“Dude,” Chevy says. “No one proposes over a fajita skillet. Even Wolf Waters and his drumline tops that.”
Ain’t that the truth. “Sometimes I can be … impulsive. But the proposal was real.”
For a few awkward beats, Chevy is silent, with just the roar of the engine cutting through the quiet. “Let me get this straight. You want to marry Lindy—after just now seeing her again for the first time in years?”
“I do.”
“And you know you’d be getting Jo, like a package deal? I’m not saying anything about Jo—she’s the best. Not every guy wants to raise some other guy’s kid or is ready to be thrust into a dad role. Plus, all the legal drama—you want to propose knowing all that?”
Maybe Chevy’s list of things should make me want to back down. I’m pretty sure he’s testing me. It only makes me feel more determined, even more sure of my decision.
“Yeah. I do.”
“Well, then. Maybe my hunch is correct.” Chevy pulls the Mustang to a stop and leans against his door, eyeing me. “You know where we are?”
I glance out at the dark road ahead, lit only by the moon. The only things I can see are fields and fences in all directions. “A deserted stretch of road perfect for offing someone and hiding the body?”
He chuckles, leaning across to open my door. “A little dark, buddy. More like a good place to let you walk home and think about what you’ve done.”
“Seriously?”
He nods. “My house is two miles straight ahead.”
Grumbling, I climb out of his car, then lean down to meet his gaze. “If this is how it’s gonna be, I might fully rescind my bromance offer.”
“Fair enough. But lemme ask you—wouldn’t your brothers do the same?”
I don’t even have to think about that one. “They’d do worse.”
Chevy chuckles and gives me a little wave. “See you at home, honey.”
I close the door, listening to the purr of his engine fade as I start to walk, ankle monitor itching a little more with each step. If this town wants me to eat humble pie, I’ll tie a plastic bib around my neck and put my face right in it. Whatever it takes.
I’ve had about ten minutes to walk and think about how stupid it was to propose to Lindy the way I did when my phone starts to buzz. I’m honestly shocked I get any reception out here.
“Hey, Pops.”
Tank’s voice is a little garbled. “How is it being stuck in Sheet Cake? What are you up to?”
I’m passing a broken-down shed and a few cows. “Just out for a stroll.”
“You can do that?” he asks. “I thought you were under house arrest.”
“More like town arrest. I can’t leave Sheet Cake. Guess I’m here for a while, even if James never changes his mind about Dark Horse.”
Dad hums and says something I can’t hear through static. Only the last part is clear. “… stubborn brother. How are things with your girl?”
“I asked her to marry me.”
Might as well drop that bomb now, let him get used to the idea before I try again. This time with a plan and a real proposal, one that will show Lindy how serious I am. Tank is quiet for a few moments, and I check to see if we’re still connected. We are. “You still there? Did I cause a coronary?”
“I’m here,” Tank says. “Just thinking. Do you know what you’re doing, son?”
“It may not look like it, but for the first time in a long time, I really, really do.”