“I can’t imagine how crowded it must be there with Randy cooking for all the patients,” Cherise said. “Those women must be grieving, and they’re still providing for others. It’s time this town backed them up.”
“We discussed how this town goes directly to the Winters when they have an issue. It’s as if they’ve forgotten how to help themselves,” Ty said, sitting. “Scarlett, what can I get you to eat?”
“May I have a piece of quiche and the caprese salad?” she asked, handing him her plate.
“Do you want a small glass of wine, or I have limoncello for after brunch with dessert?”
“I’ll wait,” she said, while waiting for Ty to pass her plate.
“I placed your quiche at nine and salad at three. Please let me know if you want any more. Mom, may I get you anything? It seems as if you helped yourself to a corner piece of my lemon cake,” he chastised.
“I can’t help it if you took too long to put brunch on the table. I needed something to tide me over. You can keep your eggs. I want some mashed potatoes and beef tips with gravy. It’s the only reason I come to visit you,” she teased.
“Do you want wine?” he asked.
“I’ll stick with this drink. When I spoke with you this morning on the phone, you mentioned Scarlett spent the night due to some issue on the mountain. What happened?”
“A man broke into Scarlett’s cabin. Her friend, Sledge, got shot,” Ty told her.
“Oh my dear. How are you holding up?” Cherise dropped her fork, grasping Scarlett’s right hand.
“I’m fine. I spoke with his wife this morning. As much as I’d like to see him, Sledge felt good enough to tell me to stay put,” Scarlett squeezed her hand. “He saved me when the man tried to choke me.”
Ty reached across the table, and his thumb caressed the back of her hand.
“Tell me you’re keeping her here,” his mother exclaimed. “I can’t imagine why anyone might want to hurt you. You’re a sweet little thing.”
“She’s staying here with me,” he assured her.
Ty’s phone rang and he excused himself from the table to answer it.
“Eat up, Scarlett. We’re not letting our food grow cold. His business constantly interrupts when I’m here,” Cherise coaxed.
“He’s a busy man. I didn’t realize he ran this ranch and operated the restaurant,” she said, cutting the quiche.
“He’s too busy. My son enjoys his ranch, and it’s too bad he doesn’t have a reason to come home more often,” Cherise hinted.
“We’re friends. He’s a sweet man and I’ve enjoyed spending time with him,” Scarlett said, hoping to calm the woman’s matchmaking ideas down.
“Scarlett, you’re friend, Rocker, will arrive in ten minutes,” Ty said sharply. “He wants to ensure your safety.”
Scarlett heard the coldness in his tone. “I’ll call him back. He doesn’t need to check on me.” She set down her fork and pushed away from the table.
“He’s on his way. Sledge informed him of your whereabouts. I’ll set an extra plate and he can join us for brunch,” Ty said gruffly.
“Let him see you’re all right,” Cherise added. “Ty knows how protective brothers in the military get. This Rocker fellow sounds like he’s worried about his friend.”
Scarlett wished to see Ty’s face. He didn’t reply to his mom’s edict, and his warm and friendly voice seemed strained.
A few minutes later, Rocker beat on the door instead of ringing the doorbell. Ty swore under his breath and scooted his chair back to welcome his guest.
“Don’t worry. They’re sizing each other up. I’ll give you a play-by-play,” Cherise whispered.
Scarlett snorted.
“Shhh, you’ll give me away. Oh, my. You have some handsome friends. This boy has some muscles,” Cherise said, fanning herself. “Oh, he’s puffed out his chest like a big rooster. Ty’s giving him the business. That’s right, son. You tell him,” she said, watching the scene.
“I need to separate them,” Scarlett sighed, pushing back her chair.
