5
LIAM
“It’s about time,”Lizzy nudged me as she stood beside me.
I didn’t know when she walked up or how long she had been standing there. I was too busy watching Bailey. Every move, every laugh…and she was mine. There was no going back now. Not when I finally made my move.
“I’m so happy for you. Seriously, you deserve this.”
Lizzy was such a sweetheart, way too good for the rest of the family. She was the caretaker, the worrier, the one who was always there for us, believing in us even when we didn’t deserve it.
“Well, set the table, girls!” Ma called out in frustration. “It’s like you’ve never seen us with company before!”
Lizzy stomped forward, grabbing Krista by the arm as she went. Together, they started pulling down plates, and Bailey happily joined in as if she was already part of the family.
Leaning against the doorframe, I watched her move, watched the way she so easily fit in with everyone else. Of course, she would. We’d all known each other for years.
“You know, I’m well aware of your broody looks, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen this look,” Jeff chuckled as he walked up beside me. “Well, except when you’re looking at her.”
“Is there a point to this?”
“Only that love looks good on you.”
I didn’t bother to correct him because he was absolutely right. I’d been in love with Bailey for way longer than I would ever admit to anyone but myself.
“Why did you really wait so long to ask her out? I mean, it’s obvious to anyone with a brain that you’re in love with her.”
The truth was, I didn’t know why I had waited. It just felt right last night in the bar, so I made my move.
“We should get drinks,” I answered, pushing off the door.
“Chicken shit.”
“Boys!” Ma snapped from across the room.
“How the hell did she hear that?” Jeff muttered.
As we were getting drinks, Pop walked in, hanging his hat on the hook before taking his seat at the head of the table. I waited for Bailey, then pulled out her chair, waiting for her to sit before taking the seat next to her.
Ma said a quick prayer, but instead of bowing my head, my eyes were firmly planted on Bailey. Glancing over at me, she sent me a chastising look for not paying attention. Ma noticed too, but she didn’t seem all that upset.
I stood immediately, filling Bailey’s plate with food before moving on to my own. When I sat down, everyone at the table was staring at me.
“What?”
Krista had love in her eyes and Lizzy shot me an approving wink. Ma looked like she was ready to hand me her mother’s engagement ring at that very moment, but Jeff and Pop just grabbed their own food and moved on.
“The horses are all shod,” Jeff announced to the table. “Tomorrow, I’ll start on fixing the barn door.”
“Honestly, we have company,” Ma sighed. “Can we discuss something other than work?”
“Oh, it’s okay,” Bailey grinned. “I don’t mind.”
“How’s work at the garage?” Ma asked.
My grip tightened on the fork. I had no problem with her working at the garage, but I hated her being within five feet of Wyatt.
“It’s good. I love working there. Though Cheyenne tells me that I’m covered in too much grease.”
