Chapter 17
Never had Ty been to a Halloween party like this. Trenton and Andie really knew how to host an event. Even the week leading up to it had felt like a dream. Trips to the apple orchard and the pumpkin patch, hayrides through the Meadow of Fallen Leaves, and the fall festival at The Homestead Inn, complete with crafts, auctions, and fall games.
Lucas had been in heaven over the last few weeks, soaking up one fun activity after the next. He’d even taken the Little Broncos riding course with Memphis a few weeks back, but tonight seemed to be the icing on the cake; he finally got to parade through The Homestead halls wearing his Nascar costume while collecting treats. They’d also decorate the pumpkins they’d picked out earlier that week.
Even Holly and Margo had come for tonight’s event, bearing some of their famous fall goodies. Margo specialized in donuts with her fresh, handmade dough and maple icing. And Holly, of course, was known for her spiced (and heavily spiked) wassail. A drink that Memphis had taken a particular liking to. And if she was sensing his mood correctly, he may have had a littletoomuch.
There he was now, across the bar, making eyes at Ty while she helped dish out the apple crisp. Ava and Richard were on ice cream duty, while Lucas played a card game with Margo, Holly, and a few of Mable and Don’s grandkids who were closer to his age. Trenton and Andie were lighting candles in the pumpkins on the porch out front, while Maverick and Emmitt sat with Memphis, sampling the donuts and drinks at the bar.
“Whoever made these,” Emmitt mumbled around a bite of the maple-glazed pastry. “Should marry me.”
Margo made a show of fanning her face, then raised her left hand in the air and flicked her wrist. “I do.”
The group broke out in laughter.
“ThenIshould marry whoever made this wassail,” Memphis said while raising an empty goblet. It was a stupid comment, and he must have known it, because suddenly he added, “As long as Ty’s the one who made it.”
Holly chuckled from her card game. “I almost feel guilty for putting that extra rum in there.Almost…” She shot a wink at Ty. “You better help him hydrate.”
“Good idea,” Ty said, sliding another portion of warm apple crisp onto the final dessert plate. Memphis was worse off than she realized.
Ava moved in with a scoop of ice cream. “Go ahead,” she said, proving she’d heard the exchange. “We’ve got this covered.”
Richard seconded that notion with a nod, then turned his gaze to Memphis. “Think it’s been a while since this guy drank anything besides Gatorade or milk.”
“What about when you guys go to the pub?” she asked.
Emmitt piped up. “He’s usually the designated driver. He nursesonebeer for hours.”
“Lie,” Memphis blurted. “I drinktwobeers when we go out.”
“That’s my rebel brother, right there,” Emmitt said with a head shake.
Ty dusted off her hands and headed toward Memphis.
“I wishIwould have drank too much wassail,” Maverick grumbled. “Then maybe someone would take care ofme.”
“I’ll take care of you,” Emmitt offered, smothering the top of his head with his large hand.
Maverick swatted it away. “Not you.”
“I’ll baby you, Maverick,” Margo offered.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Emmitt argued. “I thoughtwewere getting married.”
Oh, great. Ty could only hope Margo didn’t get lured in by one of the Duran rogues. Of course, it wasn’t as if she hadn’t warned her friend enough about Maverick and his playboy antics. She assumed Emmitt was less so. But still, Margo was a grown woman; she’d have to make her own choice where they were concerned. For now, Ty needed to get Memphis some ice water.
He was staring at a spot on the marble countertop when she approached, rubbing his finger back and forth over it.
“Hi,” Ty said. “Want to come sit on the couch with me?” She glanced toward the sink and saw, to her great relief, that Richard was filling an icy glass for her. He stretched it across the bar and Ty took it with an appreciative nod.
“I guess,” Memphis said. “Not that it’s going to change anything.” He pushed himself sloppily to his feet and started to walk with her toward the front room. His heavy lean on her made the glass wobble, causing water to splash out as they moved.
“Are you doing okay tonight?” she asked as he plunked onto the sofa.
He looked at her, and then moved his gaze to the glass. “I heard you say you’re going to make me drink that.”
She grinned. “I am. But I hope you’ll just agree to drinking it, so I don’t have to get forceful.”
