Case grins. “At least this time you’re not chasin’ a donkey in your pajamas and gettin’ covered in mud.”
“Yeah. Definitely not my finest moment,” I reply. “Though I’m not sure who got the biggest fright–me, the donkey, or your brother.”
Sutton just laughs and shakes his head. “I think it was the innocent water feature, followed by Grumps. He’s been MIA since so who knows what payback he’s plannin’.”
I sigh. “Guess that means I’ll have to start drying my clothes inside from now on.”
“Don’t worry,” Case adds. “Sutt will just replace anythin’ his donkey takes,includin’underwear.”
Sutton’s cheeks turn pink and I find the sight endearing.No, Blair. It’s day two and they’re your hosts–effectively, your landlords for the next six months.
“My brother’s a full-service kind of host. He’ll get you dirtyandreplace your stolen wares,” Jude says, wading in.
Will chuckles, pulling Birdie into his lap and wrapping his arms around her middle creating a picture of loved up contentment.
“Are we goin’ to get this pizza assembly line up and runnin’ or are y’all just goin’ to sit here and tease me all afternoon,” Sutton asks as he pushes his chair back and stands.
“Tease you,” Case, Jude, Isla, Jessica, and Birdie all say in unison, making us all laugh. Sutton rolls his eyes, but he does it with a wry smile.
“Let me finish the introductions first. I need y’all to look out for Blair while I’m gone,” Uncle George says. “Next to Sutton is Wyatt Grayson. He’s their ranch hand and the one who keepsmostof these city men in line.”
Wyatt looks like he’s all of eighteen, but there’s wisdom in his gaze that could only come from someone who has already had an interesting life.
“Hey! I take offense to that,” Will says. “We’re notthatbad.”
“Not now, anyway,” Wyatt teases. “Though until we can get that donkey under control, I’m not sure we’ll get everythin’ we need done. Especially not in time for the weddin’.”
“Here, here,” Jude answers. “That damn animal is goin’ to be the death of me. He keeps finding a way into the greenhouse and helpin’ himself to one plant a day.”
I frown. “Just one?”
“Yep.” Jude sighs. “He’s a fan of slow, drawn-out torture. He doesn’t even eat the same type every day.”
“Leavin’ me to last, aye George?” a salt and pepper haired man says from the other head of the table. He turns to me with a wave. “Pete Walker, Mayor of Timber Falls.”
“Walker?” I say, looking between the man and Birdie. “Father and daughter?”
“Yep. I’ve also known your uncle there for years so if you ever need anythin’, just call by City Hall and I’ll be there,” Pete replies.
“And if he’snotthere, it means he’s listenin’ to his daughter and not workin’ all the time,” Birdie interjects. “All work and no play makes this daughter worry about her father.”
Pete’s eyes soften. “Yes, dear.”
“Right. Pizzas?” Sutton says, still waiting for an answer from the group.Anyone would think he was hungry.
Case pats his twin’s shoulder. “Yes, Sutt. No need to get hangry.”
“I’m not hangry. I’m keen to win the bet.”
“There’s a bet?” I ask.
“There’s always a bet or a competition of sorts. Whoever makes the best pizza today gets to choose the song for the first weddin’ dance,” Isla explains.
Now they’re talking. I’m a competitive person. I had to be in order to get ahead and forge my career years before my time. “Can anyone join in?”
“This is goin’ to be good,” Birdie tells Isla as we all make our way into the house.
“Glad it’s not us this time. We just get to sit back and watch,” Isla replies.
