As she walked down the hall, Mari and Uncle Graham’s voices in the kitchen were pitched low, as if they wanted to make sure Tex couldn’t hear. She sucked in a breath and went to join them.
They both glanced up, Uncle Graham giving her a benevolent smile and Mari’s gaze full of questions she wouldn’t ask in front of their uncle.
“No worries. He went out like a light.”
“That’s good.” Uncle Graham let out a sigh of relief. “I’ve been telling Mari it looks like you and Monty have something going on, but I don’t want to jump to too many conclusions.”
“I appreciate that.” She took a seat at the old oak table next to Mari. “Monty and I do have affection for each other. I guess that was obvious to everyone at the party.”
Her uncle grinned. “Sure was. I was tickled to see it, too. I won’t say I told you so, but… I told you so.”
“The thing is, we’ve agreed to back off.”
Mari ducked her head to hide a smile. She’d likely assumed that was the cover story.
But her uncle looked confused. “Why?”
“Basically, because of Tex.”
“Tex? He thinks Monty hung the moon!”
“I know, but?—”
“And Monty seems to really care about Tex. I have pictures of them doing the present thing and it was remarkable how they acted like father and son. Raquel was impressed, too.”
“Monty does love him.”
“See? I knew it. And it’s obvious you and Monty clicked, so what’s the problem?”
“Monty’s not ready to take on that kind of responsibility.”
“He said that? I can’t imagine him saying that.”
“But he did, and I admire him for being honest. I wish my ex had been that honest with me.”
“He just needs more time to think about it, to get used to the idea.”
“That’s exactly what I told myself about my ex, but it never happened. I’m not making that mistake twice.”
“I guarantee Monty is nothing like your ex. I suppose it’s only natural he’s a little nervous about becoming an instant father, but all you have to do is look at my pictures and you’ll see he’d be great at it.”
“I watched that whole thing, too, and it made me want to cry. Tex would love to have someone like Monty in his life, but if a man says he’s not up to the job, I’ll by God believe him.”
His expression softened. “My apologies, sweetheart. Pay me no mind. Guess I was too invested in the fairytale ending.”
“You weren’t the only one. I don’t regret going to the party. Tex had a blast. But now Monty’s whole family thinks….” She sighed. “I guess they’ll get over it.”
“I have a question.” Mari was looking at her, and the smile was gone. Had she figured out the affair was over, too? Probably. “If you and Monty aren’t pursuing this romance, will the Bridgers still want to socialize with us?”
“I’ll answer that.” Uncle Graham sat up straighter. “That family is true blue. They welcomed Zin and Tex the way I knew they would, and they won’t suddenly go cold because of this. That’s not how they’re made.”
“I’ll second that.” Zinnia gazed at her sister. “Sure, they’ll be disappointed about Monty and me, but they’re not petty. They won’t judge. I can’t wait for you to meet everyone. You’ll love them.”
“I can’t wait, either. I’m glad we’ll still be welcome. They sound like fun.”
“They are.” Would she have some awkward moments? Yes, but that was on her. They’d be as lovely as ever.
The discussion then turned to Monty the Colt. Mari had suggested that label the day before, and even Tex had thought it sounded cool.
