It didn’t take long for Wynona to invite Meredith back inside.Wynona’s eyes were misty as she sat down at the kitchen table.Wade wore a deceptively bland expression.Meredith took the seat next to him.
“How’s my baby?”Wynona asked Meredith.
Wade made a choking sound.
“She means Chico,” Meredith said to Wade.“He’s fine.Patty’s taking care of the ranch while we’re gone.”
Wynona frowned at Wade.“Are you two trying to get pregnant?”
“No,” Meredith said.When Wade didn’t repeat her denial, she elbowed him.
“No,” he parroted.“We’re not trying to get pregnant.”
“Well, get on it,” Wynona said.“Her biological clock’s tickin’.”
“Actually, it’s not,” Meredith said.
Wynona made a scoffing sound.“Don’t wait too long.Wade’s already in his thirties.”
“I’m thirty,” Wade said.“Just thirty.”
“And you’re too young to be a grandmother,” Meredith added.
She ignored the flattery.“You’ll make beautiful children.Nowadays it’s old-fashioned to get married first, so don’t worry about that.Just go for it.”
Wade gave Meredith an assessing glance, as if he secretly agreed with his mother.Meredith steered the subject back to the ranch.Wisteria Farms was still going strong.Wade had taken over Wynona’s former role of handling online purchases and ordering supplies.The soaps were selling as fast as Meredith could make them.
“It sounds like you’re managing everything fine,” Wynona said.
“We are,” Wade admitted.
“I’ve decided to stay in New Mexico,” she said.
“You’re not coming back to Texas?”
“Not yet.My therapist recommends at least six months away from Lost Lake, because of all the triggers.”
Wade nodded thoughtfully.“That’s probably wise.”
“How’s work?”
“Fine.It’s been quiet without you in town to cause trouble.”
Wynona smirked at the joke.“Go outside for a minute, will you?I want to talk to Meredith.”
“Sure,” Wade said, and left them alone.
As soon as he walked away, Wynona leaned toward Meredith.“How is he, really?”
“He’s good.Better than good.”
“Does he treat you right?”
“Yes.”
“So, when are you two going to get married?”
Meredith laughed, shaking her head.“We’ve only been together a few months.You’re jumping the gun.”
