Page 82 of A Marriage Pact for the Cowboy

“Stick around, bro. Kaci danced with you, right?”

“She did, but she made sure I remembered she hates my guts even while we danced. I’ve never had so much fun in my life.”

“Remember how Weston was the grumpy one when we first met him?”

“Before he turned into a mushy mess. Yeah?”

“He was lonely and putting up a facade so people wouldn’t realize he cared. That’s what you’re doing, bro.”

“Nope.”

Maxwell smacked his brother’s shoulder. “You can deny all you want, but you’re more transparent than you think. You care, Bryce. And it’s not too late to turn around. I’m not talking about Kaci, though who knows? I’m talking about whatever’s going on inside you that makes you keep everyone at arm’s length.”

“Wow, Maxie, I didn’t know you cared.” Bryce set his plate and cup on the table, strode to the door, shrugged on his jacket, and headed out.

Not what Maxwell had expected.

No, he hadn’t expected Bryce to show up at all, let alone allow Maxwell to catch any glimpses of what was going on inside him. Guilt stabbed him. Had he been praying for his brother? Nope. He hadn’t. It didn’t matter that it was only recently he’d started praying systematically at all. His brother should have been on the list. He would be now.

“You okay?” Eryn asked softly as she slipped an arm around his waist.

“Yeah, I am.” Maxwell stared pensively at the door before dropping a kiss to Eryn’s temple. “I just realized how much I need to pray for my brother. He’s not a very happy guy for all he tries to portray a devil-may-care attitude.”

“I’ve been praying for him.”

“You have? You’re better at this stuff than I am.”

“Who is it who told me everything in life isn’t a competition?” She tapped her chin thoughtfully.

He grabbed her finger and kissed it. “Okay, okay. You win.” Then he laughed. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Dance with me?” Eryn sounded wistful.

“I’d love to.” How did the old Anne Murray song go? Could I have this dance for the rest of my life…

He couldn’t ask Eryn that yet, but it was coming. Tonight, holding her close before letting her go was enough. Memories were being made with his girlfriend, his brothers and cousins and friends.

Maxwell wasn’t generally a patient sort of guy, but Eryn? She was worth every slow step of the dance.

Chapter

Twenty-Six

Maxwell leaned back in his chair and surveyed the group around the dinner table. Paisley had directed the creation of one long table for Thanksgiving dinner then, with Kaci’s help, decorated it and the entire main floor of the lodge with cozy fall themes. Nadine and Eryn had created an amazing feast, and Keith Ralston had carved the turkey.

Dad certainly didn’t know how, since the caterers had always done that back when Maxwell was a kid and their family still gathered.

Maxwell’s gaze lingered on Grandfather, who leaned toward Eleanor as though listening intently to whatever she was saying. They’d reconnected a year and a half ago. Was anything going to come out of that reunion besides friendship? Only time would tell, but Grandfather was already 82! This was the man who’d quipped he was too old to buy his bananas green. He shouldn’t let grass grow beneath his feet if he planned to reignite an old flame. Or was it Eleanor who was dragging her heels? Maybe it was her son Reggie, whom she lived with. He seemed to have strong opinions.

What about Maxwell’s parents? Mom had frostily informed Dad she’d fly commercial so he wouldn’t have to bother going out of his way to pick her up for Thanksgiving and the board meetings they’d all be having at Sweet River tomorrow. Dad had told her not to be ridiculous; he knew his place and was flying to Montana via Gilead. Now, Mom seemed excessively bright and cheery and just as focused on ignoring her ex as she’d ever been.

Maybe it was Maxwell’s imagination. Maybe he was so in love with Eryn that he was seeing heart-filled, starry eyes everywhere. Or maybe his parents didn’t hate each other as much as he’d always thought.

Add them to your prayer list.

Yes, God.

Uncle Theodore and Aunt Bridget were in attendance. They’d finally forgiven Graham for marrying Cadence back in September.

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