Built and Bearded: Bearded Bros Series Read online

  “You do have lady hands and arms,” I joked back. “Admit it, deep down, I know that you’re jealous of my big muscles,” I said grinning.

  “I’m not jealous; I got big muscles, too,” Dax said, pulling up his sleeve and flexing. His bicep bulged from his upper arm, extremely defined and toned.

  I pulled up my flannel sleeve and flexed my bicep in return. Having a burlier build than Dax, my arm was thicker than his, making my muscle denser but not as quite defined. “I think I’m the winner,” I told him. “I’m bigger.”

  “Not fair that you resemble the Hulk,” Dax said. “My muscle’s more defined though, for sure,” he said, a matter-of-factly, pushing on the hard bulge with his finger. Hard as a rock, it didn’t budge.

  “Mmmm,” I replied, studying his bicep than pushing my finger down on my own. Just as hard, only a white print remained from the pressure of my finger. “I guess we can call it a draw. So you can cut your own wood. Just wear work gloves to protect your pretty little hands.”

  “Well, I had to try,” Dax said, still grinning at his still flexed bicep.

  “Boys! Not at the table,” Mom scolded us.

  “Sorry, Mom,” we both apologized and put our muscles away.

  “Anyway, Cole, my muscles can help you with cutting some wood if you need it,” Brad offered. “Not for your cabin, Dax, for the resort,” he added when Dax gave him an expectant glance.

  “Oh, man,” Dax whined again, giving Brad an exaggerated frown, puckering his brow. The twins burst out into a wild giggle and little Abby followed suit, not really knowing what she was laughing at.

  Brad smirked at Dax then continued, “As for me, I’ve got a couple of meetings with vendors lined up. The liquor order is coming on Wednesday. Food and other supplies on Thursday. And, my normal inventory, scheduling, and payroll. Mom? What’s going on with you?”

  Mom looked up from feeding the baby and thought for a moment. “Mmmm, well, I’ve got an appetizing, home-style menu planned... with a touch of elegance, of course. Ms. Everette and I are preparing some lovely homemade soups. And I’m going to put out a few sign-up sheets for family activities during the week. I’m thinking about crafts for the kids and a friendly card or dice game for the adults. Maybe a nice, slow-paced nature walk one afternoon.”

  “I’ll help out with any activities that are after the boys’ classes,” Angela piped in. “Schedule a nature walk for Saturday, if you can, so the boys and I can come along,” she suggested.

  “Okay,” agreed my mom. “I’d love your company.”

  “Sounds good, Mom,” Brad replied, nodding his head in agreement, smiling at his wife, Angela. “So, I guess we’re all set for the week. Like always, email me your tentative schedules so I can find you if needed. I’m looking forward to a fun and busy week,” Brad said, smiling. “Let me know if anything comes up or if I’m needed anywhere,” he added, reaching for another slice of Texas toast.

  Everyone nodded in a reply, turning back to the leftover food on the table for seconds.

  Finishing up my eggs, I saw Abby nonchalantly drop a chunk of scrambled egg on the floor. Then, I heard Bella slurp it up happily. A second later, there went her half-eaten toast. Her innocent blue eyes got wide when she noticed me watching.

  I put my finger up to my lips and shook my head as if to say that I’d stay quiet. Her secret was safe with me. Abby’s face lit up with a silent giggle.

  She mimicked my notion by putting her tiny pointer finger over her lips.

  The sight of her warmed my heart.

  One day, I’d have a little one of my own running around – just not anytime soon. I was enjoying my life as a bachelor a little too much.

  It’d take one very special girl to finally get me to settle down. So, far no one really fit the mold.

  Who knew if she existed.

  Guess time would tell.

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