Page 31 of Wine Whiskey & Lipstick

Selah’s cell vibrated. She pulled it out of the back pocket of her jeans. A slow grin spread across her entire face as she read a text.

Ben walked into the foyer just in time to see her beaming. He frowned. “Who’s that?”

Selah glanced up nervously. “W-what? Who’s who?”

He pointed to her phone. “The person who put that goofy smile on your face.” Apparently, they hadn’t scared off everybody.

“Oh.” She shrugged innocently. “Nobody you would know.”

“He’s coming to the barbecue?” Ben asked.

“First, how do you know it’s ahe? And, second, how on earth did you get Dillyn, Palmer, and Cat to come considering you were so mean to Dillyn yesterday.”

“I wasn’t mean.” Ben wasn’t about to give her the whole conversation—just the Cliff’s notes version. “I may have been a little gruff. We just needed to apologize and make amends. So, Lucas and I extended an invite.”

“Weas in Lucas?”Mission accomplished. Selah had distracted Ben from her phone call and stuffed her cell into her back pocket.

He smirked. “We as in . . . they’re coming, so it doesn’t matter.” Ben glanced around. “It looks great in here.” He turned serious. “Mom would be proud.”

The joy Selah felt could be seen in the blush creeping up her face. “Thanks, Ben. That means a lot.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. “They would be proud of you too.” Selah stepped back and hoped to lighten the mood. “Everyone should have a good time. Oh . . .” She snapped her finger. “Let someone else win the bull riding contest today, okay?”

Ben cleared the thickness from his throat. “Nobody wants to be given a win. I’m not throwing a contest.”

Selah placed a hand on her hip. “Then don’t ride. Did you forget this party is for our employees and their families?”

In that moment, Selah reminded him so much of their mother.

“Of course he forgot.” Lucas joined them in the foyer. “You know how competitive he is.”

“It’s more about self-preservation,” Ben said, pushing his hands into his pockets. “Unlike you, I don’t enjoy women hanging all over me. If I’m busy riding bulls, I don’t have to entertain the bullshit.”

“You’re such a romantic,” Selah said sarcastically.

It was Ben’s turn to change the subject. “Talked to Wyatt. He’s good and sends his love.”

“Is he still on track to come home in a couple of weeks?” Lucas asked.

“Yeah,” Ben responded.

“I can’t wait to see him.” Selah loved all of her brothers, but she and Wyatt had a special bond. It could have something to do with both being the youngest. She being the youngest child and him being the youngest son. “Anyhoo . . .” She pointed to Ben and Lucas. “Go get dressed. Wear something nice. Ben, that means you. No t-shirts today!”

*****

Dillyn pulled up onto the Cash property and was directed by someone, telling them where to park. She was having flashbacks of Frank’s. There was a sea of cars. Dillyn maneuvered her car into its spot.

“Why do I always have to drive?” Dillyn asked. “I feel like I’m getting the short end of the stick.”

“Because you don’t drink, and we do.” Palmer laughed.

“I should take it up as a hobby. Why did you convince me to come again?” Dillyn asked.

“We are being neighborly,” Palmer said cheekily.

“Are we being neighborly, or are you trying to get with Lucas?”

“Yep!” Palmer laughed heartily.

“I ain’t mad. No point in putting my hat in the ring.” Cat sighed. “It’s obvious that he is locked and loaded on you.”

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