“My sister’s right,” Brett said. “Even if you are enjoying yourself, you can’t work seven days a week.”
“You don’t need to worry. I’ve planned some time away from the ranch. I’m driving into town this afternoon to look for a wedding dress.”
Mary-Beth’s eyes widened. “I didn’t know you were engaged.”
“It’s not for me. My friend, Holly, is getting married next March. I’m helping my sister organize Holly’s wedding.”
“That sounds like a lot of fun.”
“It is. Claire and I own a company called Perfect Staging. We design the backdrops, props, and lighting for lots of events, but weddings are my favorite.”
“Mine, too. My brother says I’m an incurable romantic.”
Brett stood straighter. “While we’re on the subject of romance, is there something you want to tell me?”
“About what?” Mary-Beth asked.
“I thought you were friends with Liam. You didn’t tell me you’re dating him.”
“I wanted to wait until the right time. He’s a good person.”
“He’s also twelve years older than you are.”
Hannah cleared her throat. “I’ll leave you to talk. If you need me, I’ll be updating my spreadsheet in the dining room.”
“You don’t need to leave.” Brett scowled at his sister. “We’ll go downstairs.”
Mary-Beth tilted her chin higher. “It doesn’t matter whether you approve of Liam or not. I’m going to keep dating him. He’s the most incredible man I’ve ever met.”
The fierce frown on Mary-Beth’s face was just as determined as her brother’s clenched jaw.
Hannah touched the sleeve of Brett’s sweater. “Why don’t you make your sister a cup of coffee? If you’re still in the kitchen before I leave, I’ll come and say goodbye.”
Brett’s scowl softened, but not by much. “Do you want me to move the paintings into the living room?”
“No. They’ll be okay here.” If Brett could read her mind, he’d hear her telling him to be gentle with his sister. She didn’t know why he was so worried about who Mary-Beth was dating, but it shouldn’t have mattered, not if she was happy.
He pointed toward the stairs. “The coffee pot should be hot.”
“Good,” Mary-Beth muttered. “It might make you relax instead of getting uptight about who I’m dating.”
Brett’s eyebrows rose. “I’m not uptight. I just want to make sure you’re all right.”
Mary-Beth picked up her bag. “I’ll see you later, Hannah.”
“Bye. If you want something to eat, there are chocolate chip cookies in the pantry.”
Mary-Beth smiled. “Thanks.”
Brett waited until his sister had left the attic. “You probably think I’m overreacting.”
“Maybe a little.”
Brett moved closer. “She hasn’t dated anyone in years,” he whispered. “Then suddenly, I find out she’s been dating my best friend’s older brother for six months.”
“Maybe they’re in love.”
“He lives in Vancouver.”
