Page 65 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
Emily shrugged back and, with a contented smile, turned to help the others with the meal.
The door opened, and a petite young woman entered along with a man of medium build. A girl of eight or ten accompanied them, and an older gentleman followed.
Annie drew Emily forward. “This is my best friend, Carly Gallagher, and her new husband, Sawyer. This lovely young lady is his sister, Jill.”
Emily wondered at the way Jill wrinkled her nose at Annie before she greeted Emily.
“And Mr. Morrison, Carly’s father.”
Mr. Morrison greeted her, his words laced with a strong Scottish accent.
Hellos were exchanged with the others, and then the men went through to the sitting room to join the other male members of the group. Jill ducked outside to join the children, and Carly helped with getting the meal ready to serve.
A few minutes later, the food was organized, the children called in, and the women were carrying heaping dishes into the dining room. The table had been stretched out as far as it would go and still another table had been shoved to one end. Family and friends gathered around.
Grandfather asked the blessing, then looked around. “It’s nice to share the meal with so many old friends.” He smiled at Gram at his side and Mr. Morrison halfway down the table. “And new friends.” He smiled at Emily and Mikey. “And family.” His gaze went around the table, pausing at his two sons, Bud and George, and then each of his grandchildren. It lingered on each of the great-grandchildren. “It’s a surprise to have you all here at the same time.”
“It’s for your birthday,” Sammy said, then clamped his hand over his mouth. “I wasn’t supposed to say.”
Grandfather scowled in Kate’s direction. “I said I didn’t want any fuss.”
“You’re the only one making a fuss,” she said.
He sputtered.
Gram patted his arm. “Don’t pretend you aren’t pleased. You’ve always enjoyed extra attention.”
All the adults chuckled at her words. Grandfather looked ready to argue, then laughed. “Maybe I won’t invite you to live out here. I’m afraid you’d reveal all my secrets.”
Gram again blushed, and Grandfather looked pleased.
In the general hubbub that followed, as food was passed from hand to hand and news exchanged, Emily leaned over to whisper in Jesse’s ear. “Do I sense a romance between those two?”
He looked startled. “I never noticed before.”
She quirked an eyebrow. “Either you’ve been blind, or things have changed.”
“Things have certainly changed.” He studied the older pair and shook his head. “Hard to think of Gram and Grandfather Marshall...” He shook his head again, and Emily chuckled.
She turned her attention to Carly, who entertained them with a story about a wild horse she had captured. That got Conner’s attention, and they discussed preferred ways of breaking the horse. Soon, a heated argument ensued.
Annie’s father, Bud, leaned forward. “You’re both right. To each his own.”
His children quieted and concentrated on eating.
As soon as the main course was over, Kate and Annie took away the dishes and carried in a big cake.
“Chocolate?” Grandfather asked as they put it in front of him.
“Would we dare serve anything else?”
At Annie’s signal, they all shouted, “Happy Birthday.”
Grandfather was presented with the first piece of cake. “Seventy years old? Where has the time gone?” He glanced around the table. “The lot of you have kept me too busy to notice the passing of time.”
His family laughed.
The children finished their cake and were excused to go outside and play, lowering the noise level by several decibels.
