Page 65 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Magnolia’s mom had invited her to spend Christmas in Florida, but there was no way Magnolia could do that, not with the impending wedding. Janet had invited Magnolia for Christmas the past several years in a row. Every year, Magnolia came up with a different excuse as to why she couldn’t go. At least this year her excuse was valid. Magnolia hadn’t told her mother about the conditions of the trust fund. Her mom would freak out if she knew that Magnolia had to get married to claim her inheritance. There was no love-loss between Janet and the Bentleys.

“Tell me what you’ve been up to since you left Franklin,” Mrs. Romeo prompted. “I can’t remember the last time I saw you. You’re all grown up now.”

“It has been a long time,” Magnolia agreed.

Lexi pulled out a chair and sat down at the table.

“I’m the chief editor for an online clothing and lifestyle magazine,” Magnolia began.

“It’s one of the top magazines in the country,” Lexi chimed with a touch of pride. Magnolia loved that about Lexi—how she was genuinely gracious and happy for Magnolia’s success. So many of Magnolia’s other so-called friends were insanely jealous of one another. They were okay with their counterparts being successful, so long as they remained the top dog.

Mrs. Romeo seemed impressed. “Wow!”

“Mrs. Romeo, you teach English at the high school, is that right?”

“Yes.” She offered a warm smile. “Please, call me Layla.”

Magnolia nodded. “Layla, you have a beautiful home.” She’d never paid much attention to the décor when she was a kid, but now that she was seeing it through the eyes of an adult, she appreciated the artful details that transformed the house into a home. It was the little things that made the difference—the tomatoes ripening on the windowsill, the colorful bowl of fruit on the island, the copper container of wooden kitchen utensils, the baskets craftily arranged on top of the upper cupboards.

There was a festive dishtowel, adorned with a pattern of green holly and bright red berries, draped over the oven door. Christmas cards framed the doorway. The room was so cozy. Magnolia thought of her father’s mansion in New Orleans. For all its grandeur and spaciousness, it could tend to feel a bit cold and lonely. This cottage-style kitchen was the beating heart of the Romeo’s home. The appliances were well-used, the dinged-up butcher block island worn to a mellow honey finish, evidence that many a delicious meal had been prepared atop it.

“Thank you,” Layla said, tucking her hair behind her ear. The unconscious gesture was so reminiscent of Lexi that Magnolia smiled inwardly.Like mother like daughter. There was a striking resemblance between Layla and Lexi. They shared the same dark hair and expressive eyes. Layla’s hair was cut above her shoulders, and she wore it wavy. Layla looked older thanMagnolia remembered, which was to be expected. The edges of her eyes were etched in fine wrinkles, and there were stress lines around her mouth. Still, she was an attractive woman. Magnolia appreciated her open and accepting demeanor. Layla had a gracious way about her that made Magnolia feel right at home.

“So, tell me about you and Lucas,” Layla prompted, a gleam of anticipation in her eyes.

Magnolia cleared her throat. Here’s where it would get tricky. Lexi was adamant about not wanting to lie to her mom, and Magnolia agreed wholeheartedly. No good could come from deceit. Magnolia planned to tell the truth—just not the entire truth. She glanced at Lexi who gave her an encouraging nod. “There really isn’t a me and Lucas.”

Layla’s face fell. “I thought y’all were a couple. I thought you said as much.” The disappointment in her eyes was both flattering and encouraging as she turned to Lexi for an explanation. Magnolia jumped in to get Lexi off the hook. “I would like for there to be something between me and Lucas.” She hoped lightning wouldn’t strike her down for the white lie. What she should’ve said was that she desperately needed there to be something between her and Lucas. She was running out of time!

Layla brightened. “Oh, I see. That’s good.”

“Actually, we were hoping that you might put in a good word for Magnolia,” Lexi added, wrinkling her forehead.

“Me?” Layla pointed to herself as a surprised laugh issued from her throat. Her head swiveled back and forth as she pressed her lips together. “I’m not sure that Lucas will listen to me. I’ve been trying to get him to settle down for longer than I care to think about.”

“He listens to you more than you think,” Lexi countered with a sage expression.

Layla tipped her head. “You think so?”

“I know so.” Lexi put a hand over Layla’s and squeezed it.

A pleased smile tipped Layla’s lips. “That’s good to know.” She gave Lexi a long look. “Do you think that Magnolia and Lucas would be a good match?”

Magnolia held her breath, waiting for the answer.

“Absolutely,” Lexi boomed with so much certainty that Magnolia could almost believe that she and Lucas should be together.

“Why?” Layla asked. She looked at Magnolia. “No offense, but if I’m to put in a good word for you, I need to know why my daughter thinks that you and my son should be together.”

“I understand.” Magnolia’s heart began to pound. Layla was kind, but she was tough. Magnolia hadn’t expected this.

Lexi dipped her head thoughtfully. “Well, for starters Magnolia doesn’t put up with any of Lucas’s crap. She tells him exactly how it is.”

Layla giggled as she cast Magnolia an appraising look. “I like a girl who can hold her own. The men in this family are tough.”

“Amen,” Lexi piped in.

“Almost as tough as the women,” Layla grinned as she and Lexi shared an affectionate look.

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