POV Ivory

Sunday dinners became our new tradition.

Ryan arrived at the ranch house just after two, his sheriff’s cruiser kicking up dust along the drive.

The tension that had lived between us for years had finally begun to ease since our reconciliation. Now we sat across from each other at my small kitchen table, plates of roast beef and potatoes steaming between us.

I waited until he’d finished his second helping before I told him everything.

“There’s something you need to understand about my situation with Kameron and Colt.” I set down my fork and met his eyes. “It’s not temporary. It’s not a confusion. I’m in a relationship with both of them. At the same time.”

Ryan’s fork clattered against his plate. His face cycled through emotions I could read as clearly as newspaper headlines. Shock first, his jaw going slack. Then confusion, his brow furrowing deep. Protective fury flashed next, his hands curling into fists on the tablecloth.

“You’re telling me you’re with both of them.” His voice came out strangled. “Like, romantically. Physically. Both. Is this a final decision?”

“Yes. And there’s more.” I pushed forward before my courage could fail. “The DNA results confirmed Kameron is the biological father of all three children. But Colt isn’t going anywhere. He loves those kids as much as Kameron does, and he loves me. They’ve agreed to share this life together. All of us.”

Ryan stared at me for a long moment. I watched the fury slowly drain from his features, replaced by something softer. Resignation, maybe. Or the beginning of acceptance.

“This is insane, Ivory. You know that, right? The whole town is going to talk. People won’t understand.”

“I know. But I’m done living my life according to what people might say.” I reached across the table and took his hand. “I need you to support me, Ryan. Even if you don’t understand it. Even if it makes you uncomfortable.”

He squeezed my fingers, his grip rough but warm. “You’re my sister. I love you. And if this is what makes you happy, then I’ll learn to accept it.” His jaw tightened. “But I need to have a conversation with those two cowboys first.”

After dinner, Ryan pushed back from the table and headed toward the barn without explanation. I moved to the kitchen window and watched him cross the yard in long, purposeful strides.

Kameron and Colt were finishing evening chores, hauling hay bales and checking water troughs. They straightened when they saw the sheriff approaching.

Through the glass, I watched my brother corner both men against the fence. His finger jabbed toward Kameron’s chest, then Colt’s, punctuating whatever threats he was delivering. His posture radiated authority and warning.

The kitchen door opened behind me, and small voices filled the room.

“Mama! We’re back!” Lily came running first, her arms wrapping around my waist.

Luke and Levi followed, their faces sticky with what looked like chocolate. Marisol and Stella trailed behind them, both women flushed from wrangling three energetic children all afternoon.

“Thanks for watching them.” I hugged each child in turn, checking for visible injuries or signs of sugar-induced chaos.

Marisol moved to stand beside me at the window, her sharp eyes following my gaze. “What’s happening out there? Your brother looks ready to throw punches.”

Stella joined us, peering through the glass with curious concern. “Is everything okay?”

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