The three women in the kitchen—two of whom I’m guessing are Sophie and Violet—start laughing.
“Because Noah, Austin, and Ryan are still single,” the blonde woman explains, “Meg and Tilly have decided to find them wives.”
“But I don’t live in Copper Creek,” I point out. “And as soon as I’m finished cleaning out Charlotte’s house, I’m returning to Beverly Hills. They both know that.” They must have already polled every other woman in town and, out of desperation, added me to the mix.
“I suspect they’re hoping you’ll stay,” she says.
“So you must be the vet,” I say to Ryan, remembering the third option in Tilly’s game.
“That’s right.”
I kneel next to Charlie. “You see this nice man? This is who you’ll have to visit if you get into another disagreement with a duck and he wins.”
Charlie tilts his head to the side and gives Ryan his infamous doggy grin.
Ryan crouches and scratches him behind his ears. I stand.
“Anyway, this is Sophie.” Noah gestures to the gorgeous blonde who is holding two wine bottles in her hands. She’s wearing a white lace sundress, cowboy boots, and a wide leather belt with a horse’s head engraved on it.
Standing next to TJ is a beautiful brunette who must be Violet. Her loose, knee length, off-the-shoulder dress has a bohemian look to it and is set off with a leather belt that isn’t quite as wide as Sophie’s. Unlike Sophie, Violet is wearing sandals.
TJ has his arm around her waist, and you can see the love in his eyes as he smiles at her. The same expression is reflected back at him.
“You’ve met my brother TJ,” Noah says, continuing with the introductions. “That’s his wife, Violet.”
The pair say hi to me, their smiles warm and welcoming. There’s something different about their smiles compared to the ones I’ve witnessed over the years at events I’ve attended back home, but I can’t place what it is.
“I’d like to say that Deacon has told me all about you,” Violet says. “But it’s Charlie he hasn’t stopped talking about.”
I chuckle. “That’s doesn’t surprise me. Charlie has that effect on kids.”
“And this is Aubrey.” Noah points to a pretty, dark-haired woman standing with Violet and TJ. “She’s the other brilliant veterinarian at the clinic.” Aubrey says hi.
“Would you like a glass of wine or something?” Sophie asks. “But just a warning, they won’t be anywhere near as good as what you’re used to.”
“I’d love a glass of white wine. Thanks. And don’t worry, I’m not a wine connoisseur.” Not even close.
She hands me a glass of wine.
“Vroom.Vroom,” Deacon says, wheeling himself between his parents and me.
“You have a beautiful home,” I say to Violet.
“Thank you.”
“Mommy,” Deacon says, looking up at Violet. “What does hooked up mean?”
For a second, Violet’s mouth drops open, and the room goes oddly quiet. Noah stiffens next to me.
“Where did you hear that phrase?” Violet carefully asks her son, her expression now composed.
“Uncle Noah hooked up with a lady at the library when I met Charlie.”
I fight back the urge to laugh. Just barely.
At hearing his name, Charlie walks over to Deacon, tail wagging, and waits for the little boy to pat him. Which he does—but it’s not enough to distract him from his question.
He continues watching his mother expectantly.
