If We Dare to Dream Read Online Free PDF

dining table and sat down, the towel wrapped around his waist. Jamie held the cold bottle in her hand as yet another wave of emotion washed over her.
    “Just beer?” She chuckled. “You guys are amazing, you know that?”
    Ian’s face was serious, but his eyes danced with mirth. “Of course.”
    They enjoyed their beer in silence for a few moments until Ian came to his feet. “So are you going to throw on a suit and enjoy the barbecue with us or what?”
    Though she really just wanted to hide in her room, Jamie knew none of her brothers would accept that. After they had made the drive up to Vegas and then back again with all her belongings, she owed it to them to give proper thanks. If that meant a family dinner in Ford’s beautiful back yard, well she was in no position to say no. “What’s cooking?”
    Ian’s love of food was evident in the dreamy, faraway look he bore. “Sirloin tips and baked potatoes, plenty of beer to go around and Hayden’s found some chips in the pantry.”
    “Sounds like good times,” she murmured.
    “It will be once you get there. C’mon, sis, get a move on… The pool’s heated…”
    Coming to her feet, Jamie reached forward and gave her brother a hug. When she pulled away, he was grinning down at her. “You make it sound so appealing, how could I say no?”
    “Then let’s go. I’ll meet you in the deep end,” he encouraged warmly. Spinning on his heel, he paused at the door and sent her one last smile. His voice was deep as he spoke, and the way he said her nickname warmed her inside. “Hey Jame? One more thing…”
    She cocked her head to the side.
    “I’m glad you’re home, brat.”
    The door closed behind him with a solid click. Though not overly expressive with affection, the use of his childhood pet name for her brought a smile of nostalgia to her lips.
    Reaching for her suitcase, Jamie went in search of a bathing suit. While some of her clothes made the long drive on hangers and were already put away, the items from her dresser were all neatly packed in her matching luggage set. Using the opportunity to unpack as well, she took a little longer than she expected, and dinner was just about ready when she walked out back wearing her suit and a towel as a cover up.
    The scene that greeted her in the backyard with the glorious desert views was one direct from her childhood. Hayden and Ian were doing what they did best, and what they had always done to her second oldest brother. Grady was currently being held under the water while Ford watched on with a fatherly eye from his position at the grill. Two steaks were already on a plate, and a separate plate held foiled-wrapped baked potatoes. As Jamie made her way through the maze of luxurious patio furniture, she sent a worried glance over at Ford.
    “Are they going to kill him?”
    At that moment both men released Grady, and he came to the surface sputtering and cursing. “Damn you both.”
    One of Ford’s dark brows rose. “Probably. Maybe you ought to get in there and referee.”
    She shook her head wryly. “Like old times?”
    “Just like old times,” he agreed. “Go on; I’ll finish dinner.”
    “Some things just never change, do they?”
    She heard Ford chuckle behind her as she crossed over to the side of the pool. Dropping her towel to the deck, Jamie pulled her knees to her chest and cannonballed into the water alongside the recently surfaced Ian and Hayden. They called out in surprise as Jamie reappeared between them.
    “Are you two ever going to grow up and leave poor Grady alone?”
    “Yeah, she’s right,” Grady grumbled.
    “When you don’t need to hide behind your baby sister for protection, Grady,” Hayden said with a laugh.
    Ian submerged again, and moments later Grady’s head disappeared under the surface. As Jamie cried out her protest, she too was pulled under the water.
    Just like old times, she thought as she kicked at Hayden. One foot slipped free and caught Hayden under the chin.