Page 53 of Loved By Tandy

I was so sure that neither of us wanted anything more than walks and occasional kisses. We’re both too set in our ways to even contemplate sharing the same living space. But after these last few days, I’m less sure about that.

He holds me tight, his chin resting on my shoulder. “I’m not sure if my children or grandsons want to live on the ranch. It would be sad to see it leave the family, but I can’t care for it onmy own. Not in the long term. Maybe once the ranch is done, I’ll build a smaller house and offer this one to Eli or Zach. It needs some updating. But it’s got plenty of room for a growing family.”

“I can’t imagine this place not belonging to a Gallagher.”

“Yeah. I just need to figure out what to say without scaring my family and having them think I’m dying or something.” He kisses my cheek. “Let’s go sit on the porch.”

I follow him out, sharing my excitement about how fast they’re moving on my house. “They are building it so fast. At this rate, it might be done really soon.”

He shifts chairs so that they are side by side. “It’s very possible. Your tacos have been very motivating it seems.”

I know that isn’t the only reason. “You’ve been calling in favors, haven’t you?”

Staring out at the sinking sun, he smiles. “What matters is that it’s getting done.”

Hands clasped, we enjoy the critter chorus. “Thank you, Matthew.”

He kisses my hand. “Where should we meet in the morning?”

“This has been working well. I’m happy to continue showing up here every day.”

Head tilted back, he looks at me. “What about Chip and Dale? They must be going stir-crazy with you gone so much.”

“They’re good. I make up for it with extra cuddles and kitty treats.”

“I like having you here. So I won’t complain if we continue this routine.” He opens his mouth, then shuts it again.

He must’ve changed his mind about what he wanted to say, and that will eat at me for days. But asking him won’t get me an answer. I know Matthew, and his filter works much better than mine.

That doesn’t seem fair at all.

Matthew is standingon the porch when I arrive at the house. Mario has been back for a few days, and Matthew already seems more rested. “Morning, beautiful.”

“Have you been drinking this early?” It’s easier to toss out a funny comeback rather than accept the compliment. But at my age, I rarely, if ever, feel beautiful.

“Coffee. And it took some hunting, but I found two more Charlie Brown mugs.” He lifts his so that I can see the cartoon on the side. “Would you join me for dinner tonight? David and Patsy invited me over. Eli and Delaney might be there with Trixie too.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.” I feel so content with Matthew, and I don’t want that bubble to pop by feeling like I don’t belong with his family.

Having dinner with Zach and Haley was very pleasant, but I know them. And at the time, Matthew and I were just friends. At least we were operating under that delusion. But I’ve only seen David and Patsy from afar. We’ve never been introduced. The only reason to have dinner with them is Matthew. And I’m not sure how they’ll feel about that.

Normally, I don’t care about what people think. Life is easier that way. But with Matthew’s family, I care.

He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Please. I wouldn’t invite you if I thought you’d be walking into an ambush or even just an awkward night. They know we’re seeing each other, going steady, or whatever it’s called these days.”

“I could wear your letter jacket except it’s getting too warm for that, and there is no way it would fit me.”

“That jacket disintegrated years ago.” He pushes open the front door. “Come on in. Breakfast should be ready by now.”

I follow him inside, choosing to put off overthinking dinner with his family until he’s busy working. What should I wear? The sparkly outfit is probably too much.

I stayed sobusy today I hardly had time to fret. So I pack all the necessary fretting into the short drive to David and Patsy’s.

Matthew squeezes my hand after parking in front of their house. “You’ll love them. Patsy is pure gold. And David is my kid, so you know he’s great.”

“When you put it that way.” I slide out and grin as Patsy steps out onto the porch. She’s about my height and just as fluffy as I am. I like her already.

“We are so pleased that you could make it tonight.” She wraps me in a hug. “Come on in. Eli and Delaney are here. And Trixie. She’s a bit on the shy side. Some days she won’t even let her Grammy hold her.” Patsy lets loose a full laugh. “Can I get you a drink? I have all kinds of sodas, a sparkling wine, and beer.”

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