Chapter 3
Richard released a breath through pursed lips, a tactic that served to calm him during stressful moments. But how in heaven’s name was he supposed to calm down when his younger brothers had dragged one of their mindless babes (as Emmitt would say) into their new and permanent spot of hiding?
Just why hadn’t Detective Lingley filled him in on such a crucial detail? The man had contacted him twice, after all. Once a few weeks back to say the twins would be heading out to the inn. And again this morning to say today would be the day. Well, tonight. Of course, in true Maverick fashion, the pair had arrived late and with an uninvited guest.
Richard stood back as Andie and Emmitt greeted the twins like it was some joyous reunion. A minute ago, Richard had felt like celebrating too. After all, he’d finally have his youngest brothers at The Homestead with them, safe and sound. Surely Mom and Dad were cheering from the heavens over the event.
But the mere sight of the woman in the front seat gave him a glimpse of what lay in store. Get Memphis alone, and he was the perfect gentleman. But pair him with Maverick and he became his twin in every sense of the word—loud, proud, and disrespectful at every turn.
Sure, it’d been a few years since Richard had spent more than a lunch or golf date with either one of them, but it was plain to see they hadn’t changed. They proved that much by refusing to go into the relocation program in the first place, waiting until they were within inches of losing their lives.
He shook his head as his jaw clenched. As if this family hadn’t lost enough already.
“Wonder who the extra one is,” Trenton said with a bump to Richard’s arm.
“I’ve got a pretty good idea who she is,” Richard said. “Someone crazy enough about M&Ms to give up her whole life.”
“M&Ms?” Trenton’s brow furrowed.
“Memphis and Maverick,” Richard mumbled.
Trenton chuckled as he tipped his head. “They’re probably wondering who I am too.”
“Trenton, come meet my brothers and their friend,” Andie cheered on cue.
Trenton glanced over his shoulder as he stepped away. “You coming, man?”
“I’m thinking about it,” Richard grumbled under his breath.
Maverick made his way around the small crowd and lifted an expectant arm toward Richard, hand cupped and ready. Despite his irritation, Richard met him for the old hand clasp and elbow bump.
“Man, it feels good to be around family right now,” Maverick said. “I had no idea how much I needed it.”
Richard took a step back, irritated at his brother’s attempt to sweeten him up. “Mmm, hmm.”
“Oh, let me grab Ava,” he said before darting back to the group.
So that’s who she was with. Figured since she was sitting up front with him rather than in the back with Memphis. Speaking of which…
“Hey there, ornery!” Memphis cheered as he pulled away from the group and headed his way. “Thought you’d be happy to see us.”
Richard tore his gaze from the crowd. “I’m not happy to see Maverick’s little girlfriend,” he said.
Memphis twisted his lips. “Girlfriend might be a strong word.”
Irritation brewed low in his chest. “Oh, I’m sorry. Hisfling?Is that better? I want to know just what in the h–”
“Richard,” Maverick boomed, arm flung around the woman he’d brought.
“This is beautiful Ava,” Maverick said. “And Ava, this is ornery old Richard.”
Dang right he was ornery. He was being introduced to yet another walking liability.
“Hi,” he said with barely a glance. In the low light it was easy to see she was pretty, but why wouldn’t she be? The Duran men never had a hard time getting the ladies. Finding the right ones, on the other hand, hadn’t proven to be so easy.
“Hi Richard.” The woman stepped beyond Maverick’s grip and extended her hand.
He met her palm with his, pleased to at least get a solid handshake and not one of those expectant, kiss-the-back-of-my-hand numbers.
