I hide a smile.
Nobody argues with Evelyn Storm. Not even grown cowboys.
As soon as they’re gone, organized chaos erupts again.
The women begin carrying dishes to the dining room—smothered pork chops, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, butter beans, homemade biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and deviled eggs.
I stare at the spread in disbelief.
“How many people are you expecting?” I ask.
Imma Jean snorts. “About this many. The family has grown, and cowboys have big appetites.”
Looking around at the crowd gathering throughout the house, I realize she’s not wrong.
It genuinely resembles the crowd that gathers in the rodeo academy’s dining hall every evening.
Soon, everyone begins finding seats.
I hesitate, unsure where I’m supposed to go.
A warm hand settles briefly against my back.
Cabe.
“There you are.” He gently guides me toward the smaller table by the window. “This is our spot.”
I look around. Axle, Royce, Micah, Charli, Harleigh, and the handsome stranger from earlier are already seated.
I slide into the empty chair.
Harleigh smiles. “Jovie, this is my lover.”
The man to her left glances at her and shakes his head before offering his hand. “Porter Garrison. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
Harleigh rolls her eyes affectionately.
Across from us, Micah settles into his chair.
Harleigh looks at him. “Micah, this is—”
“Harleigh’s boyfriend,” Porter cuts her off. “Porter.”
“And before you ask, my man is in California, shooting a commercial,” Charli adds.
Micah smirks. “I know who Bryce Raintree is.”
A collective groan rises from Axle and Royce.
“Everyone knows that washed-up old cowboy,” Royce says. “His ugly mug is everywhere.”
Cabe laughs loudly as Charli tosses a butter bean at Royce.
Grandpa Earl says grace, and conversation flows from every direction as the meal begins. Plates are piled high, tea is poured, and butter gets passed.
People talk over each other.
