Page 83 of More Than a Little Spark

“Prim, sweetheart, have you eaten today?”

She looks up at me, her brow pinched.“I had coffee seven hours ago.”

I stand, still holding her.“I know why you’re emotional.I mean, I get all the extra feelings about the wedding.Last night, I woke up in a panic because in my dream it was time to walk down the aisle, and I couldn’t find my pants.”

Prim laughs.“I’ll make sure you show up with pants.”

“I appreciate that.”Carrying Prim, I walk through the house.“When did you know they would end up together?”I’ve replayed memories, trying to figure out when I first noticed a spark between Fred and Bailey.

“That summer he left for college.That’s when things shifted, and I started to wonder.They’d always been friends.Years ago, when he moved onto the ranch, she instantly wanted to be his friend because?—”

“His name was Fred.That part of this story should surprise no one.”

Prim grins.“Right?”

“It started with a cactus and ended with a fiancé.”I stop beside the game room door.“But it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if one day, there is a little Fred Jr.running around.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.But I won’t bet against you.”She grabs my beard and tugs me to her lips.“I love you, Anderson.And I love the life we’ve built.”

“Think anyone would miss us if I snagged you some food and we snuck back into the guest room?”

“Yes, our absence would be noticed.Besides, I think Fred needs you to reassure him that Mason will make it in time for the wedding.”

“Alright.You go eat something, and I’ll try to calm Fred.Or maybe I’ll just find Bailey and have her talk to him.”

Dallas

Rose trails a hand down my arm as I drive.“Lucy is sending me pictures from Tandy’s phone.She’s so excited about the barbecue.She’s taking selfies with anyone who will indulge her.Poor Tandy is going to have a full camera roll.”

“She’s loving every minute.”I’m close to my aunt now.Working together is a big part of why.I think meeting Rose had a hand in it too.

“I love how Tandy and Matthew are grandparents to Lucy.”

For eleven years, Matthew and Tandy have doted on our little girl.Rose’s dad is around, and Lucy loves having two grandpas.But it’s clear Lucy has a special place in her heart for Tandy.“I just pray that Lucy doesn’t start asking boys to take their shirts off.I am so not ready for that.Honestly, I’ll never be ready for that.”

Rose laughs.“I’m not either.Not at all.But the barbecue is at Beau’s, and if you recall, he has a pool.The kids will likely all be swimming.”

“And guys will have their shirts off.Dang it.”I pull her fingers to my lips.“Hopefully, my eleven-year-old doesn’t care about stuff like that yet.”

“She’s just happy to see everyone.She’s the baby of the group, and they’ve showered her with attention since she was tiny.Of course she loves these gatherings.”

After I park, Rose shows me a photo of Tandy and Lucy.Their cheeks are pressed together, and they’re smiling for the selfie.

“All these years, and people are still taking pictures of themselves.”

Rose laughs.“I guess some things never change.”

As we walk around the house, she pats my hip.“Am I still the only one who knows about your tattoo?”

“Unless you’ve mentioned it.That’s need-to-know information, and you’re the only one who needs to know.”I wink.

“Tandy knows you have one.I asked her about it when we were broken up.But I never mentioned it to her after that.I kinda like our little secret.”

Cheers and hollers emanate from behind the house, and I say, “It sounds like a party.”

“It does.I never lived on the ranch like so many of the others.When we met, you were already working for Tandy part of the time.But everyone here welcomed me like I belonged.All because of you.And I love this place almost as much as I love Matchmaker Ranch.”

We stop, and I point to the pool.“See that crowd of people?They’re all here because of Beau, Clint, and Ava.Those three were and still are the heart of the ranch.Garrett and I had lunch the other day, and we were talking about that.”

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