looking at the windows right now.”

“Ugh, I’m so nervous.”

“You’re going to be just fine, the guys seem a little hard at first, but once you get to know them, they’re snuggly little teddy bears.”

Miles wraps his free arm around his soon-to-be wife as we start walking into the house, “I’m totally telling the guys that you think they’re all giant teddy bears.”