Page 82 of Beyond Montana's Sky
Julia took plates and silverware from the galley and handed them around. From a large picnic basket and the built-in icebox, she removed their luncheon—two types of savory sandwiches, fruit and a cheese plate, and cinnamon bread pudding—and set the items on the table. For beverages, they had lemonade and cold tea in glass jars.
After passing Annis a sandwich and jar of lemonade to take up to Steven, the rest of them set to eating. Edith was glad to see the Graysons eating with hearty appetites.
When they’d almost finished their meal, Phillip waved a hand for their attention. “I’ve decided to head west. Visiting Montana for the summer is the perfect plan to evade mother’s demure debutantes.”
“I don’t recall you receiving an invitation,” Cai said jokingly. “But I ’spose Driscoll Ranch could use another stable hand. Stalls need to be mucked out every day.”
Phillip’s exaggerated expression of horror made everyone laugh.
“You’d better watch out,” Edith warned. “You could fall in love with a Western lady.”
He wagged a finger at her. “Ah, ah, ah. I have it on good authority from your brother that eligible women are few and far between in Montana.”
Cai chuckled. “He has you there, my love.”
The endearment caught everyone’s attention, and eight pairs of eyes shot in Edith’s direction.
Henry cleared his throat. “I suppose I should ask you your intentions toward my daughter.”
Daughter. Edith’s eyes misted at the claim.
“Honorable.” Cai’s eyes danced. “I’ve already spoken of my intentions to Ben and received his permission.”
Ben shrugged, playing along. “Only because you refused to accept my rejection of your suit.”
Cai let out a dramatic sigh. “If only I believed Edith’s intentions towardmewere honorable ones. I’m afraid she’s leading me on. I’m just one of the many trout she has hooked to her lines.”
She elbowed his side, and everyone laughed.
Edith soaked up the happy emotions of the Grayson family, who’d struggled so with the pain of their losses. Their laughter sounded all the more precious because of the sorrow they carried. She loved Cai even more for how he’d helped her family. He hadn’t taken away their pain. He’d just lightened their hearts.
Julia reached over to touch Edith’s hand. “Have you finally made up your mind to put this trout out of his misery and marry him?”
“I’m debating….” she quipped.
Cai met her eyes, and then looked at everyone, a serious expression on his face. “I have no intention of taking Edith away from you—at least, not all the time. However, I do have to spend some months each year in Sweetwater Springs.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Bear drawled, his expression one of false innocence. “Anderson Ranchis a fine title for the spread.”
Cai shot Bear a mock glare. “That’s why—” he jerked a thumb in his friend’s direction “—I must return.” He looked from Mildred to Henry. “We’ll make our home in Bostonandin Sweetwater Springs.”
Henry nodded, making his jowls quiver. “We’ll contribute to the wedding, of course. When and where is the ceremony to take place? Boston, I presume.”
Bear shook his head. “Sweetwater Springs, of course,” he said, taking the decision from them. “If you think my grandmother will consider anything else, you have another think coming.”
“Oh, no! NotMormor’srolling pin!” Cai pretended to cower.
His playful response sent the girls, who’d heard plenty ofMormorstories, into fits of giggles.
“Or the snap of the dish towel, Uncle Cai,” Annis added.
He winked at her. “Not the dreaded dish towel!”
Julia giggled, sounding as young as her daughters. “I guess we’ll have to rescue you.” As she spoke, her gaze remained on Bear.
He sent her a silly smile.
“Imagine a beautiful outdoor wedding held in a grassy meadow in Montana—” Cai raised an arm and brushed his hand across the air “—surrounded by mountain peaks, a big blue sky arching overhead. A light breeze blows fresh air and flutters the women’s skirts and ribbons. Wild flowers border meandering stone pathways….”
