Page 54 of Loved By Tandy

“Wine would be great.” I flash a smile at Matthew before walking into the kitchen. Patsy is pouring my wine, and Delaney is leaning on the counter, grinning.

“I know you’ve been super busy with your ranch, but I just got in a shipment of lace panty sets, and they are the cutest.”

I accept the glass of wine. “Then I’ll have to make time to pop in.” I decide not to tell them that Matthew has seen some of the other things I’ve purchased in her shop. That seems like TMI for this crowd.

Patsy stands at the stove, stirring something in a large pot. “I’ve been eager to meet you. I might be guilty of pestering Matthew about it. And sweet Delaney is probably tired of answering my questions.” She drops her voice to a whisper. “I’m so happy he’s not all alone in that big house. I was really worried about him being alone so much.”

Delaney winks and sips her Dr Pepper. “Don’t worry. I only told her the good stuff.”

“And that’s why I like you.”

Patsy holds up one finger, then hurries out of the room.

“Seems like you lucked out in the mother-in-law department.” I glance into the living room to see Matthew playing peek-a-boo with Trixie.

“I did. She’s wonderful.” Delaney turns to see what has my attention. “That’s adorable.”

“It is. She is a cutie.”

“And a total daddy’s girl. I knew Eli would be a great dad, but I didn’t know he’d be this good.” She blows him a kiss when he looks her way.

“Look what I’ve been reading.” Patsy drops a book onto the counter. “Would it be too weird if I asked you to sign it?”

“Not at all. I’d love to. When I see people reading my books, I’m giddy as a schoolgirl.”

Patsy hands me a pen, and I sign the title page.

So far, the night is off to a good start. And Matthew is right about Patsy. She’s as sweet as a good glass of tea.

If the rest of the night goes as well, I’ll have to admit that Matthew was right. Again. He likes to be right. Or maybe he just likes hearing me say it.

Patsy calls everyone to the table, and David makes a point to shake my hand before taking his seat.

“It’s great to have you, Miss Cavanaugh. I’d say I’ve heard so much about you, but that’s not true. Dad’s been pretty quiet onthat topic. But I am very pleased to meet you.” He gives a nod, punctuating his kind words, then walks to his seat.

Matthew pulls out my chair. “Told you.”

He just had to rub it in.

CHAPTER 22

MATTHEW

Mario’s been gone two weeks, and Tandy and I are managing fairly well. I’m hoping my daughter will be able to come down soon because there are things we need to discuss as a family. I’m ready to downsize, but I want everyone on board when making plans for what happens to the ranch. It’s been in the family for years and years.

Tandy wipes down the counters as I tuck leftovers in the fridge. “Dallas says he needs to chat. So, I’m leaving in a bit to meet him at Stargazer Springs. No sense in making him drive when I’m out this way.”

“Everything okay? Want me to come along?”

She rinses out the rag and hangs it next to the sink. “You’re welcome to come along. He didn’t give me any clues, but he did say he was still planning to be foreman.”

“That’s good news.” I start toward the door. “Let me grab a clean shirt. I spilled a bit of dinner on this one.”

She follows me into the hall, grinning. “Go ahead and take off your shirt. Don’t mind me.”

I know my shirtless chest isn’t going to make anyone’s heart go flip-flop, but it doesn’t make the flirting any less fun. So I playalong. I stop and unbutton the shirt, holding her gaze. Then I toss her the shirt. “Happy?”

Holding the shirt to her chest, she crosses her arms and leans against the wall. “I am. Really, really happy.”

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