“Oh, I’m sorry. I should’ve asked to bring him,” she said, pulling out her cane.
“Remember your training. It’s polite to ask if you visit someone’s house when you return home. On the mountain, Ice will be welcomed everywhere.”
Scarlett got him out of the truck and followed Kassie inside. She heard the hustle and bustle of the women as they prepared for the evening.
“Everyone, please introduce yourself to Scarlett. I need a shower, then I’ll be out to help,” Kassie said, showing Scarlett to a chair. “Don’t worry, they don’t bite, except maybe Victoria.”
“Don’t listen to her,” someone said, sending Kassie to her room. “I’m Saint’s wife, Bryanna. I own the bakery in town.”
“It’s nice to meet you. I love your crullers,” Scarlett greeted her.
“I’m Samantha,” another woman said, sitting beside her.
Scarlett smiled. “You make those lovely cool pads for my headaches. They’re amazing.”
“Thanks. Barb, Edie and Debbie are setting up the back deck. We decided to let the kids roast hot dogs, and they have all kinds of lovely treats from their Grans. Kassie told us about your meeting with Victoria. Catherine will arrive with her mother and daughters, Melody and Grace, within the hour. They went on a girls’ trip,” Samantha explained. “We have the board in front of you. Please addcrackers at three, marshmallows at noon, chocolate at six, and you have mints at nine.”
“Mints? I’ve never heard of them made with those,” she explained.
“Oh, we have peanut butter cups, fruit, and other assorted candies guaranteed to give them all a sugar rush,” someone said, joining the table. “I’m Lizzy. Debbie has spoken about you. You’ve made a great impression. Who’s your friend?”
“He’s my partner, Ice. They allowed him to come home with me yesterday,” she replied, reaching down to pet him. “Oops, I need to wash my hands. Can you direct me to the bathroom?” she asked.
“Sure,” Bryanna said, extending her arm. Ice stood, ready to go with his mistress. She cleaned her hands and secured Ice before opening the door.
“Kassie said you arrived early.” Ty’s smooth voice surprised her.
“I rode with Kassie. Did you bring me a dessert?” she asked cheekily.
“I made salted caramel shortbread cookies,” he said softly. “Can I take you onto the deck and offer you one? The ladies assured me they have everything in hand.”
“Please,” she said, taking his arm and clutching her cane in her hand. Ty took her out the back door to the cozy chairs and the burning fire. Then, he returned to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he brought Ice a bowl of water and a cookie for her.
“It seems I’m always breaking rules with you,” she teased. “Another dessert before dinner.”
“We’ll have to discover a new rule to break if this keeps up,” he said.
The kids wandered outside and the adults helped them put hot dogs on sticks. One of the men caught their attention. “All right, you hooligans. Remember, we’re celebratingJosé and Lucas tonight. Be sure to give them hugs and kisses before you go to bed. They’ll be busy the rest of the weekend. How do we behave around the fire?”
Ty leaned closer. “Leo’s instructing the kids.”
“We don’t run and we stay a few steps away,” the kids chorused.
“What do we do if a hot dog or marshmallow catches on fire?” Leo asked.
“We don’t run toward anyone. We put the stick down and tell an adult,” they answered.
“All right. Who’s ready to have fun?” Leo called.
The kids all cheered and jumped in excitement. Scarlett listened as the dads took over the wiener cooking. The women brought out fruit and assorted sides. Chase started the grill to make food for the adults. Kassie sat beside Scarlett and Ty with a baby in her arms.
“Help yourselves to the food. Sophie takes her time eating, and I don’t want her waking Jon quite yet. Tori has another tooth coming in, and she’s a bear if she doesn’t get a full nap,” she exclaimed.
“May I fix your plate, Scarlett?” Ty asked. “If you’ll come with me, you can tell me what you like,” he suggested.
Scarlett signaled for Ice to stay while she stood and waited for Ty to lead the way. Feeling confident on his arm, she allowed him to take her toward the food table.
“We have grilled chicken, steaks, burgers and Debbie brought a veggie pasta salad,” he informed her as he took two plates, napkins and silverware.
