He stepped into the living room and studied the colorful assortment of furniture and art. “They do. We have two houses on the ranch. Nathan moved into my parents’ house after he married Amy. Mom and Dad moved to Florida a few years ago, so it worked out well. Matthew and I share our grandparents’ house. Did Molly take these photos?”
Becky nodded. “Some are from her travels in America, but others were taken overseas.”
He studied the photo of a large, outdoor market. “Is that the Grand Bazaar?”
“It is. Have you been there?”
“I went there a few years ago with some friends. We got lost in the Spice Market.”
“’Tis an easy thing to do. I met Molly in Istanbul when she was taking the photographs for a Vogue cover. We spent two days in the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar and we still didn’t see everything.” She looked around the room with pride. “After Molly married Jacob, I moved into this cottage to start again. It’s everything Mary and I could ever want.”
“It’s a great home. I’m hoping to start again, too. An architect is working on the concept plans for a new house for me.”
“On the ranch?”
Sean nodded. “I didn’t want to live with my brother and his new wife after they were married. Bringing the wedding forward means Matthew will live in town with Ashley for a while. After my house is finished, they’ll move into my grandparents’ home.”
“It sounds as though you’ve thought of everything.”
“I hope so.” He walked into the kitchen and placed everything he’d brought with him on the counter.
Becky poured each of them a glass of orange juice. “How will it feel to be living on your own for a few months?”
“Nathan’s family and the ranch hands will still be living on the property, so it won’t be too different. Matthew will be there during the day and Sally visits a few times a week, so I see plenty of people.”
“I would have enjoyed having more brothers and sisters, but Gran was the only family we had.”
“What happened to your parents?”
“They died in a car accident when I was nine. Our gran took us in and loved us like no other.”
Sean frowned. “You must have been devastated when Mary’s parents died the same way?”
“It made me realize how important it is for Mary to know she is loved.” Sitting at the kitchen table, Becky pulled a laptop close. “I started a project plan for Matthew and Ashley’s wedding. We can add more columns as we go, but I thought—” Her eyes connected with Sean’s. “What would you be smiling about?”
“You’re organized.”
She frowned. “’Tis the best way to start a project. If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you know how to get there?”
“A lot of people would have made a list of what needs to be done and left it at that.”
“Lists are fine, but I like a little more structure, especially when I have a lot of projects happening at once.” Becky turned the laptop toward him. “Have I missed anything?”
Opening one of the folders, Sean compared the tasks on Becky’s spreadsheet to the notes he’d made. “It looks good to me. Here’s a list of some of the venues and caterers I’ve spoken to. I’ll email you an up-to-date list when I get home.”
Becky read the sheet of paper he gave her. “Oh, dear. Are none of the venues available?”
“Not when we need them. Pastor Steven said we could use the main meeting room at the church, but Ashley wants to have her reception in a barn.”
“I’ve made the flowers for a wedding at a pretty barn about fifteen minutes from Bozeman. It’s on the Love Knot Ranch. The owners have everything a bride and groom need for their wedding.”
“I spoke to them yesterday. They’re fully booked for the next ten months.”
“There must be somewhere else we could use.”
The back door opened and Mary hurried into the kitchen clutching a large bunch of dandelions. “I found these for the llamas.” With a delighted grin, she thrust them toward Sean. “Do you think they’ll like them?”
He took the limp flowers and smiled. “They’ll love them. Thank you.”
