“Howisthat?”
“He wasn’t aguest.”
“No, he wasyourboss.”
“And now I’m his.” She grinned and batted hereyelashes.
Cody laughed as he placed the broom and dustpan back in the kitchen closet. He’d seen the way she’d wrapped Mack around her finger. His brother was a lucky guy. Not many women could stand up to him, but Madison hadn’t flinched. They were perfect for eachother.
The soft patter of feet coming from the foyer drew his attention. Abby walked into the kitchen but stopped when shesawhim.
“I didn’t realize anyone but Madison was here,”Abbysaid.
“He’s my worker bee today,”Madisonsaid.
“How are you feeling?” sheasked.
“Better than yesterday, but the boys are still being paranoid ninnies about my health. I’m fine. Strong as a buffalo. And shaped like one too,” Madison added with agrimace.
“You do not look like a buffalo,” Cody said as he rolled his eyes. “Women, I swear. You girls care more about what you look likethanguys.”
“I look like a whale,” Madison saiddryly.
“You do not,” he said. “You look great. I’d compliment you more but then your head might not fit intheroom.”
“Thanks, Cody.” Madison laughed before turning back to Abby. “Are you ready for some breakfast? I can whip something up in aflash.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t normally sleep in so late. What time is it anyway?” Abbyasked.
“Just shy of eleven,”hesaid.
“Maybe I’ll just grab something in town. I don’t want you to go to any trouble for me,”Abbysaid.
“It’s no trouble,”Madisonsaid.
“Thank you, but I’ll just grab a cup of coffee. I want to get to town while all the stores are still open,” Abby said. “Do you happen to know which store might carry paintingsupplies?”
“What are you planning on painting?” heasked.
“Apicture.”
“Oh, so you need art supplies, not hardware store supplies,”hesaid.
“Yeah.”
“Hmm, the general store might have something. We don’t have very many shops in town, but I’d be happy to go with you and show you around,”hesaid.
“I’m sure I’ll be able to figure it out alone.” Abby looked down, avoidinghiseyes.
“Actually, I was about to ask him if he’d run into town and get me some paper towels,” Madison said. “They have those at the generalstore.”
Cody shot a questioning look at Madison. One minute she’s warning him away from Abby, the next she’s scheming to send them to town together. Good thing Mack knew how to read his fiancée, because Cody sure as helldidn’t.
“I guess we could go together,” Abby said. “But I need to stop somewhere and getclothestoo.”
“What happened to your clothes?”Madisonsaid.
“I lost mysuitcase.”
