Salem’s fiancé gave me a quick hug. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Just water, thanks,” I said.
The kitchen was full of people. Muddy was bustling around getting platters of food ready. Jane and Hadley helped her. Mr. Powell sat at the kitchen table, nursing what looked like sparkling water.
No sign of Brooks.
I pulled out my phone and shot him a text.
Me
Where are you?
His reply was almost instant.
Brooks
porch.
“Everyone into the dining room,” Muddy said as she carried a geometric-print salad bowl. She looked at me. “Where’s Brooks?”
“He’s on his way,” I lied. “I’ll wait for him outside.”
She didn’t reply as she brushed past me into the dining room. Everyone followed her, like a trail of ducklings.
I slipped out the front door and closed it softly behind me. Brooks was sitting on the porch bench, and I slid into the spot next to him. His hand immediately went to my thigh.
“What’s wrong?” I asked. “Why are you out here?”
“I just needed a minute,” he murmured.
“Overwhelmed?”
He nodded.
“Not a fan of crowds.”
He shook his head.
“This isn’t a crowd,” I explained. “This is a family.”
“I’m an outsider.”
“Not anymore.” I squeezed his hand. “Come on. The first time is the hardest.”
“Ifthatdoesn’t have a double meaning.”
I stood and held out my hand to him. He took it and rose.
Everyone was already seated by the time we made it inside. There were two spots at the end of the table near Muddy that had been left open for us.
“Hi Brooks,” Muddy greeted with a welcoming smile.
“Hello,” he said, his voice low. He hastily removed his cowboy hat. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
“You’re not late,” Salem said, trying to put him at ease. “We’ve been playing musical chairs for the last five minutes.”
Brooks pulled out a chair and gestured for me to sit and then he took the seat next to me. His large hand immediately went to my thigh. I covered his with my own.
