Page 38 of Loved By Tandy

“Maybe not, but I haven’t said anything.”

She pulls my hand to her lips. “Are we going to dance tonight?”

“You bet your sparkles we are!” And I’m looking forward to it. It’s been years since Tandy and I shared a dance.

There is an ease to our relationship. It’s comfortable in good ways. She’s not pretending to be someone she isn’t. And I can be myself without worrying if I need to impress her or if I’ll offend her.

At the venue, I grab my fiddle out of the back seat after helping Tandy out of the truck. It looks like the other guys are already here. I open the door, and she walks inside.

Then as soon as I step in, she takes my hand. “Hopefully, people can’t actually die laughing.”

When we arrive at the double doors leading to the auditorium, she turns to face me and without letting go of my hand, backs into the door. And I give her a wink.

Lilith, Joji, and Ava are clustered around a table near the stage, and as if scripted, they all shift to look at the same time. Their gazes land on our joined hands, and Joji nudges Lilith and Ava.

Tandy steps closer to me. “We’re here.”

“Together.” Joji claps. “Finally.”

Lilith glances at Beau, and he plays “ba dum tiss” on the drums, which gets everyone laughing.

But my sweetheart is grinning, and that’s all I care about right now. She’s happy.

CHAPTER 15

TANDY

The guys start playing, and Ava drops into the chair beside me. “You always seem to be in a good mood, but tonight you seem different. Happier.”

“It’s the sparkles.” I raise my glass to Matthew when he finishes a solo.

She laughs. “Oh, is that your nickname for Matthew?”

“Maybe it should be. And I’ll say that I’m definitely more content. Companionship fills my well.”

She sips her wine. “Good. Tell me about the ranch. How are things coming along?”

“Buildings are being built. Roads have been paved. Matthew is hoping we’ll be open before the end of the year.” I don’t mention that I’ll be talking to Dallas about working out there. Only Matthew knows about that.

Ava glances up as someone taps me on the shoulder.

I turn and smile.

Colt tips his hat. “Miss Tandy, would you like to dance?”

“Sure, but then you should dance with some of the younger ladies.”

He wags his finger. “No matchmaking tonight. Not me at least.”

I follow him out to the dance floor. “Did Matthew put you up to this?”

“No, ma’am.” He twirls me.

“Well, it’s sweet of you to dance with an old lady.” During the rest of the song, I point out the other young women in the room.

But Colt gives no indication which of them he finds attractive. He’s making this difficult. “Matthew can really play. They’re all really good.”

“They are. I’m glad you came tonight.”

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