She enjoyed listening to the conversation bounce around the table.She didn't know the first thing about the cattle business, but it was interesting to hear them talk.
She dropped her gaze when Emmett's name came up.It was only to be expected that guys who worked on ranches would talk about the local veterinarian, but she felt a little self-conscious anyway.She glanced at Banner, wondering if he'd noticed Emmett's truck outside the cottage when they got back yesterday—not that he'd been there for long.
Jim caught her gaze and gave her a knowing smile as he asked, "Will you be back to ferrying Tanya and Alana around now that you're home?"
"I will.I'm looking forward to it."
"Brooke says they think the world of you," said Brody.
Harper glanced at Brooks, wondering how he knew the girls.
Brooks laughed."I know it gets confusing—he means Brooke, not me."
"Oh!Right," Harper nodded.
"We were in the same grade in school, too," Brooks told her."Most of the teachers used to pair us up for assignments.It was easier that way.They could say Brooks and mean both of us.Brooke didn't think it was fair, but she didn't mind too much.We're good buddies."
Harper smiled, enjoying getting to know more about them.She glanced at Brody—from what she understood, he and Brooke were...well, she didn't know if they were together, but there was something between them.From the way he'd dropped his head though, she didn't know if his brothers were aware of that.
Jim pushed his chair back."That was some good eating.Thank you all.I need to stretch my legs."
Brad hurried to his side."Mind if I come with you?I need to pick your brain."
Harper tried to pick up dishes, but Banner swatted at her hand."I've told you the house rules before—if you made it, you don't have to clean it up."
She made a face at him."I don't mind, and besides, everyone made something."
He chuckled, "And now you know why."
That made her laugh."Well, if I can't help clean up, should I go and leave you guys to..."
"No," Brody interrupted."I mean, sure, go if you want to, but..."
Boone grinned as he passed them carrying a pile of dishes."I think he wants to ask you about Miss Shelley."
Harper gave Brody a puzzled look, but he just gestured for her to go ahead of him down the steps to the yard.
He looked back over his shoulder."It's not about Shelley; I just said that because it's..."
"About Brooke?"Harper asked with a smile.
"Yeah.There's a big concert coming up and she won't commit to going because it's on a weekend when she knows Emmett might be busy and might need help..."
Harper reached up to pat his shoulder."Just give me the date, and I'll invite the girls to stay over at the cottage that weekend."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously.It'll be up to Brooke if she wants to go with you—if watching the girls is an excuse, she might find another.But if she wants to go, she won't need to worry about leaving Emmett in the lurch."
Brody grinned."Thanks Miss..."
"Please just call me Harper.You make me feel ancient calling meMissHarper."
"Okay, thanks, Harper.Will I see you out at Trip's place soon?"
"I'm sure you will.I need to catch up with Shelley."
He gave her a sly smile."You're not mad at her, are you?"
