Page 30 of The Brothers at Horseshoe Ranch

“No, Chet isn’t joining us tonight. I think your other brothers are still out.” Amelia looked at me. “I like to have family dinners every night, but the whole family doesn’t have to be here. Only on Sundays. And that’s for a big lunch.”

“Oh, that sounds really nice,” I said. “Really, really nice. I think it’s so nice when families can eat together.”

“I’m glad you think so, dear. It’s a family tradition that I intend to keep for a very long time.”

“Yes, Mom, we know,” Beau groaned. “God forbid anyone not make it.”

“So, Lucy,” Sadie said as it went quiet in the room.

“Yes, Sadie?” I looked at her curiously. She was a pretty girl with a very open and honest face. I could see Wyatt watching her every move with an affectionate expression.

She started giggling. “I hear you’re here to marry Beau.”

Beau groaned. “Oh, Sadie, not now. Please, can we give it a little bit of a break?”

“What? I just got here. Wyatt didn’t seem to know anything, and I’m trying to catch up, thank you very much, Beau.” She grinned at me. “So, you’re really a mail order bride?”

“Well, I guess kind of,” I laughed. “I’ll be telling the whole story at dinner. So don’t worry, you haven’t missed much.”

“Oh, goodie. Because this I got to hear!” She clapped her hands with excitement. “And I hate to say it, Lucy, but you’re an absolute stunner. I’m surprised you moved all the way from New York City to be with Beau. I mean, what photos did Amelia send you of him? He must’ve been looking really good. Were they shirtless?”

“Really, Sadie?” It was Wyatt’s turn to look annoyed.

“What?” She looked at Wyatt innocently. “I’m just saying, it’s obvious that Beau has a great chest. I wanna see the photos.”

“Sadie,” Wyatt’s eyes narrowed, “stop hitting on my brother.”

“I’m not hitting on your brother. I’m just saying I—”

“Come on, Sadie. Let me show you to the fire pit.” Wyatt made a face at her.

“Don’t go out just now,” Amelia said. “We’re about to eat dinner.”

“But I want to show her the new fire pit I put in.”

“Show her after dinner.”

“Yeah, show me after dinner, Wyatt.” She looked at me. “I swear to God, sometimes these Hamilton men, they really, really like to boss you around. So listen to me now,” she grinned. “I’m going to give you a little bit of advice.”

“Sure, I’d love some advice,” I laughed.

“Just because they’re bossy and just because they always think they’re right, it doesn’t mean that they are.”

“Okay, I’ll remember that.”

“Yeah, you do that,” she grinned. “Trust me. And I’ll give you my phone number before I leave. If you ever want to go for lunch or want someone to talk to or give you any dirt on the family, I’m the girl to call.”

“Um, you know we’re all here right now, Sadie?” Wyatt said, rolling his eyes.

“Yeah, Sadie,” Beau shook his head. “What dirt are you going to offer up on my family?”

“I don’t know.” She looked over at Amelia. “It’s really up to your mom and dad.”

“What do you mean it’s up to Mom and Dad?” Austin said dryly. “You’re the one that’s dishing the tea.”

“But I wouldn’t say anything they didn’t give me permission to say. I do respect my elders.” She smiled impishly. “Now, I’m hungry, Amelia. Are we going to get that lasagna soon?”

“Yes, Sadie. Go on, everyone,” Amelia said. “Ranger, Austin, and Beau, you help me bring out the dishes. Everyone else can go and sit down.”

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