Dani glanced at the brother-in-law she adored. “I’d say pretty serious, but I think he wants to give me time to get over Steve. I told him I didn’t need that, but he’s still playing it safe. I guess I’ll just have to show him. Telling him isn’t doing the trick. I invited him to dinner, by the way.”
“Who?” Libby asked, “Wade or Steve?”
Dani rolled her eyes again. “Wade, not Steve. Let me repeat. Steve is out of the picture. Accept that.”
Richard stood. “Wade is coming to dinner? Good. It will be just like old times.”
“Thanks for inviting me over, Rich,” Wade said, as they leaned against the corral, watching one of Rich’s ranch hands give one of the neighbor’s kids a riding lesson.
“I didn’t invite you. Dani did,” Richard chuckled. “And what’s this I hear about you sleeping in my bed while I’ve been gone?”
Wade grinned as he pulled off his Stetson and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. Usually, at this time of year, the week before Thanksgiving, the weather was cool. However, for some reason, it was incredibly hottoday.
He placed the hat back on his head. “Yourbed, the one you and Libby sleep in, belonged to your parents first. Out of respect for Richard Senior and Ms. Fiona, I would never sleep in it or do anything else.” He grinned again. “Besides, I didn’t have to. Ms. Fiona said that the guest room I claimed as mine when I was ten would always be mine whenever I came to visit. By default, I also get to claim anyone or anything else in that room. Including your wife’s sister.” He then glared at Richard. “And who gave you permission to let Libby change out my Marvel curtains for all that frilly nonsense?”
Richard rolled his eyes. “The permission became automatic when we got married. I like making my wife happy.”
“Whatever.”
“So, is this thing with you and Dani serious, or is it just an extreme case of lust?” Richard asked.
Wade met his friend’s gaze. “You have to ask Dani what it is on her end, but for me, it’s serious. I love her, Rich.”
Richard studied his friend’s features and obviously saw he was telling the truth. “Have you told her?”
“Not yet. She broke up with her ex-boyfriend six months ago, and I want to make sure she’s fully over him before I say anything.”
“You think it’s one of those rebound situations?”
“Could be. Eradicating someone from your heart isn’t easy, no matter the reason.”
“Are we talking about Steve and Dani or you and Gail?”
“Steve and Dani. That boat sailed for me and Gail a while ago. She’s moved on, and so have I.”
“What about your heart, Wade?”
“It belongs to Dani whenever she wants to claim it. No matter how long it takes.”
Richard nodded. “And the rodeo?”
“I decided this will be my last year on the circuit. I’m not getting any younger, and Carlos and Elena are talking about doing some traveling, going to visit their kids and grands. I want them to be able to do that. They have dedicated their lives to the Harrisons long enough. It’s time for me to come home for good and run my ranch. And it would be nice if I had Dani by my side.”
Richard grinned and rubbed his hands together as if excited at such a thing happening. “Then Libby will have her sister close by. I can fire our cook and eat dinner at your place every day. Just like my mom gave you a bedroom in our house, your mom told me I would always have a place at her dinner table.”
Wade laughed. “I do remember Mom telling you that.” He paused and then said, “Dani is a damn good cook.”
“I know. So, I’m counting on you to win her heart, Wade.”
“I promise to do my best, Rich.”
“I wonder what those two are talking about,” Dani said, peeking out the window at Richard and Wade.
“Richard is probably telling him what a great time we had on the cruise. By the way, are you going to invite Wade to Thanksgiving dinner, or should we expect Steve to be there?”
Libby’s question let Dani know it was time for her to make that dreaded call. Obviously, her sister still didn’t believe Steve was permanently out of the picture. Moving from the window, she came to sit across from Libby. “I am about to do a three-way callwith Mom and Kim.”
Libby raised a brow. “Why?”
