Sean shook his head. “We’re having a barbecue.”
Before Mary asked him more questions, Becky lifted her off the stool. “Get your story before Mr. Gray has to leave. You can read it to him at the kitchen table.”
Sean handed Mary her picture. “You can call me Sean, if you like.”
With a happy grin, she said, “Okay.” Wasting no time, she hurried into the living room.
Becky sighed. “I’m sorry if you had other plans.”
“It’s all right,” Sean assured her. “But talking about plans, I almost forgot about the guided tour I promised you and Mary. When do you want to visit the ranch?”
“Are you sure it’s still all right? Matthew’s wedding has probably taken up more time than you thought.”
“My brothers and the ranch hands are keeping ahead of the work that needs to be done. Besides, Mary will enjoy meeting Toby and Catherine. They can be a handful, but they’re good kids.”
“If you’re sure it’s okay, we’d love to come. I could bring Mary after school one day or anytime on Sundays.”
“How about this Sunday at two?”
“That sounds wonderful.” Becky tried not to get too excited about visiting the ranch. It wasn’t like it was a date or something.
“I found my story,” Mary said excitedly as she rushed to the kitchen table.
Sean pulled out two chairs. “I’m looking forward to hearing it.”
Mary looked so excited that Becky turned away before Sean saw the tears in her eyes. Each moment of joy was something to celebrate, especially after Jamie and Sophia died.
With Sean listening to Mary’s story, Becky made a quick salad.
Before Mary arrived, she would have enjoyed getting to know Sean better. But, with everything that was happening, it was the last thing she needed. As soon as the plans for Matthew’s wedding were finished, she’d go back to working in her flower shop and making sure Mary was happy. That was the sensible, responsible thing to do—even if it meant giving up her dream of finding her own happily ever after.
The following evening,Sean was trying hard to be patient. After a great meeting with Becky this afternoon, he was looking forward to sending out the invitations for the wedding. But Matthew was having a meltdown.
“Read the invitation again,” his twin said. “I want to make sure it makes sense.”
“Becky read it twice. We’ve read it three times. It’s perfect.”
“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this.”
“And I can’t believe your finger hasn’t pushed send.” Sean frowned at his brother. “Why are you so stressed? You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”
Matthew shook his head. “This is what I want, but it’s never felt this real before. I can’t believe I’m marrying Ashley in a few weeks.”
“It’s a big step.”
“Life changing.” With his free hand, Matthew wiped his brow. “Did someone check the email addresses? I don’t want Mom and Dad finding out after everyone else.”
“Becky and I checked our family’s last night. Ashley did hers yesterday, too.”
“That’s good.” Taking a deep breath, Matthew focused on the keyboard. “Okay. I’m ready. Count down with me.”
Sean groaned. “We’re not kids anymore.” His brother sent him a look that would have sliced a melon in two. “Fine. Have it your way. We’ll start at number three and on the count of one, send the emails.”
Matthew nodded and, in unison, they counted three…two…one. At the push of a key, Ashley and Matthew’s closest family and friends were sent an invitation to their ‘engagement’ party.
Sean kept an eye on the inbox to see how many emails bounced back. So far, so good. “How long do you think it will take Mom to call?”
Matthew checked his watch. “It’s eight-thirty at night in Florida. Unless they’re out with friends, it will probably take—” His cell phone vibrated into life. Looking down at the caller display, he smiled. “Thirty seconds.”
