Always (Family Justice Book 1) by Suzanne Halliday

Stephanie could do not to bend in half from the belly laugh that shot out of her.
    “Hardly Southern belle material! She always was one to speak her mind, and Lord almighty but can my daughter swear up a blue streak. Just like her father in that regard. He was a gentleman lawyer by day and a cussing bad boy by night. It was her daddy that taught Tori how to swear like a Marine. Should make you feel right at home.”
    Draegyn quirked a crooked grin at her and chuckled, “Boom!”
    “How’s she feeling this morning? Better, I hope?”
    Stephanie didn’t miss the way his eyes dropped away or the hilarious heated blush that was crawling up his neck. Alex had said that Tori and Drae were rather limited these days in the intimacy department. Judging by the sheepish look on her son-in-law’s face, she suspected that her hormonally challenged daughter had given him a run for his money last night.
    Good for her, she thought. Men always picked the dumbest times to treat their women like hothouse flowers. After seeing the way those two touched and teased, she didn’t doubt for a second that some old-fashioned hanky panky had gone down in the master suite. As it damn well should have.
    “Um, yeah,” he finally answered. “Says she’s got an appetite, so I’m hoping she eats something.” He hefted the tray to make his point. Every imaginable breakfast tidbit was evident—croissants, a pile of fluffy eggs, some bacon, even a bowl of fruit and yogurt. Yep. Her daughter was in good hands.
    Reaching out, she squeezed his arm and beamed at him. “You’re a good man, Draegyn St. John. I can see why my Victoria loves you so much. Give her a big kiss from her mama and tell her I’ll be back in an hour or so. If she’s up to it, I’ll drive us up to the main house and we can bother Meghan. Maybe Lacey will bring that beautiful baby by and we can have some ladies’ time.”
    Relief flashed across Draegyn’s face. “Aw man, that would be perfect Stephanie. Girl power?”
    “Indeed,” she drawled as she turned and started making for the front door. “Enjoy your breakfast, shugah ,” she chirped, blowing him a kiss and chuckling at the startled expression on his face.

    “DON’T BE SUCH A DICK, Unc,” Alex griped. “I told you, the barbecue is to welcome Tori’s mom. I’m not asking you to date the woman, all I’m saying is to be nice. I’ve known her a long time and believe me—there’s more to that picture than what meets the eye. All that genteel Southern charm is just for show. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if she could arm wrestle your moldy ass to the ground.”
    Calder Dane glared at his nephew. Cocking his head to the side, he grunted an inelegant, “Pffft,” and rolled his eyes. “Not my type, Alex, and you know it. Isn’t she some has been beauty queen? Can’t stand all that fake shit. Fake eyelashes. Fake lips. Fake tits.” He shuddered at the thought. “Give me a low-maintenance gal any day and we’ll be fine.”
    Alex boomed with laughter and gave him some snooty ‘tude. “Hardly a has been. Stephanie Bennett is one powerhouse lady and for the record—there’s absolutely nothing fake about her except the Southern accent. I have it on good authority she’s a simple gal from the wide-open spaces, so she’s more your speed than you realize.”
    Calder dropped the hand weights he was gripping and they hit the floor with a heavy thud. Tearing off a wrist brace, he smirked at his nephew. “Country gal with a fake accent? Fuck dude, you just made my case for me.”
    “Oh. And I suppose that bubble-headed news reporter you were shacking up with last year was the epitome of low maintenance? Cut me a break. Your low-maintenance fuck buddy was an obnoxious twit, so back the hell off your high horse, why don’t you?”
    “Y’know, Alex, Kristyl Stanley’s questionable intelligence wasn’t what got her into my bed so shut up. When you get to be my age and a pretty young thing fawns all over you,