Lenny burst out laughing, and Brandon fell in love with her a little bit more. “That’s right, sweet girl. They sound just like that.”
“Why is the front door open?” someone called, and Brandon quickly stepped inside the house as Duke continued to grumble about cooling the whole ranch.
In late November, he didn’t normally run the AC, but with all the cooking happening at the house, it definitely wasn’t cold inside.
“We’re here,” he said as Lenny closed the door behind them, and he started down the hall to the back of the house.
Duke and Zona had built the house according to their specifications, and they’d made the family living area at the back of the house quite large. Two full-size couches had been pushed against the walls to make more room for the tables, which Shiloh and April currently moved around, setting out napkins and silverware. Dwayne followed with two glasses filled with ice, and Dallas brought over a pitcher of Arizona’s famous peach punch. It was a Glover family recipe, and Brandon had loved it from the first sip.
“Howdy, Uncle Brandon,” April said, leaving the pile of napkins to come hug him.
“Hey, you.” He smiled at her. “You remember Lenny.”
“Of course.” April flashed her a smile too, and Brandon went around and introduced her to all of his nieces and nephews.
Duke stood in the kitchen carving the turkey, while Zona whisked something on the stove. Caroline buttered a pan of rolls, which had obviously just come out of the oven, and Dawson monitored the charcuterie board, where Colt now had a black olive stuck to the top of each of his fingers.
“Look, Uncle Brannon!” He held up both hands, all ten fingers topped with an olive, and Brandon grinned at him.
“That’s how you eat olives, bud.”
Zona turned from the stove. “You made it.”
“There are roads from here to the homestead,” Brandon said.
She rolled her eyes and hugged him. “It’s so good to see you again, Lenore.” Zona hugged her too, and Caroline joined them.
“I’ll take her.” She reached for Joy, and Brandon passed her to her mother.
“This is Dawson’s wife, Caroline,” Brandon said, retreating to Lenny’s side. “Caroline, this is my girlfriend, Lenore. She owns the homestead where I’m working right now.”
Caroline smiled, her eyes missing nothing, especially the way Brandon reached for Lenny’s hand and squeezed it tightly. “Yes, I’ve heard a lot about you from Dawson.”
“All good,” Dawson drawled, giving Brandon a smile. “The solar panels look great, you guys.”
“Don’t they?” Brandon asked, and he moved over to get a cracker with cheese while Lenore said, “It’s great to meet you too, Caroline. Thanks so much for lending me your husband.”
“No more olives, Colt. We’re going to eat in five minutes,” Dawson said.
“Four minutes,” Zona called.
Brandon met Dawson’s eyes. “Where are Momma and Daddy?”
“Moving slow today,” Dawson said, a blip of concern moving through his eyes. “They’re on their way.”
Brandon looked toward the door that led into the garage. “I can go grab them.”
“Momma literally texted as you came in the door,” Dawson said. “They were getting in the van.”
Brandon nodded, though the worry over his parents—particularly his father—coiled like an angry snake.
“Howdy-ho,” Daddy called in that moment, and Brandon spun toward the living room.
Momma and Daddy entered the back of the house together, Momma’s arm linked through Daddy’s, and because Brandon hadn’t seen them in a while, they suddenly seemed so old.
His heart clenched, and he waited while all the grandkids took turns greeting Momma and Daddy. Then he stepped forward, despite Zona calling, “One minute. Everyone find your spot.”
“Momma.” Brandon closed his eyes and leaned in to hug her.
