Page 44 of Moonlight Over Montana

Jed came back from Annie’s parents’ place just down the road from the ranch and drove to the dining hall. Quinn had been a good sport and agreed to fill a basket with picnic fare. Jed didn’t care what it was since anything the chef made was one hundred times better than anything he could whip up.

Despite what had happened on the property, being held at gunpoint and thinking his life was going to end, he knew it had the best overlook for the picnic along with a firepit and a small wooden lean-to nearby that he had decked out with cushions and wool blankets. Well, until Annie showed up and finished decorating with some pillows, a couple of small tables, and a rug to cover the tarp he had laid down. He had to admit everything looked fantastic. The firepit was ready to be lit so they’d be cozy.

Taking the porch stairs two at a time, he strode right into the kitchen but not before he noticed Daphne standing by the front window.

“Hey, Jed. Where are you off to in such a hurry?” The petite redhead had a clipboard in one hand and a tape measure in the other.

“Hi, Daph. Just need to pick something up before I head out again. What are you working on?”

“Plans for Thursday. Annie and I were talking and we want to arrange the tables so it’s more family-like. Maybe a big square or something. I’m not sure yet.”

“Ah, Thanksgiving with our family of misfits.”

She popped a hand on her hip and gave him a saucy smirk. “Family’s what you make of it and I happen to think Annie and Linc along with Mary have done a fine job making our large eclectic brood feel like they belong.”

He thought about that statement for a second. “Isn’t that the truth. I’ve seen some people come and they’re gone in three months and others stay for years. Look at me. I’m a prime example. Before Pops hired me, I moved around a lot. But stepping foot on this land, I felt like I had come home.”

Her face softened. “I get it. I planned on coming out for a visit and the next thing I knew, Annie and I flew to Boston, packed up my things, and here I am and I’ve never been happier. Whoever said you can’t take the girl out of the city was wrong.”

He tipped his hat in a gentlemanly gesture. “I guess that makes us cousins or something.”

“I guess it does.” She grinned. “Have a good time tonight and cuz, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

He was sure he blinked hard at the reference to the evening plans. “Does everyone know?”

“No, but Annie asked me to pick out some wine and craft beer for tonight, something special. Don’t worry, your secret is safe.”

“Thanks, I guess.”

“I like Maggie and she deserves happiness. From what I’ve heard, she’s had it rough, single parent, running the diner and all. So, like I said, have fun.” She pointed to the kitchen. “Quinn’s got everything all set.”

She didn’t need to tell him twice. He had just enough time to shower and get ready to pick up his date. “See ya later, Daphne.”

Jed was used to dressing for cold weather, but he wasn’t sure about Maggie. He tossed another wool blanket into the back seat of the truck along with the picnic basket Quinn had packed to overflowing. He looked at cabin six. Then he took a deep breath and walked up the stairs and tentatively knocked.

It opened and Susie was standing in the doorway, grinning like a possum eating a sweet potato. “Hi, Jed. Come on in. Mom is almost ready.”

He took his hat off and stepped inside. “Thank you.” If he wasn’t pushing forty, he’d swear he was a teenager again, picking up his first date. He glanced around the room and noticed the feminine touches that had been added over the last several weeks. The ladies had made this their home.

“Where are you and Mom going tonight?”

“A picnic.”

“I see, and where might this picnic be taking place?” She crossed her arms over her stomach and the grin that had been plastered to her face was still there. Susie was having a bit of fun at his expense.

“Outside.” He figured two could play at this game.

“Huh. A little chilly out tonight. How do you plan on staying warm?”

He could see laughter dancing in her brown eyes. “I have my ways.” He could feel the corners of his mouth begin to twitch upward.

“Have her home by ten. It’s a work night and all.”

“Susie.” Maggie came down the short hall wearing jeans, a turtleneck sweater and a long fleece jacket. “Stop torturing Jed with your attempt at humor.”

He liked that she was coming to his defense, but the little minx wasn’t anyone he couldn’t handle and he liked bantering with Susie. “It’s fine. She was asking about our dinner plans.”

Maggie’s brow quirked. “Remember who’s the parent in this group.” She pointed to Susie and back at herself. “But if you need something, I’ll have my cell with me. Dinner is in the oven.”

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