Page 33 of The Brothers at Horseshoe Ranch

“I’m not argumentative, Mom.” Austin’s voice rose. “I’m just—”

Beau patted him on the shoulder. “It’s okay, dude. You don’t have to fight my battles for me. It’s cool. I know Mom’s wanted one of us to get married for a long time. And I’m the oldest.” He shrugged. “This is not exactly what I had in mind or what I was looking for. But I mean, it does make things easy on me.” He looked over at me. “I mean, I guess we could go on a date or something.”

“You’re really going to go on a date? Really?” Austin spoke up, sounding annoyed. “This is really not cool!”

“What is your problem, dude?” Wyatt said. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d—” Amelia cut him off.

“Enough! Everyone, we’ve had enough about talking about this. Let’s all enjoy our dinner, and then after dinner, we can play some games. I’m sure Lucy doesn’t want to continue talking about this the entire dinner. Let’s give her some time to enjoy and relax.”

“Yes, Mom.” Wyatt rolled his eyes. Austin shook his head and Beau just nodded. I sat there feeling very uncomfortable.

Sadie leaned in close to me. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “They’re always like this. Even when it’s not mail order brides.” She giggled. “You’ll get used to it. It’s the Hamilton way.”

“Oh, thanks,” I said, grateful for her encouragement. “I don’t want to be the one that was causing trouble in the house.”

“Oh, trust me, girl. Just wait until the other brothers get here.” She started laughing. “This is an absolute madhouse, but I’m glad you’re here. It’d be nice to have another woman aside from Amelia in the house with me.”

“You really spend a lot of time here, huh?” I asked her.

“Oh, yeah. Wyatt and I have been best friends for years and years and years. This is like my second home.”

“Oh, that’s awesome! Um, you guys don’t date, or you’ve never dated?”

“Oh, no way!” She shook her head. “I could never date Wyatt.” She looked over at him but there was something in her eyes that made me wonder if that was the truth.

Chapter Twelve

“Thank you for an absolutely delicious and wonderful dinner, Amelia. I really appreciate it. You’re a great cook.”

“Oh, you’re welcome, my dear. I’m so glad you enjoyed my cooking. Do you enjoy spending time in the kitchen as well?”

“To be honest, I do, though I’m not that great. I only know about four or five different recipes,” I admitted. “Maybe you’ll teach me some of your recipes one day.”

“Oh, I’d love to do that, dear.”

“I want to be there as well,” Sadie interjected as she walked into the kitchen. “I would love some of your delicious recipes, Amelia.”

“Of course, Sadie. But I didn’t know that you were interested in learning how to cook.”

“What? I’ve been asking for your lasagna recipe for years,” she laughed. “Just ask Wyatt.”

“Well, now I’m sure Wyatt doesn’t want to learn how to cook.”

“Did you say my name, Mom?” Wyatt walked into the kitchen. “What are you telling my mom about me, Sadie?”

“I’m not telling her anything that she doesn’t already know,” Sadie replied.

“Uh-huh.” He looked from to his mom. “So, Mom?”

“Yes, Wyatt?”

“I think I’m going to be going out of town next week. Is that okay?”

“Where are you going?” Amelia and Sadie asked at the same time.

“Whoa. What are you guys? My wardens?” He shook his head. “Do I have to tell you where I’m going? I’m an adult now.”

“I was just curious, dear,” Amelia shrugged.

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