Page 115 of An Endless Memory

My parents were staying to help watch the kids and animals, and Eliot’s siblings would take care of the horses. “He hasn’t traveled a lot outside of work, and I suggested it as an adult destination. He might hate it.”

“He’s going to love it because he’s with you.” She sighed wistfully. “I’m happy for you. Really.”

I hugged her, then she started for her car, one of the few in the row of vehicles.

When I turned, Poppy was scrutinizing me. “You almost—almost—make me think that old house is worth hooking up for.”

Clover lightly swatted her arm. “It’s a marriage, not hooking up.”

“Whatever. There’s some guy renting the house that’s supposed to be mine anyway.” She held her hands up. “I’m staying far away.”

“It’s our no-man era,” Clover announced.

I smirked. “No man, no land.”

“What’s this about no man?” Jasper jogged up to us.

“I don’t know what the rhyme would be for you,” I said. “Are there a lot of marriage options in Buffalo Gully?”

He blanched. “Uh, no. But there’s this lady named Carla whose car keeps breaking down on the road between the ranch and town. Only it’s always when I’ve seen her in town and then I’m heading back.”

“She’s stalking you?” Poppy asked.

“Wilder and Sutton warned me about her. She’s looking for her third husband. Or is it the fourth?”

Alder wandered up to us. “You’re becoming the fourth husband. I can see it.”

Jasper scowled at him. “No, we’re taking bets on when you’re getting married to get your land.”

Alder’s jaw hardened. “It’s not right.” His gaze softened. “But I’m glad it’s worked out for you. I’d say Eliot’s a nice addition to the family, but I feel like we’ve all been added to his.”

I glanced at the way Mom danced and laughed with all the kids. “It goes both ways. Mom considers everyone hers. I heard her tell Cody he’s a good kid and should be proud of himself.”

Alder snorted, but his fond gaze was on Mom.

A wall of heat came up behind me. Eliot wrapped his arms around my waist. “The DJ wants to know if he can start the music.”

The DJ was Cody’s oldest son. “Yes, absolutely. There’s a cowboy I need to dance with.”

Country tunes started to play out of the speakers. Eliot twirled me into his arms. “You realize that I’m going to sneak off with you after a few songs?”

“You don’t think anyone will notice?” Did I care?

“My side of the family will expect it since I know for a fact they all snuck off at their weddings.”

“Well, then we have to complete the cycle.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled with his smile. “I love you, Lily pad.”

“I love you too, Romeo.”

“I love our family.”

“Good. Because it’s growing.”

He blinked once. Then again. “Seriously?”

“As serious as the will and trust. It’s early yet, but?—”

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