“I thought you were saving your money for your wedding?”
“We are, but this is more like a mental health break. Her stepmom wants her to fly to San Francisco to buy a dress. Ashley wants to buy the one she’s seen in town.”
Sean wasn’t about to point out it was Ashley and Matthew’s wedding, not her stepmother’s. He knew how fragile family relationships could be and adding his opinion wouldn’t help anyone.
“Have you seen the last tire nut?” Matthew asked.
Sean looked on the ground before moving the flat tire. “It’s under here. Have you thought about what you’re wearing when you get married?”
His brother took the nut. “It looks as though we’re renting suits.”
“So, your idea of wearing jeans didn’t go down too well?”
“You could say that. Ashley’s mouth dropped open and Mom gave me one of her looks.”
Sean laughed. “And it still worked?”
“I’d have to be dead not to know when she isn’t impressed.” Wiping his hands on his jeans, Matthew walked to the back of the truck. “I’ll lower the jack.”
Sean waited until the truck hit the ground before tightening the tire. “I spoke to Nathan and Liam. They’ll both be here for your bachelor party.”
“I didn’t think either of our brothers would miss it. Have you told them what we’re doing?”
“It’s a surprise. Give me a hand to lift the flat tire onto the truck. You can take it into town with you.”
“What will I do with it? It’s six o’clock at night.”
“I called the garage. Mike said to leave it at the back door and he’ll drive past after supper and fix it for us. You can bring it back to the ranch after you’ve had dinner.”
“I should have known you’d have something organized. It’s a pity you don’t have the same skills with women.”
Sean closed the tailgate. “I’m more selective than someone else I know.”
Matthew grinned. “Ashley was always the love of my life. It just took both of us a little time to realize it.”
A lot of time and hundreds of miles, Sean thought. But, if two of his three brothers could find their soulmates, there must be hope for him.
A series of snorts erupted from a stall farther into the barn. Even if his parents’ llamas thought he was hilarious, there must be someone who’d take pity on a thirty-five-year-old cowboy—especially if they enjoyed chilled wine, horseback riding, and sunsets that drifted into forever.
Becky hurriedacross the parking lot of Bozeman Elementary School. Twelve months ago, a phone call from her ex-fiancé’s lawyer had changed her life. Even though their engagement had ended ten years ago, she’d kept in contact with Jamie. He was a good person with a big heart, and she valued his friendship.
When he’d married Sophia, she’d flown to Dublin to celebrate the day with her friends. A year later, she’d returned when Mary was born. When Sophia and Jamie asked her to be the legal guardian of their baby girl, she was both humbled and shocked. With no one in their families able to take care of their daughter, the American-born couple wanted to know Mary would be looked after if anything happened to them.
Nothing she’d said could change their minds, so she’d gone with them to their lawyer’s office. Never in a million years had she expected Mary would eventually live with her, but a tragic accident had left their darling girl an orphan.
Instead of returning to Ireland for Mary’s fifth birthday, she’d packed a suitcase and attended Jamie and Sophia’s funeral. Mary had traveled back to Montana with her and, day by day, she was learning to live in a world that didn’t include her parents.
Taking a deep breath, Becky stepped into the administration block. The last year had gone by so quickly it was hard to remember what her life was like before Mary arrived. Despite everything that had happened, they’d both found a new kind of normal and, most of the time, they were happy.
The school secretary smiled when she saw her. “Mary and Lynda are in the meeting room at the end of the corridor. Go on down.”
“Thanks.”
Lynda lifted her head when she walked into the room. “Thanks for coming so quickly.”
Before she could reply, Mary flew toward her, gripping Becky’s legs as if she was about to be swept away by a raging torrent. “It’s okay.” Placing her hands on Mary’s shoulders, Becky looked at Lynda. “What happened?”
“One of Mary’s classmates said something to her in the playground. She burst into tears and hid under the stairs again. I’ll leave you to talk to her.”
