Page 37 of All in with the Maverick Montana

Angela went into the kitchen to get plates as Josh guided Amy through to the dining room.

Amy motioned over her shoulder. “Should we offer to help or…”

“No,” Josh said. “Just let her do her thing.”

Before Josh had a chance to say anything else, Angela returned, putting a plate of mac and cheese down in front of each of them. It was the same dishware he used to eat off of as a boy with the little daisy patterns around the edges. It was nice to see that some things never changed. He glanced at Amy as she tucked in. It was also nice to see that some things did change.

“I’ve heard it’s the best in Montana,” Amy said as Angela sat down across from them.

“You heard right,” Angela said.

Josh took his first bite and waited with bated breath for Amy’s reaction. Her eyes widened and suddenly she was gushing about how good it was. Josh let out a breath of relief. Not that he expected Amy not to like it, but Angela was serious about her cooking and Josh loved Angela like his own grandmother, and he wanted her to like Amy.

Angela gestured to the china hutch in the corner which displayed an eclectic mix of trophies and ribbons. “I’ve been perfecting the recipe longer than you’ve been alive. To award-winning results, as you can see.”

“You should have opened up a restaurant instead of a daycare.”

“There’s still time,” Angela said. She winked. “Maybe when I retire.”

Josh laughed. Otis and Angela were both in their seventies and the thought of them retiring anytime soon was almost as ridiculous as someone not liking Angela’s mac and cheese.

“So, you haven’t been in town long?” Angela said, and Josh winced. She had her serious face on, and Angela wasn’t one to beat around the bush with pretty conversation. If she wanted to know something about Amy, she’d ask her directly. Josh felt like he needed to run some sort of interference. How could he get Amy out of the house?

“No,” Amy said. “I came down in February to visit my sister, Faith.”

“And she’s marrying the Strom boy. They’re a nice couple.”

Amy nodded. “I think so.”

“And what do you do for work?”

“I’m on the rodeo circuit, actually.”

Angela raised a brow, impressed. “What did you say your last name was?”

“Hawkins.”

Angela’s eyes widened.

“Angela—” Josh cut in.

“It’s fine,” Amy said at the same time Angela said, “Don’t you have some cattle to wrangle?”

Josh knew when not to push his luck with this woman. He stood up, looking down at Amy. She gave him a little smile that he took to mean, I’ll be just fine. And he had no doubt she would. Amy wasn’t a damsel. From everything he’d seen, she was strong and independent and feisty and even that day at the store, when she’d felt sick, she’d been stubborn about letting him help her.

“Guess I’m gonna go wrangle.”

“I’ll help Angela with the dishes,” Amy said, “then I’ll come out and join you.”

Josh nodded. “See you in a few.”

He left the dining room, taking a detour to the bathroom to wash his hands. From there he could hear the rattle of dishes as Amy and Angela moved into the kitchen.

“So, a Hawkins Sister,” Angela said. “Not much rodeoing going on in tiny little Tenacity for you.”

Josh knew Angela was fishing for information.

“You’re right,” Amy said. “I miss the arena and my other sisters. But it’s been a nice break from Bronco.”