“We do.”
“Although I’m not quite sure about these men you used to work with,” she said, eyeing the whole of Reed Security and their wives/husbands, taking up an entire section of the tents all on their own.
“They’re a good group.”
“I’m sure they are, but there was so much swearing, and what was with that musical number they did after the wedding? Are they gay?”
“Nope, just…” How did I describe them? “Odd.”
“And that one man, pulling out his gun and shooting into the air? I thought Mrs. Abernathy was going to have a heart attack!”
“Mrs. Abernathy is tougher than she looks.”
“Of course, Bea was over the moon. Did you see the way she was eyeing the men? I’m pretty sure they’re going to regret coming when she gets enough alcohol in her.”
“Ma, I really?—”
“And that man who pulled the gun? I went to introduce myself to him, and he refused to shake my hand. Something about it being dangerous. Honestly, I’m not sure where you found these people.”
“It’s more like they found me,” I sighed.
“Well, either way, I’m glad you’re back home with us. Your father is so lost. I wish you could pull him out of this haze he’s in. He needs a purpose.”
“The ranch is done, Ma. I can’t bring that back.”
“No, but maybe you could talk to him?—”
I laughed at that. “Pop and I have never gotten along. There’s nothing I could say that he would want to hear.”
Pursing her lips, she finally relented. “I can see I’m keeping you from your bride. You should go dance with her.”
“I fully intend to. If only I could get to her.”
Chuckling, she took my arm and led me across the tent to my wife. The strains of an upbeat song were replaced with something slower. I was just about to ask her to dance when her father stepped in, taking his turn with her. Sighing, I sat down and waited my turn while Ma chased after Jeff for eating all the food.
“Enjoying your party?” Liam asked, slumping in the seat across from me.
“I would if I actually got to talk to my wife.”
“Well, weddings always seem to be more about the people who attend rather than the bride and groom.”
I eyed my brother, how his shoulders slumped and his eyes were all glazed. “Are you holding it together okay?”
“Of course,” he snorted. “Why do you ask?”
“Because you’re attending a wedding when all you really want is to go get Bailey back.”
“Well, that’s not gonna happen,” he chuckled.
“It could. If you just give it time?—”
“I’m not like you,” he snarled. “I don’t have the luxury of just running away until things get better.”
“Is that what you think I did?”
“Isn’t it?”
Man, he was never gonna let me forget that I left him behind. “I didn’t mean to leave you with all that shit.”
