TJ hadn’t forgotten his father. It might have been two years since he last saw his dad, but TJ knew exactly who he was, and where he’d been, and from the wondrous look in his blue eyes, it wasn’t going to be easy peeling TJ out of Trey’s arms.”

“TJ, honey,” she said. “We need to go back inside. We still have the wedding and the party after—”

“Is Dad coming?” TJ asked hopefully.

“No, honey.”

“Why not?”

“Because he’s not…invited.” Her stomach felt heavy, as if she’d swallowed a rock.

TJ wrapped his arm around Trey’s neck. “Can I invite him?”

“No, babe. But you’ll see him again…” Her voice faded. She struggled to smile, her eyes hot and gritty. It hurt to look at TJ and Trey together. “Soon.”

“When?”

She blinked, clearing her vision. “After Christmas, after we get back from Disney World.”

“Can Daddy come?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“It’s…a honeymoon.”

“But—”

“TJ, no.” Her voice cracked. “Now say goodbye and don’t be sad, because you’ll see your dad in early January.”

“Your mom’s right,” Trey said gruffly, putting TJ down. “No need to be sad. I’ll be here when you get back.”

TJ clung to Trey’s fingers. “How long will you be here?”

“Forever,” Trey answered.

TJ frowned. “You’re not going back to jail?”

“No.”

“What about the dogs? Will they get you?”

Trey crouched down and stared TJ in the eyes. “That was a joke. Your great aunt Karen was being funny. There are no dogs. No one is coming to get me.” He clapped his hand on TJ’s shoulder. “I’m home, son. For good.”

“You’re going to live with us?”

“With you and Mom and Lawrence? No, bud. I’ll be at the ranch. Grandpa’s ranch. You know, where Uncle Dillon lives.”

“TJ doesn’t go out there much,” McKenna said quietly, uncomfortably.

Trey glanced at her for a split second, expression inscrutable, before returning his attention to TJ. “You’ll live with your mom and Lawrence, but you’ll see me. Evenings and weekends…whenever we can work it out.”

TJ frowned. “But why do we have to live with Lawrence if you’re not in jail anymore?”

“Because your mom loves Lawrence.”

“But you’re my dad.”

“Yes, and I’ll still be your dad, even when—” Trey broke off, took a deep breath, finishing, “—they’re married.”

“I don’t know why they have to be married if you’re here.”

Trey clasped TJ’s face in his hands and pressed a swift kiss to his forehead. “When you’re grown up, you’ll understand.” He stood, and looked at McKenna. “I’m going to want to see him, Mac,” he said roughly, using his nickname for her. “I need you to promise me that you won’t keep us apart.”

“I’d never do that.”

“Or let Lawrence keep TJ away,” he added.

“He wouldn’t do that, either.”

Trey’s laugh was low and mocking.