AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Whatever. I know who I am and I’m not afraid to show it,” Soren said.
“Are you saying I don’t?” Rafferty leaned forward to glare at our brother.
“All I’m saying is you care a lot about what people think,” Soren said. “You’re all about accomplishments—being the best and making sure everyone knows.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being proud of an accomplishment,” Thad said, always the peacemaker. “And Rafferty never brags.”
“That’s not what I’m saying,” Soren said.
I changed the subject. “Soren, you should be careful of proclamations. You’ll end up with a bride who wants a big wedding with all the trimmings.”
“I would never fall for a girl like that,” Soren said. “The woman for me is no fuss and all about the outdoors.”
I thought about that for a moment. While we couldn’t exactly predict who we would end up with, it seemed likely Soren was correct in his assumption. It would take a special woman willing to live out here on the ranch in the middle of nowhere. There had to be only a handful of women who would put up with this kind of life. Unless they’d been born and raised here, the adjustment to this kind of life would be near impossible. Especially with my gruff brother.
Thoughts drifted traitorously to Elliot. I’d kept my attraction hidden as best I could, but it was hard. In the months since she’d been with us, the more time I spent with her, the more I liked her. We’d developed a nice rhythm in the kitchen. As much as I liked her, though, I had to keep myself from going there. I was her boss. She was off-limits. Not that she’d given any indicationthat she returned my affection. Just as well. Any nudge in my direction and I’d be in trouble.
“Face it,” I said to Soren. “You and I are probably doomed to live with each other growing old and grumpier as the years go by.” Saying it out loud made me know how much I wished for the opposite.
“Fine with me,” Soren said. “I have everything I need here.”
The same could be said for me. I had the life I wanted. A restaurant. My family close. Living in God’s country here in western Montana.
What more could a Moon man want?
A Mrs. Moon? Marriage would happen for Thad and Rafferty, I felt sure. Soren and me? Who would want either one of us? I worked ridiculous hours. Soren preferred horses to people.
There had been women in my life for a few months at a time, but they all eventually came to the conclusion that I was not available in the ways they wanted and needed. I could have told them that in the first place. However, when people first start dating they think the other person will change. I am not able to change. This restaurant and my family were my whole life. If they couldn’t support me and the dreams I had and continued to have for my restaurant, then they weren’t for me.
“Can we return to the subject at hand?” Atticus asked. “Caspian, are you in to marry us?”
“I’ll get right on it.” The idea of having such a huge responsibility made me a little nervous, but I would do anything for my brothers, including becoming certified online.
“Are you sure there’s no job for me?” Thad asked. “Whatever you need, I can do.”
Atticus cocked his head to the side. “I’m going to need you and Finley to keep the paparazzi out of here.”
It occurred to me that Annie probably wanted something low-key, knowing the paparazzi were never far away.
“Finley and I will take care of anything you need,” Thad said. “She used to plan big weddings at the hotel she worked for in England. So anything you need, just let us know. I can spare her here and there should you need her.”
“I’ll ask Elliot if she’ll make the wedding cake,” I said. “She’ll knock it out of the park.” Since she’d joined our team last October, I’d come to the conclusion—after close observation—there was nothing she could not do. Not only could she make the most delectable desserts I’d ever had, she also knew her way around a grill and a fryer. She’d had to fill in for my sous-chef occasionally and had handled it as if she did it every night.
“Did you taste that raspberry tart thing she made the other day?” Thad asked. “I want that for my birthday.”
“Aren’t you a little old to be planning your birthday party?” Soren asked.
“Your dessert of choice is a not a party,” I said. “But it is important.”
“Life’s not only about food,” Soren said.
“I’m pretty sure it is,” I said, kicking his foot with the toe of my boot. “What’s up with you today? You’re less pleasant than usual.”
“I’m not.” Soren finished the last of his beer and thumped it down on the arm of his chair.
“How long’s it been since any of you knuckleheads even had a date?” Atticus asked.
No one said anything. Apparently, that was his answer.
