The firefighter responded in kind. Even though she barely knew Grady, she was positive he was a good man. Tucker—that went without saying.
Maddee looped her arm through Grady’s. “We’re off to get some of Uncle Cal’s famous punch.”
As they left, Tucker inclined his head toward the tables laden with food. “Hungry?”
“Starving.” Ellie fell into step with him and almost tripped over a boy of about eight who darted across their path.
A cowboy about the same height as Tucker caught his attention. “Hey, bro.”
Tucker lightly touched Ellie’s shoulder. “Ellie, this is my baby brother, Caleb.” He turned to the good-looking younger man. “This is Ellie. Keep your hands to yourself.”
Caleb chuckled and Ellie laughed. “My twin and I are the babies of the family, too. Youngest unite.”
Caleb had beautiful chocolate-brown eyes and was nearly as handsome as Tucker. He touched the brim of his hat. “Nice to meet you, Ellie.”
“We’re hitting the food tables.” Tucker nodded in that direction as he settled his hand on the back of her waist, as if claiming her. She knew that was a silly thought, but the heat of his touch sent a thrill through her.
“Don’t stand in the way of a cowboy’s stomach,” Tucker added.
Caleb flashed a grin and turned to talk with a pretty, diminutive blonde.
They were greeted by guests every few feet. Ellie liked how close Tucker kept her to him. He didn’t do it in an overly possessive way, and she enjoyed his touch. Ellie met two more of Tucker’s brothers, Gavin and Shelton, on the way.
By the time they reached the potluck tables, Tucker had talked with at least ten other people and introduced Ellie to each one. Her stomach rumbled as she breathed in the scents, including hot homemade bread rolls.
Ellie did a pretty good job of loading her plate with potato salad, deviled eggs, mini weenies in BBQ sauce, and macaroni salad. Then she saw Tucker’s plate piled twice as high as hers.
They placed their plates on the end of an empty table. Tucker said he’d get them a bowl of chili each, and she went for the famous punch Maddee had been so keen for Grady to try.
Ellie and Tucker returned at the same time, and they scooted onto the bench seats. She picked up her plastic spoon and hovered it over her bowl. “Your chili, right?”
He nodded. “Scraped the bottom of the pot but got the last of it.”
She dug into the chili and took a bite. She savored the full, rich, spicy taste. “Mmmm. This is the best chili I’ve ever had.”
“So that means you voted for mine.” He gave her a teasing look. “I didn’t even have to bribe you.”
Ellie laughed. “I’m not telling.” She sipped from her red Solo cup, and her eyes widened. “Holy Moly, that punch is some strong stuff.”
Tucker grinned. “My grandpa always says it’s strong enough to grow hair on your chest.”
Ellie almost snorted out the sip she’d been in the middle of taking. “I’d better not drink anymore.” She dabbed her mouth with a paper napkin. “Besides, I do have to drive.”
He caught her gaze and held it. “We still have plenty of time before you have to leave.”
Her heart pounded a bit harder from the intensity of his gaze. “It’s a bit of a drive, so I don’t want to stay too late.”
“Then you’d better finish eating so we can get some dancing in.”
The sounds of instruments being tuned filled the air. “Testing,” came an amplified deep voice with a strong cowboy accent, and the speakers squelched.
“Perfect timing.” Tucker looked past her. “The band’s about ready, and my guys set up the portable dancefloor.”
Ellie stood and turned to see what he was talking about. A floor stretched out across the large area in front of the barn, lights arranged around it to switch on once it started to get dark. She turned back. “You Rawlings folks go all out.”
“Yep.” Tucker smiled and gestured to her almost empty plate. “Finished? Or do you need more time?”
“I’m quite full.” Ellie dabbed her mouth with the paper napkin. “Man, that was a lot of food. The chili was the best part.”
