“No, he gave me what Ineeded,” Salem said softly. “And once I get Dad alone and explain it to him, he’ll understand.”
“Will he? Right now, he’s thinking that he wasn’t physically well enough to walk one of his daughters down the aisle and the other one didn’t even give him the chance to,” I said. “Sorry, but if you guys are going to call me on my crap, then I’ve got a right to do the same.”
Salem didn’t reply. Instead, her brow furrowed, and she looked into the flames.
“And I’m guessing Hadley didn’t try and talk you out of your quickie wedding because at least she got to be there?” I asked, looking at my other friend.
Hadley winced. “Salem, I think we fucked up.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The Ranch
I left my friends sitting by the campfire and went inside to find Brooks, but he was nowhere to be found.
“He went on a night ride with Cas and Declan,” Muddy said from her crochet chair. “Seems like the three of them needed to clear their heads after that dinner.”
I came fully into the den and took a seat on the couch. “It was kind of epic.”
Muddy smiled. “I was going to say dramatic, but epic works too. Hadley? Salem?”
“Still out by the fire. I kind of verbally kicked their butts,” I admitted.
“Did you?” Muddy asked. “About what?”
“Mr. Powell’s reaction wasn’t out of bounds when he heard about Salem’s wedding. Or lack thereof.”
“That’s Salem for you,” Muddy said. “Do first, think later.”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “I know why she did it. But on the other hand, I know why we’re all upset.”
“I’m not upset,” Muddy said.
“No?”
“No.” Muddy looked at me. “The fact that Salem moved back home is a miracle. The fact that she’s settling in and is finally happy is also a miracle. What’s a wedding? It’s one day. One day in a lifetime. It doesn’t really matter in the long run. Family does.”
“Family that didn’t get to celebrate with her. Friends that didn’t get to celebrate with her, either.”
“Do you think Hadley’s wedding was just for Hadley?” Muddy asked.
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Hadley knew her sister would never go through all of that. Her wedding date was their mother’s birthday . . . that was just as much about honoring Kathleen as it was for Salem. So Salem could have some sweet with the bitter.”
I peered at her. “I’ve never known anyone like you, Muddy.”
“Thank you, sugar.” Muddy smiled. “Brooks actually came to dinner tonight. Surprising . . .”
I raised my brows. “You told him to come.”
“I thought he’d make an excuse not to.” She set her crochet hook down so she could reach for the glass of brandy on the end table next to her chair. “It might take him a few times before he warms up, but we’ll work on him.”
“Warmed up enough to announce to the entire room his intentions,” I said. “With me.”
“Him coming to dinner was announcement enough. Connor just wanted to make sure you knew you were family and that he’s looking out for you too.”
“I appreciate it, actually,” I said with a sardonic laugh. “I can’t imagine my own father doing that.”
