Gotta Be Bayou (Badges of the Bayou, #1)

by Erin Nicholas

Ellie pointed a finger at him. “It’s okay to need a hero once in a while, too, you know.” “What are you talkin’ about?” He smiled at her, but he felt a tightness in his gut. “You boys with the badges,” she said, casting a glance at the table behind him. There was affection in her gaze and a touch of exasperation. “Always wanting to be the heroes and not realizing that bein’ saved—havin’ someone see you and decide you’re worth it, and bein’ willin’ to jump in and pull you out of whatever it is that’s threatening you—is maybe the best damned thing that can happen to a person. Everyone should know what that’s like. Even those of you doin’ the savin’ most of the time.” Spencer had heard his cousins talk about how their grandmother’s advice and wisdom sometimes just came out of the blue and smacked them upside the head. The way her hand would do at times when they were growing up, and she needed them to listen and learn. But he’d never experienced it himself. He swallowed hard. “I will keep that in mind.” “Just take her hand, Spencer. Every time Max reaches out for you. Sometimes she might be reaching so you can pull her up. But sometimes, she’ll be reaching to pull you up. Both times you want to take her hand.”