His brothers both grinned, and he groaned.
“No, as a matter of fact,” his mother said. “He just mentioned he’d met an incredible
woman and wanted to know how best to impress her.”
“It was at a friend’s apartment. We were having a party and we took a few quiet
moments to look out at the stars.” Hailey’s voice quieted. “I was looking up at Orion and
made a wish, and then I saw Gage.” She glanced at him, and what he thought he saw in
her eyes made his heart thunder with hope.
“Oh, that sounds so romantic. What did you wish for?”
Dylan shook his head. “No, no, Hailey. Don’t tell us. Don’t you know anything,
Mother?” he asked with exasperation and a wink at Gage. “If you tell your wish, it
doesn’t come true.”
“Mine finally did,” Gage said in a thick voice, “the minute I laid eyes on a feisty
blonde with more brains than sense.”
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Barbara glanced at him in surprise and then understanding. “You know, Hailey, I’d
just love it if you could help me with these tomatoes. So tell me, where are you from
originally? I didn’t catch an accent…”
Within the hour, his mother had all but collected Hailey’s social security number.
Barbara passed a plate of rolls to Gage and smiled.
“Did you know, Hailey, that twelve is my favorite number?” She gave Gage a
meaningful glance, but it was Dylan who filled him in.
“Do the math. That’s one spouse and two kids per each of us. Hell, do us all a favor
and make triplets. I’m not marrying any time soon,” Dylan whispered. And as he stared at
Hailey, his expression softened. “Besides, your kids will be so pretty. And smart. I like
her, Gage, I really do. She’s nice.”
“You could do much worse,” Derrick whispered on his other side. “In fact, if
memory recalls, you have.”
“Keep it up, smartass. I have an in with the best friend. Remember that.”
Derrick grumbled, his frown growing as their mother honed in on his singledom.
