Page 82 of More Than a Helping Hand

I’m halfway to the ranch when I realize that I don’t have my phone or purse. Hopefully, I don’t get pulled over.

Once I’m on the ranch, I head toward the main house. I’m not sure what time they’re having dinner. But if nothing else, Ava will be there. I’ll ask her where I can find Anderson.

As I near the main house, I see him get out of his truck. He walks to a car and opens the door. A young woman gets out and hugs him, and I hit the brakes. I’ve been so eager to meet his sister, but I already did. In a gas station bathroom. That sounds so weird.

I wait until they go inside, then I find a place to park, wipe my eyes, and climb out of the truck. The drive over would’ve been a good time to figure out what to say, but I didn’t do that. There are too many words in my heart to sort them out in any logical way.

When I step into the mess hall and a hush falls over the room, it’s clear that our well-kept secret was anything but. I should’ve expected that since we’re in a small town.

Dallas strides over. “Hi. Can I help you with something?”

I scan the room, but Anderson isn’t here. His sister is, and she’s grinning at me, which gives me hope that she doesn’t hate me too much.

“I’m looking for Anderson.”

Every man in the room points at the bathroom door, and as if summoned, Anderson opens it.

He sees me and stops. Then he spins around and faces Brooke. “You sent the text?”

She holds up a finger. “It was an accident. But I did that like a minute ago.”

I’m very conscious of our audience as I walk toward him. “I just came because it’s Thanksgiving, and we were going around the table saying what we were thankful for, and…” I strongly believe that actions speak louder than words, so I grasp his shirt and pull him down to meet my lips.

His arms wrap around me, and everyone cheers.

After several seconds of kissing my cowboy, I pull back. “I don’t want us to stop seeing each other. And I don’t want to date in secret.”

“That’s good because I’m pretty sure the cat’s out of the bag.”

Dallas chuckles. “It was never in the bag. And seriously, have you ever tried putting a cat in a bag? That’s a good way to get torn up.”

I hold onto Anderson, feeling as much at home in his arms as I do sitting at my parents’ table. “What’s this about a text?”

“We can talk about it after you read it. I was planning to send it tonight because I didn’t want to interrupt your family dinner.” He shoots a look at his sister.

She flashes a smile. “It’s good to see you again. Sorry I never told you my name that night.”

Anderson’s brow pinches as he looks from her to me. “Y’all have met?”

“She did my makeup in the bathroom before our first date. Your sister was the kind stranger.” I step back but keep a hold on his hand. “I’m not sure what to do now. I didn’t really have a plan.”

Ava walks up and gives us each a hug. “I’ll put leftovers in your fridge, Anderson. Go have Thanksgiving with her family.”

Brooke holds up Anderson’s phone. “You just got a text from Parker saying that they’re keeping everything warm. But he wants you to hurry because he’s hungry.”

Anderson tugs me toward the door and motions for Brooke to follow. “Let’s go.”

When we get back to the house, Bailey is waiting on the porch. She stands there, watching as the three of us get out of the truck. Anderson eases up beside me and takes my hand.

Bailey squeals before launching off the porch. “Mason was right!”

“About what, Munchkin?” Anderson picks her up, then reaches for my hand again.

“He texted Uncle Parker to let me know that you were kissing, and I know what that means.” She leans toward Brooke and waves. “Hi, I’m Bailey.”

“I’m Brooke, his little sister.”

Bailey slides down and grabs Brooke’s hand. “You can sit by me.”

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