Page 27 of Loved By Tandy

“Veggie tray?” I’m curious and amused.

She pulls her curls up and holds them in place with a clip. “It’s a running joke I have with Zach. I’m not the biggest veggie fan, but I’m learning. Now that we have kids, I feel obligated to set a good example. Thankfully, they seem to have their dad’s taste buds.”

The guys bring the kiddos in, and I wait near the table as Zach and Haley buzz around in the kitchen. Jeremy—at least I think that’s who it is because I’m still learning to tell the twins apart—taps my leg and puts his arms up. So I lift him into my arms. Grinning, he points at his chair.

“You need help getting into your seat? Miss Tandy will help you.” I ease him into the seat and slide the tray into place. “There you go.”

Zach sets the platter of steaks on the table, and Haley adds the salad and fries.

“Thanks for getting him settled. He loves to eat. We sometimes have to coax Josh to the table, but the mere mention of food has Jeremy running this way.”

I snag a fry off the plate and drop it on his tray.

He devours it, then taps my arm, smiling.

“You’ve made a new friend.” Matthew nudges me before pulling out the chair beside Jeremy.

I ease into the seat. “Thanks.”

Matthew sits next to me, chuckling as Zach wrangles Josh into his highchair.

It’s like I’ve stepped into someone else’s life. And I like it.

As Matthew drives me home,I send off a text to my ranch lady friends. Lilith, Joji, and Ava have welcomed me into their group even though I have at least two decades on them. And recently, Mindy and Stephanie have been joining us. I have a tribe, and I love it.

Me:When y’all are free, we should have lunch or dinner. I’ll give updates on what’s happening with the ranch.

My friends only know that I’ve bought a ranch and plan to start matchmaking. But I know they’re eager for more info.

Stephanie is the first to respond, and her reply surprises me.

Stephanie:Will we get an update on Matthew as well?

I expected that from Joji or Lilith, but not Stephanie.

Joji:That’s what I want to know. How was dinner tonight?

Lilith:Dinner? You went on a date with Matthew?

Ava:I’m free tomorrow evening. The guys are having poker night.

Mindy:Why don’t y’all come here?

Texts keep popping up in the chat, which amuses me. Two months ago, I would’ve been irritated with all the talk about Matthew. Now, I’m not.

“Something amusing over there?” He glances at me as he pulls up in front of my house.

“Planning a girls’ night.” I tap out one more text in the group chat.

Me:I’m free tomorrow. Let me know what time and what to bring.

“I had fun tonight.” I reach for the door handle.

He slides out. “I’ll get your door.”

I keep telling myself that he’s just being chivalrous. And I’m hoping that’s true because I’m not open to anything more. I’m much too old for that.

The door opens, and he holds out his hand. “Thanks for going. The boys are fun, aren’t they?”

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